Sleep Late and Hike

Palo Alto, CA, US

15,416 members · Public group

Organized by Kal A. and 53 others

What we’re about

Welcome to the most popular hiking group in the Bay Area. We like meeting new people and respect the environment at all times. Bay Area Hiking and beyond.
Interested in spending more time on the weekends in nature? Want to explore more of the Bay Area? Are you an afternoon person? Like to walk at a moderate pace? This may be the group for you! This Meetup is great for beginner or intermediate hikers. We will host a hike most Saturdays and Sundays. The hikes will average about five miles -- some shorter; some longer. Most hikes will be in the Bay Area within 90 minutes of Palo Alto in Santa Clara, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Monterey and Marin counties, although some will be farther away, e.g., Yosemite and Lake Tahoe.
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LEGAL DISCLAIMER: The organizer, assistant organizers, event organizers and event hosts in this group are not professional guides. The function of the organizer is only to organize the trip. each person who signs up for a trip/meetup/ or outing is responsible for his or her own safety and the safety of his or her guests. By signing up for a hike, or any other event organized by this group, you are acknowledging that you are aware and have made your guests aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with any outdoor activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge the organizer, assistant organizers, event organizers and event hosts of this Meetup group from and against any and all liability arising from your and your guest's participation in the group activities. Our hike organizers are not responsible for your safety, these are always “Hike at your Own Risk” events.
By accepting membership in this group you acknowledge you have fully read, understand, and agree to the above.

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Upcoming events (4+)

See all

Sat, Jun 28, 2025, 1:00 PM PDTJoseph D. Grant CP: Dutch Flat Loop 8.1 Mi Moderate
Joseph D Grant County Park, San Jose, CA
SIGN WAIVER HERE: https://www.sleeplateandhike.com/waiver-signing-form/
For us to hold our large events at local parks, the local parks require us to carry insurance for our events. To participate in our events, please sign this waiver (required by our insurance underwriter) for each event. Please do so online prior to arriving (works on mobile):

CARPOOL REQUEST COMMENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED DUE TO THE LARGE SIZE OF THE GROUP. Please read below about how to carpool.

Level: Moderate
Total Distance: 8.1 mile loop
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Elevation Change: 1442 feet
Parking Fee: $6/car
Official Trail Use: No Dogs

Please read our tutorial for hiking in the sun:
https://www.sleeplateandhike.com/tutorials-how-to-hike-in-the-sun/

Facilities: Restrooms located off the parking lot.

PLEASE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO GO BEFORE YOU ARRIVE SO WE CAN START ON TIME.

Recommended Map:

https://parks.sccgov.org/sites/g/files/exjcpb961/files/documents/Joseph%20D%20Grant%20Guide%20Map.pdf

• Please use the Google Maps link above to familiarize yourself with the trip and explore various route options from your home. Zoom in all the way.

• The GPS locations below and the map link above are accurate enough to find us by looking around with your eyes when you get there.

(Most Cars) GPS Degrees Minutes Seconds Format:

37°20'06.7"N 121°42'59.0"W

(Google Maps) GPS Degrees Decimal Format:

37.335180, -121.716400

Nearest street address:

4900 Quimby Road, San Jose, CA

Take the next right into the park after passing the intersection of Quimby and Mt. Hamilton. If you blink, you will miss it.

If you have the Waze app installed on your phone, click this URL:

http://waze.to/?ll=37.335180,-121.716400&navigate=yes (http://waze.to/?ll=37.335180,-121.716400&navigate=yes)

Just click it. It will open Waze and start navigating to the trail head.

• As always, it is good practice to confirm the night before that any app you use takes you to where you expect by comparing the destination with what is posted above on your PC/Mac.

• Most street addresses provided are approximate, and may be up to a couple of miles from the hike location. Use GPS coordinates when driving, if possible.

