Dreaded Hill + Billy Goat (Alt. Route if Trails Closed, ~7-9 miles)

Join us for a Sunday morning hike — or walk, depending on the weather. With rain projected this week and the possibility of temporary trail closures, we’ll stay flexible.

If Whiting Ranch trails are closed, we’ll shift to an alternate out-and-back of approximately 8 miles, meeting at the usual location and time and following the paved Serrano Creek trail. If trails remain open by Sunday (2/22), we’ll proceed with the scheduled Dreaded Hill loop.

The planned route features the sustained climb up Dreaded Hill, followed by the rugged, uneven stretch of the Billy Goat Trail — both known for their difficulty and terrain variety. While the distance is moderate, the steady elevation gain and irregular footing make it a focused and rewarding effort, leaving you with that earned-it feeling by the end.

Please Note: Not So Casual means our hikes double as a workout — brisk pace, solid climbs, and an endurance challenge paired with a friendly, supportive group vibe. Come prepared with gear, water, and your best effort, and you’ll fit right in. The group moves at a steady, moderate-to-fast pace and may not wait if you fall behind, so please know your limits and be ready to hike at this level — or plan to finish on your own, ideally by pairing up with someone at a similar pace.

Details:

• Meeting Place: Parking lot adjacent to Wahoo’s
• Difficulty: Moderate — due to elevation and sustained pace.
• Distance / Elevation / Duration: ~7–9 miles, ~2,000 ft cumulative elevation gain, estimated 2.5–3 hours at a moderate-to-fast pace

Essentials:

• Traction hiking shoes
• 2+ liters water (electrolytes encouraged)
• Light snacks
• Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
• Hiking poles (recommended if you normally use them)

Route:

We’ll start with ~1.5 miles of flat warm-up before climbing Dreaded Hill. From the ridge, we reach Four Corners, then ascend Billy Goat. We’ll return to Four Corners and head out via Cactus Hill → Sage → Serrano Cow back to the parking lot.

Note 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.