About us
Not So Casual Hikes is a high-performance hiking community built around fitness, challenge, and camaraderie. We train hard, move with intention, and hold each other to a standard. The people next to you on the trail are part of what makes the effort worth it.
What started as "Casual Hikes" became something harder to name. A group that kept showing up, kept raising the standard, and eventually stopped being casual about any of it. "Not So Casual" isn't irony. It's what happened.
Two Ways to Train With Us
Sunday hikes are our weekly staple, open to intermediate and advanced hikers ready for a workout-level effort. Expect 9–13 miles, 1,500–2,500+ ft of gain, and a fast-moving group that balances high energy with encouragement. Sub-groups form organically, but the group moves at a steady, moderate-to-fast pace and may not wait if you fall behind. Know your limits and come prepared to hike at this level.
Saturday Altitude Series is a small-group training track for hikers building toward high-altitude objectives: Mount Whitney, international treks, and multi-day alpine routes. Sunday hikes are the natural entry point. Selection is based on firsthand pace compatibility and demonstrated endurance. Hikers new to the group with comparable experience are welcome to reach out directly.
Who Belongs Here
- Intermediate and advanced hikers ready for workout-level pace
- Strength trainers, runners, and endurance athletes who see hiking as cross-training
- Anyone training toward a serious altitude or expedition objective
- People who value standards, consistency, and a group that shows up
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Move with purpose. Connect with people. Leave stronger than you came.
We also publish a newsletter. Field notes on human capacity, written from the trail. Check it out and subscribe if it resonates: https://notsocasualhikes.beehiiv.com
Find us on Strava: Strava Club
Upcoming events
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Altitude Series: Bighorn and Ontario Peak (14.8 mi / 4,668 ft gain)
Ice House Canyon Rd. Mt. Baldy, Ice House Canyon Rd., Mt.Baldy, CA, USJoin us for the next hike in our Altitude Series, a structured training track designed to build the endurance, pace, and elevation tolerance needed for bigger mountain objectives such as San Jacinto, San Gorgonio, and Mt. Whitney.
This route ascends Bighorn Peak (8,441 ft) and Ontario Peak (8,696 ft) via Icehouse Canyon, two of the tallest and most prominent peaks in the Angeles National Forest. The trail climbs through Icehouse Canyon to Icehouse Saddle before following the Ontario Peak Trail along a long ridge connecting both summits. The hike covers approximately 14.8 miles round trip with 4,668 ft of cumulative elevation gain and typically takes 7–8 hours depending on pace and breaks. Expect sustained climbing and a long descent back through the canyon.
Here’s the full activity from our last Cucamonga day, including all splits and details, to give a clear sense of how the day flows:
https://www.strava.com/activities/17911124879Who This Hike Is Suited For:
- Hikers comfortable with 10+ mile routes
- Ability to sustain a steady climbing pace on long uphill terrain
- Ability to maintain continuous forward movement for 7–8 hours
- Experience fueling and hydrating during extended efforts
Group Size & Admission Policy: Group size is intentionally limited to maintain safety, cohesion, and steady mountain pacing on long, sustained routes.
All hikers will initially be placed on the waitlist. Admission is based on pace compatibility and experience with sustained elevation routes.
First-Time Participants (Altitude Series):
If you have not previously hiked with us on a comparable route, please message the organizer with:1. Date of your most recent 10+ mile hike
2. Distance, elevation gain, and completion time
3. Your average moving pace
4. Comparable peaks or routes completedSubmission of this information does not guarantee admission. We intend to keep the group intentionally small and will admit hikers off the waitlist as space allows, based on overall pace compatibility and training alignment.
Trailhead: Icehouse Canyon Trailhead
Parking: Icehouse Canyon Parking Lot (Adventure Pass required)Route Map:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/bighorn-peak-and-ontario-peak?u=i&sh=pxabuhEssentials:
• Water (2.5-3L; electrolytes recommended)
• Snacks/fuel
• Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
• Hiking poles (recommended, especially for the descent)
• Extra layers for summit conditionsNote on Punctuality & RSVP: Please be on time — we’ll wait up to 5 minutes past the start. If you’re running late, you can post your ETA in the event discussion, but the group may still begin without you. If your plans change, please update your RSVP — it helps us know who to expect on the trail.
Disclaimer & Safety Notice: Not So Casual Hikes are challenging outings designed for hikers in strong shape who know their limits and show up prepared. Organizers are volunteers—not guides—and cannot be responsible for your pace, navigation, or safety. We hike at a steady pace and the group may spread out. Please be prepared to navigate independently if you fall behind, though we’ll aim to check in at major junctions when possible. By signing up, you accept full responsibility for your fitness, gear, hydration, and navigation, and agree to hold harmless the Organizer, Co-Organizer, Assistant Organizers, and fellow participants for any incidents or injuries. Participation also means you agree to Meetup’s Terms of Service. Hiking carries inherent risks, including trip/fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak, ticks, snakes, coyotes, or mountain lions. Be prepared for sun exposure, heat, or marine layer conditions depending on the day.
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Past events
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