What we’re about
We are a friendly group of avid forest bathers who will be meeting usually 2-3 times a month, typically on a weekday morning, to explore our wonderful and numerous local and beyond trails. Our hikes will range from Easy to Challenging/Difficult depending on the chosen adventure. Most will be in the Santa Cruz County area. But we do oft-times venture out to trails in the counties of Monterey and San Mateo and beyond.
Maximum group size will be 12 so as not to overwhelm nature with our presence. And all attendees should be fully COVID 19 vaccinated so as to allow us all to go mask-free if we desire. We trust everyone will be honest about their status when they sign up.
I personally tend to hike at a fairly rapid pace but can certainly appreciate the value of slowing down a bit to fully enjoy our surroundings so pace is somewhat flexible. Depending on difficulty our pace usually hovers between 2.7 and 3mph. I strive to be thorough in my Event write-ups so please read through them carefully so that you can enjoy the pleasure of hiking trails that interest you and match your skill level.
Safety: Please keep in mind that you always hike at your own risk and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety.
Start times will vary. Typically anywhere from 8am to 10am depending on time of year, travel distance and parking considerations. Try to be on time but we will wait until 5 minutes after the start time for any late arrivals. If you arrive beyond that time please feel free to try and catch up to us!
Very important - Please RSVP only if you are committed to attend. Reevaluate your availability at least a few days before the hike and withdraw at that time if you can no longer commit. Please change your status to "Not Going" as soon as you realize that you plan to withdraw. This allows others to attend. Or just simply message me and I will remove you from the Going list. There is always a Waitlist of people who would like to attend and this way it opens up a space for someone else.
I look forward to healthy, fresh air exercise with new and established friends as we explore our beautiful outdoors!
Legal Disclaimer: The hosts in this group are not professional guides, and each person who signs up for a hike, event, or other outing is responsible for his or her own safety and the safety of his or her guests and property. By signing up for this hike, or any other event organized by this group, you are acknowledging that you are 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 any and all liability arising from your and your guest's participation in the group activities. As always, this is a “Participate at your Own Risk” event.
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Land of Medicine Buddha/Upper Nisene Marks Fusion Hike (Challenging)Land of Medicine Buddha, Soquel, CA
** IMPORTANT! **
**PLEASE READ ALL INFORMATION!**Please RSVP only if you are committed to attend. Reevaluate your availability a few days before the hike and withdraw at that time if you can no longer commit. This allows others to attend.
Let's double our pleasure by combining Land of Medicine Buddha and Upper Nisene Marks with a double lollypop loop hike. We'll start in Land of Medicine Buddha (LOMB )and head up one side of the LOMB Loop Trail. At the top of the loop we will turn onto the Connector Trail to Upper Nisene Marks West Ridge Trail. We'll head up West Ridge to Big Stump Gap Trail/Ridge Connector Trail Loop. Then back onto West Ridge and the connector back to LOMB. We'll then head down the other side of the LOMB Loop Trail.
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/the-medicine-buddha-loop-trail-0a348edSignificant inclines and declines and mileage render this a "Challenging" hike, one suitable for those in good hiking condition. See photo below. But it's a fun hike through consistently beautiful deep forest terrain. No major obstacles.
Bring water, snacks, tick/poison oak protection, hiking boots with good tread, any anticipated first aid needs and your love for adventure!
Length: 9.3+ miles Level of difficulty: Challenging
Elevation gain: 1575 feet Hiking time: 4-5 hoursDogs are allowed on the LOMB trails but not on the Nisene Marks trails
Limited parking is located at the end of Prescott Road in Soquel right before you cross the bridge onto LOMB property. See photo below. I recommend carpooling in. There should be parking available at or near Congregational Church, Soquel Drive and Main Street, for those who would like to consolidate cars.
Safety: Please keep in mind that you always hike at your own risk and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety.
Take a few moments and refer to the frequently updated Soquel SoleMates Hiking Group general description ("What We're About") for important information about this group. Soquel Soulmates Hiking Group
https://www.meetup.com/soquel-solemates-hiking-group/I hope to see you there!
Jill :) - Portola Redwoods Old Tree to Peters Creek Loop and Tiptoe Falls (Difficult)Portola Redwoods State Park, La Honda, CA
** IMPORTANT! **
**PLEASE READ ALL INFORMATION!**Please RSVP only if you are committed to attend. Reevaluate your availability a few days before the hike and withdraw at that time if you can no longer commit. This allows others to attend.
Portola Redwoods State Park in the Santa Cruz Mountains is a beautiful, deeply shaded, lush redwood forest. It offers one of the few remaining old growth coast redwood groves as well as the massive Old Tree, some 1200 years old and roughly 300 feet tall.
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=539On this hike we'll enjoy giant redwoods, meandering creeks, the Tiptoe Falls, steep climbs, lush valleys and the tranquillity all these provide. Our route: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/iverson-trail-to-tiptoe-falls-3e3aa68
Length: 13.2 miles Level of difficulty: Difficult (see Calculator photo below)
Elevation gain: 2841 feet Hiking time: 5-6 hoursThis is a difficult hike. Not for the casual hiker. We will be maintaining an average pace of typically 2.8 mph.
Bring water (2+ liters), snacks, tick/poison oak protection, hiking boots with good tread, any anticipated first aid needs and your love for adventure!
There is no cell service in the park.
Dogs are not allowed on the state park trails
I estimate an hour and 20 minute commute from Soquel area. Therefore, I recommend carpooling. We'll meet at the park Visitor Center and start out on time at 9am. There is a $10 ($9 for Seniors) parking fee payable at the Visitor Center. Bathrooms are available.
Safety: Please keep in mind that you always hike at your own risk and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety.
Take a few moments and refer to the frequently updated Soquel SoleMates Hiking Group general description ("What We're About") for important information about this group. Soquel Soulmates Hiking Group
https://www.meetup.com/soquel-solemates-hiking-group/I hope to see you there!
Jill :)
