What we’re about
The Monterey Bay Area Hiking Group is for people who enjoy hiking, being outdoors and socializing. We explore many areas throughout the Monterey Peninsula, BigSur/ Ventana Wilderness, and Santa Cruz Mountains. On occasion, we will offer events out of the area. Hikes are generally for most levels; from 4 mile hikes with minimal elevation gain to 20 mile expeditions with significant elevation gain. Hikes may be scheduled on any day of the week and usually last between 3-5 hours. For those interested in multi-day activities, there will be some car camping or backpacking trips.
Please be advised that we are not a walking group and therefore do not expect to see many short hikes (less than 3 miles) over level terrain . Please match the hike to your skill level.
Please join us for our next hike!
Disclaimer: The Organizers are not professional guides and do not have certified training nor insurance. As you are aware, inherent hazards and risks are associated with hiking and all other physical activity. You are responsible for your own safety and health. The individual hike Organizer is not in charge of this hike, but simply going on a hike and inviting others to join.
As you join, please read the "About" information under the heading "Pages" on the menu at the top of the Home page.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Andrew Molera State Park Volunteer Day with CA State ParksAndrew Molera State Park, Big Sur, CA
Each month, we'll be visiting either Pfeiffer Big Sur or Andrew Molera State Park for a morning of volunteer activities. Projects vary seasonally, but may include: weeding invasive species, planting native plants, fixing fences, etc. This event is sponsored by the Monterey District of CA State Parks
Visit our volunteer events page for this month's project!
WHAT WE ARE DOING: This month we are crossing the Big Sur River at Andrew Molera State Park to work on Mustard and Hemlock along the beautiful Creamery Meadow Trail! Bring a lunch and take a walk out to the beach when we're done.
WHERE TO MEET: Meet at the main Parking Lot of Andrew Molera State Park and we will shuttle to the project site. (Double check the meeting location on our upcoming volunteer event page)
WHAT TO BRING: Water, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, hat, and snacks. Gloves, tools, and training will be provided.
Please email volunteer.monterey@parks.ca.gov with any questions!
- Volunteer day at Fort Ord Dunes with CA State ParksFort Ord Dunes State Park, Marina, CA
Come on out to our volunteer day at Fort Ord Dunes State Park!
Afterwards, treat yourself to a beautiful walk to the beach or a bike ride down the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. This event is co-sponsored by the Monterey District of California State Parks and the California State Parks Foundation.
WHAT WE ARE DOING: Join us in the historic Fort Ord Dunes for a morning of volunteer work! Projects vary seasonally but may include: weeding invasive plants, planting native plants, collecting seeds, or trimming brush along trails. Visit our Upcoming Volunteer Events page for the latest information.
WHERE TO MEET: The main parking lot of Fort Ord Dunes State Park in Marina, California. Click here for a link to Google Maps.
WHAT TO BRING: Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, hat. Tools, training, gloves, provided!
Please email volunteer.monterey@parks.ca.gov with any questions!
- CNPS Sunday Broom Bash: Ishxenta State ParkPoint Lobos State Natural Reserve, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA
Be part of one of our program's longest running volunteer projects! Join us at Ishxenta State Park (across HWY 1 from Point Lobos) for a morning of pulling invasive French Broom from the beautiful Monterey Pine forest. This event is sponsored by the California Native Plant Society - Monterey Bay Chapter and the Monterey District of California State Parks.
Volunteers must be comfortable walking and working in difficult terrain, off-trail, and in areas with poison oak, steep slopes, and ticks.
WHAT WE ARE DOING: Since 1998, volunteers have been working to control invasive French Broom in the area now known as Ishxenta State Park. Since the seeds of this plant can last in the ground for over 30 years, it takes a dedicated and consistent effort to remove these shrubs from a landscape. Together, we'll be continuing these efforts by pulling French Broom from a beautiful Monterey Pine forest, rarely visited by the general public.
To reach the site, we'll hike through the forest over difficult, poison oak-filled terrain. Volunteers must be comfortable hiking and working in this difficult environment.
WHERE TO MEET: Big pullout on the west side of HWY 1, 0.5 miles south of the Point Lobos SNR entrance and just before the Gibson Creek bridge.
WHAT TO BRING: Water, closed-toe hiking shoes, pants, long sleeved shirt, sunscreen, hat, gloves, and tools.
*Friendly reminder*: Restrooms are not easily accessible from this meeting location.
For more information, please contact: MontereyCNPSStewardship@gmail.com
NOTE: This event will be cancelled in the event of high winds!