Parking: Plan to arrive 30 minutes early to find parking, and walk to the trail head.
Carpooling: We will use this link for carpooling:

https://www.groupcarpool.com/t/xw789d

Please sign up here.

CARPOOLING MANNERS:

Please refrain from trying to negotiate your carpool in the comments, as it is equivalent to sending multiple "Reply All" emails to everyone.

Please start your carpool quest, by first adding yourself to the carpool link above.

Then, use the contact info provided by the driver or rider in the link above to contact them directly and privately.

Please be considerate of others and resist the urge to "Reply All".

Thank you for understanding.

FINDING US IN THE PARK:

Once past the entry kiosk, drive on the park road to the parking lot nearest the gated entrance to Hotel Trail (go straight past the first parking area on the left, then turn left where the road splits -- there are some nice shady spots near the restrooms). Park in the parking lot next to the restrooms. Look to the end of the parking lot to find us.

HIKING DIRECTIONS:

This counter-clockwise loop trip takes you to the park’s ridge line facing the Valley for a panoramic view of the Bay Area from Gilroy to SF to Oakland.

Start at the Amphitheater Trail and head South, keeping to the right at Snell Trail junction on the left 0.1 Miles.

Head up Amphitheater Trail for 0.2 Miles to the top and into Hall's Valley Group Camp Site where a campground paved road takes you West for about 50 feet, turning left.

Wrap around the Halls Valley road heading down to a junction with Grant road. Cross the road and head up a dirt Service Road for 0.7 Miles to meet Dutch Flat Trail.

Turn to the left on Dutch Flat Trail, passing Heron Trail on your right after 0.1 Miles. Continue for 0.8 Miles to reach the peak at 2441 feet.

Continue on Dutch Flat Trail along the ridge and to a junction with Brush Trail Connector on your left, and Canada de Pala Trail on your right. Take the Left fork on Brush Trail Connector for 0.2 Miles, and turning right towards the East onto Brush Trail for 0.5 Miles to Eagle Trail.

Take the left branch Northward for 0.3 Miles and turn right onto Corral Trail for 0.4 Miles taking a left Northward onto Lower Hotel Trail.

Take Lower Hotel Trail to a bridge on your left to enter Barn Trail for 0.1 Miles for a junction with Snell trail.

Turn right on Snell Trail heading Northward 0.3 Miles to join with Amphitheater Trail junction again. Turn right and return to your starting point in 0.1 Miles.

PLEASE READ THE EVENT DESCRIPTION ABOVE BEFORE POSTING A MESSAGE.
32 attendees+27
Sat, Jul 5, 2025, 1:00 PM PDTTilden RP: 7.6 Mi Moderate Hike
Tilden Regional Park, Kensington, CA
SIGN WAIVER HERE: https://www.sleeplateandhike.com/waiver-signing-form/

For us to hold our large events at local parks, the local parks require us to carry insurance for our events. To participate in our events, please sign this waiver (required by our insurance underwriter) for each event. Please do so online prior to arriving (works on mobile)
CARPOOL REQUEST COMMENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED DUE TO THE LARGE SIZE OF THE GROUP. Please read below how to carpool.

Distance 7.6 miles, loop.

Hiking Time 3.5 hours

Elevation Gain/ Loss ± 1000 feet

Difficulty Moderate and Shaded

Official Trail Use No Dogs

Facilities: Toilets at trail head.

Please read our tutorial for hiking in the sun:
https://www.sleeplateandhike.com/tutorials/how-to-hike-in-the-sun/

PLEASE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO GO BEFORE YOU ARRIVE SO WE CAN START ON TIME.

THE GROUP IS TOO LARGE TO WAIT FOR EVERYONE TO USE THE RESTROOM IN THE PARK

RECOMMENDED MAP:

hhttps://www.ebparks.org/sites/default/files/maps/Tilden_20190521-web.pdf

MEETING PLACE:

Parking lot at trail head.

Please use the Google Maps link above to familiarize yourself with the trip and explore various route options from your home. Zoom in all the way.

