NorCal Trail Trekkers

Distance: 6 - 8 miles
Elevation Range: 829ft
Difficulty: Moderate

This will be an out and back hike on the Pioneer Express Trail from Newcastle towards Rattlesnake Bar. We can hike out 3 miles (or longer) dependent upon the group's discretion and return. This trail features a diverse variety of flora and fauna, such as oak woodlands, riparian creek, freshwater wetlands, and a number of aquatic animals. You can see beautiful views of the American River and the hills from several spots along the trail. As you hike, you'll be surrounded by a pretty forest with oak, pine, and manzanita trees, creating an excellent shady cover above you. Well behaved dogs that get along well with other dogs are welcome. We will wait 5 minutes before starting.

We will meet in front of the gate at the China Bar - Cardiac Trail Peak trailhead.
Park on the side of the road at 490 Maidu Dr · Auburn, CA

Bring water (and a snack if desired)
Please be considerate. If you don't plan to attend an event, cancel at least two hours before the start time.

The organizer of this Meet-Up event does not, in any way, claim to be a professional or otherwise licensed or certified to provide any services. By participating in any posted event, you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. Your personal safety depends on your own judgement and experience.

Let's Do This NorCal Trekkers! With Meetup group Bucket of Adventures we have 20 members booked and ready to go. Come join us for an unforgettable journey through Ecuador, where every turn unveils a new wonder. Travel with me from the rhythm of bustling city streets to the echoes of ancient ruins and the lush depths of the Amazon rainforest. Begin in Guayaquil, where green iguanas lounge lazily in Seminario Park’s leafy trees and a hike up Santa Ana hill rewards us with sweeping views of the colorful cityscape. Along the way, we will stop at a cacao plantation to discover how Ecuador transforms humble beans into world-famous chocolate. YUM! High in the Andes Mountains, Cuenca welcomes us with its red-tiled roofs, colonial charm, and plazas bursting with flowers. Stand in awe at Ingapirca’s Temple of the Sun, the only elliptical Incan temple in the empire. Then, let's dive into the wild—hike to the thundering Devil’s Cauldron waterfall, hidden deep in the Ecuadorian rainforest, and canoe down the Napo River to our jungle lodge in the Amazon, surrounded by the sounds of tropical birds and the hush of ancient trees. We will hike beneath the emerald canopy, raft on a traditional balsa log raft, and meet the Quechua people who have thrived here for generations. Finally, we will rise into the mountains to Quito, a colonial jewel, where centuries of art, history, and highland culture converge. This isn’t just travel—it’s an adventure you’ll never forget.

Our adventure kicks off on July 6th, and we return home on July 15th, 2026. Book by July to snag $500 off the total price! With the discount, a double occupancy room comes to just $1,599. Prefer your own space? Single rooms are available for an additional $500—but availability is limited. Secure your spot with a $300 non-refundable deposit, with the final payment due by April 7, 2026. The trip includes first-class accommodations, expert-guided tours, 9 delicious breakfasts, 6 yum lunches, and 5 exquisite dinners—all curated to give you a taste of Ecuador’s vibrant culture and flavors.

Airfare is estimated at around $1200. You will have the option to arrange your own flights or coordinate with the tour company.

For those looking to enhance their experience, optional excursions are available at an additional cost. Some examples are visiting a butterfly room and ziplining in the jungle.

I am hosting a potluck booking party, so bring something delicious to share, along with your passport.

If you can't make it to the booking party but want to join the trip, let me know and I will provide you with the agenda and booking instructions.

Members of Meetup Bucket of Adventures and a few other Meetup groups are invited to join this extraordinary trip!

The booking party will take place in Citrus Heights. Exact address will be provided a few days before the event.

Don't delay live life today!

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as you journey into one of the most awe-inspiring destinations on Earth—the Galápagos Islands! This immersive tour will take you through volcanic landscapes, misty highlands, and crystal-clear waters brimming with wildlife found nowhere else on the planet. From swimming alongside playful sea lions and sea turtles to standing at the edge of one of the world’s largest volcanic craters, every moment is packed with discovery, wonder, and once-in-a-lifetime encounters with nature.

Your unforgettable experience takes place from July 15th through 19 2026,, beginning on Santa Cruz Island where lush forests surround the dramatic volcanic sinkholes of Los Gemelos. After a peaceful lunch in the highland village of Manzanillo, visit the world-famous Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the ongoing conservation efforts that keep the Galápagos thriving.

Then it’s off to Isabela Island by speedboat—keep your eyes peeled for dolphins or whales during the crossing. A Zodiac tour to Las Tintoreras unveils a world of marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and penguins, followed by a snorkeling adventure through lava formations and sea turtle habitats. Onshore, visit a giant tortoise breeding center and catch a glimpse of vibrant flamingos at a quiet lagoon before relaxing at Playa de la Estación.

Your third day brings the challenge and beauty of Sierra Negra Volcano, where you’ll hike to the edge of its vast crater with sweeping views and the chance to spot rare birdlife. The day ends with time to swim, explore, or simply relax.

Back on Santa Cruz, choose to visit the stunning Tortuga Bay, a perfect blend of white sand, turquoise waters, and unique wildlife. Then board a boat for an unforgettable afternoon swimming with sea lions at La Lobería, birdwatching at Punta Estrada, and walking among the marine iguanas of Playa de los Perros.

The cost of this fully guided Galápagos adventure is $1,195 per person based on double occupancy, with a $220 single supplement for solo travelers. A $400 nonrefundable deposit is required to reserve your spot. Estimated airfare from Sacramento is around $1,200, and round-trip flights from Quito to the Galápagos Islands are approximately $475.

This isn’t just a trip—it’s a front-row seat to evolution in action, a deep connection to one of the planet’s most precious ecosystems, and a story you’ll tell for the rest of your life.

I am hosting a potluck booking party, so bring somethng delicious to share, along with your passport.
If you can't make it to the booking party but want to join the trip, let me know and I will provide you with the agenda and booking instructions.

Members of Bucket of Adventures and a few other Meetup groups are invited to join this extraordinary trip!

The booking party will take place in Citrus Heights. Exact address will be provided a few days before the event.

Don't delay live life today!