The GPS locations below and the map link above are accurate enough to find us by looking around with your eyes when you get there.

(Most Cars) GPS Degrees Minutes Seconds Format:

37°54'31.4"N 122°15'52.7"W

(Waze/Google Maps) GPS Degrees Decimal Format:

37.908722, -122.264632

Most street addresses provided are approximate, and may be up to a couple of miles from the hike location. Use GPS coordinates when driving, if possible.

The Waze App will route around "restricted access" roads, unlike the Google Maps app, using the same map data as Google Maps. Therefore, Waze also owned by Google, is recommended over the Google Maps app.

If you have the Waze app installed on your phone, copy and paste this URL into your phone's browser:

waze://?ll=37.908722, -122.264632&navigate=yes

It will open Waze and start navigating to the trail head. Clicking on it does not work. You must copy and paste.

As always, it is good practice to confirm the night before that any app you use takes you to where you expect by comparing the destination with what is posted above on your PC/Mac.

Parking:

Plan to arrive 30 minutes early to find parking, and walk to the trail head.

Carpooling: We will use this link for carpooling:

https://www.groupcarpool.com/t/swev2f

Please sign up here.

CARPOOLING MANNERS:

Please refrain from trying to negotiate your carpool in the comments, as it is equivalent to sending multiple "Reply All" emails to everyone.

Please start your carpool quest, by first adding yourself to the carpool link above.

Then, use the contact info provided by the driver or rider in the link above to contact them directly and privately.

Please be considerate of others and resist the urge to "Reply All".

Thank you for understanding.

SUMMARY:

One of the District's three oldest parks, Tilden has been called the jewel of the system, and its recreational activities have become a happy tradition for generations.

HIKING DIRECTIONS:

0.34 miles Lower Packrat to a junction with Upper Packrat Trail. Stay to the right on Lower Packrat for 0.10 miles for a junction with Wildcat Creek, and turn left. Look for the right branch a few feet up to get onto Wildcat Peak.

0.05 miles Wildcat Peak to reach a junction with Jewel Lake, stay to the left for 0.27 miles to arrive at a junction with Sylvan. Again staying to the left on Wildcat Peak for 0.97 miles to arrive at the peak. After visiting, the peak continue for 0.20 miles with Rotary Peace Grove staying on the right for another 0.05 miles, turning right for 0.21 miles to arrive at Laurel Canyon Road. Turn left for 0.10 miles and stay left for 0.13 miles to arrive at the Bay Area Ridge Trail.

Take the Bay Area Ridge 0.72 miles to a junction staying to the right to continue for 0.62 miles on Nimitz Way arriving at Inspiration Point.

Take Meadows Canyon on the right for 0.13 miles to arrive at a four way junction. Cross the junction to enter Curran for 0.62 miles to arrive at a junction with Wildcat Gorge, turning left for 0.15 miles to arrive at Lake Anza Trail.

Stay to the right for 0.07 miles to arrive Selby to take a sharp right for 0.36 miles staying on the right. Stay on left bypassing a branch on the right at 0.4 miles. For a junction with Memory at after 1.01 miles.

Take Memory for 0.22 miles to cross Canon Drive, continuing on Memory for 0.30 miles for a junction with Upper Packrat. Take a right onto Upper Packrat for 0.14 miles to return to the starting point.

PLEASE READ THE EVENT DESCRIPTION ABOVE BEFORE POSTING A MESSAGE.
61 attendees+56
Sat, Jul 12, 2025, 1:00 PM PDTSycamore Grove LARPD: 5.6 mi Easy hike
Sycamore Grove Park, Livermore, CA
SIGN WAIVER HERE: https://www.sleeplateandhike.com/waiver-signing-form/
For us to hold our large events at local parks, the local parks require us to carry insurance for our events. To participate in our events, please sign this waiver (required by our insurance underwriter) for each event. Please do so online prior to arriving (works on mobile)
CARPOOL REQUEST COMMENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED DUE TO THE LARGE SIZE OF THE GROUP. Please read below how to carpool.

LENGTH: 5.6 miles,Loop

DIFFICULTY: Easy

DURATION: 3 hours

Elevation Gain/ Loss ± 558 feet

FEE: $5 parking fee

MAPS: Download from here:

http://www.larpd.org/open_space/Sycamore_trails_map.pdf

FACILITIES: picnic tables and restrooms at both entrances; hiking, bicycle and horse trails; barbecues at Arroyo Road entrance.

Please read our tutorial for hiking in the sun:
https://www.sleeplateandhike.com/tutorials/how-to-hike-in-the-sun/

OFFICIAL PARK RULES: Dogs on a leash are permitted on park trails. To allow people who fear or dislike dogs to keep a comfortable distance from your dog during the hike, we do not permit leashes longer than 6 feet. Please be considerate of others.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO TRAIL HEAD The Google map link near the top will give you directions to the park entrance.

MEETING PLACE: Trail head parking lot

Please use the Google Maps link above to familiarize yourself with the trip and explore various route options from your home. Zoom in all the way.

The GPS locations below and the map link above are accurate enough to find us by looking around with your eyes when you get there.

(Most Cars) GPS Degrees Minutes Seconds Format:

38°26'38.0"N 122°36'57.5"W

(Google Maps) GPS Degrees Decimal Format:

37.645129, -121.782155

Parking: Trail parking lot at park entrance. Plan to arrive 15 minutes early to find parking and walk to the trail head.

Carpooling: We will use this link for carpooling:

https://www.groupcarpool.com/t/h6vsqd

Please sign up here.

CARPOOLING MANNERS:

Please refrain from trying to negotiate your carpool in the comments, as it is equivalent to sending multiple "Reply All" emails to everyone.

Please start your carpool quest, by first adding yourself to the carpool link above.

Then, use the contact info provided by the driver or rider in the link above to contact them directly and privately.

Please be considerate of others and resist the urge to "Reply All".

Thank you for understanding.

SUMMARY:

This wooded park is home to a variety of wildlife. Along the Arroyo Del Valle you might see frogs, pond turtles, dragonflies, ducks or even muskrats. In addition to this riparian area there are grassland and oak woodland habitats. Deer, ground squirrels, butterflies, lizards and birds such as red-tail hawks, white-tail kites, scrub jays, magpies and meadowlarks are just few of the animals you might spot in these areas.

HIKING DIRECTIONS:

Winery Loop Trail -> Left branch on Winery Loop Trail -> Wagon Road Trail -> Valley View Trail -> Wagon Road Trail Winery Loop Trail -> Kingfisher Crossing -> Sycamore Trail

PLEASE READ THE EVENT DESCRIPTION ABOVE BEFORE POSTING A MESSAGE.
33 attendees+28
Sat, Jul 19, 2025, 1:00 PM PDTEd Levin to Mission Peak: 11.8 Mi Difficult Hike
City of Milpitas Dog Park at Ed Levin, Milpitas, CA
WAIVER: For us to hold our large events at local parks, the local parks require us to carry insurance for our events. To participate in our events, please sign this waiver (required by our insurance underwriter) for each event. Please do so online prior to arriving (works on mobile):
https://www.sleeplateandhike.com/waiver-signing-form/

CARPOOL REQUEST COMMENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED DUE TO THE LARGE SIZE OF THE GROUP. Please read below how to carpool.

Level: Difficult
Ascent: 2923 ft
Distance: 11.7 miles
Time: 6 hours
Official Trail use: No Dogs.

Parking fee: $6

Shade: Don't forget your sunhat for your own personal shade. Shade does not matter if you have your sunhat. I never leave home without it.

Facilities There are water and a toilet near the trail head, which is on the east side of the parking area.

PLEASE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO GO BEFORE YOU ARRIVE SO WE CAN START ON TIME.

Recommended Maps:

Ed Levin:

http://www.sccgov.org/sites/parks/parkfinder/Documents/EdLevinGuideMap.pdf

Mission Peak:

http://www.ebparks.org/Assets/_Nav_Categories/Parks/Maps/Mission+Peak+map.pdf

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

• Please use the Google Maps link above to familiarize yourself with the trip and explore various route options from your home. Zoom in all the way.

• The GPS locations below and the map link above are accurate enough to find us by looking around with your eyes when you get there.

(Most Cars) GPS Degrees Minutes Seconds Format:

37°27'27.6"N 121°51'47.9"W

(Google Maps) GPS Degrees Decimal Format:

37.457660,-121.863312

Nearest Street Address:

901 Monument Peak Rd, Milpitas, CA 95035

The Google Waze app will route around "restricted access" roads, unlike the Google Maps app, using the same map data as Google Maps. Therefore, Waze is recommended over the Google Maps app for your phone.

If you have the Waze app installed on your phone, click this URL:

http://waze.to/?ll=37.457660,-121.863312&navigate=yes (http://waze.to/?ll=48.149491,17.108636&navigate=yes)

Just click it. It will open Waze and start navigating to the trail head.

• As always, it is good practice to confirm the night before that any app you use takes you to where you expect by comparing the destination with what is posted above on your PC/Mac.

• Most street addresses provided are approximate, and may be up to a couple of miles from the hike location. Use GPS coordinates when driving, if possible.

Parking:

Plan to arrive 30 minutes early to find parking, and walk to the trail head.

Carpooling: We will use this link for carpooling:

https://www.groupcarpool.com/t/8jrmfq

Please sign up here.

CARPOOLING MANNERS:

Please refrain from trying to negotiate your carpool in the comments, as it is equivalent to sending multiple "Reply All" emails to everyone.

Please start your carpool quest, by first adding yourself to the carpool link above.

Then, use the contact info provided by the driver or rider in the link above to contact them directly and privately.

Please be considerate of others and resist the urge to "Reply All".

Thank you for understanding.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Explore the high ground on the border of Alameda and Santa Clara counties via this aerobic route, which uses the Tularcitos, Agua Caliente, and Monument Peak trails, and you will be rewarded with great views and the chance to spot aerial hunters such as hawks, falcons , and even golden eagles. Open grasslands dominate here, but you also cross wooded canyons holding Calera and Scott creeks.

FACILITIES/ TRAILHEAD:

There are picnic tables, restrooms, and water beside the parking area. There is a phone beside a locked gate about 0.3 mile back on Downing Road. The trailhead is at the end of Downing Road, about 100 yards northeast of the parking area.

HIKING DIRECTIONS:

You climb east 0.2 miles to a junction on the Tularcitos Trail, a dirt road closed to bicycles and dogs.

Turing left, to enter Agua Caliente trail for 0.5 miles for a junction with Launch Site Road. Straight for 0.7 miles for a junction with Monument Peak trail on the right. Turn right, and head to Monument Peak Road.

Continue straight for about 300 ft, for a junction with Monument Peak Road. Cross the road staying on Monument Peak trail for 1.5 miles to arrive at junction with a trial on your right. Stay to the left on Monument Peak trail for 0.9 miles to arrive at a four way junction with Weller road. Cross Weller road and pass a junction on your left after 0.5 miles.

After another 0.5 miles cross other end of Weller road as it loop around. After 0.2 miles pass a trail on your left.

After 0.4 miles, enter Eagle Loop trail turning to the left for 0.2 miles for a junction with a short 300 ft connector trail to Horses Heaven trail.

Stay to the right on Horses Heaven trail to reach the Mission Peak Summit in 0.3 miles.

Now retrace your steps back to the starting point.

PLEASE READ THE EVENT DESCRIPTION ABOVE BEFORE POSTING A MESSAGE.
21 attendees+16