What we’re about
Explore the beauty of our natural surroundings on hikes with the Sierra Pathfinders in the South Bay, Mid-Peninsula, and beyond. We offer hikes for people at multiple levels of ability. Our hike leaders are experienced and trained to Sierra Club standards. Adults of all backgrounds are welcome!
Connect with nature in a community of like-minded people. Sierra Pathfinders typically meet after hikes to eat, drink and socialize. We also offer social events throughout the year.
Our members are committed to protecting the environment. We show respect for nature on our outings and embrace sustainable practices at our events. In addition, we provide financial support for conservation programs of the Sierra Club and other organizations.
The Sierra Pathfinders is an activity section of the Loma Prieta Chapter of the Sierra Club. We encourage you to join the Pathfinders and the Sierra Club, which will entitle you to participate in all of Pathfinder outings and events.
You don’t need to be a Pathfinders member to participate in our hikes—everyone is welcome. Check out our upcoming hikes and sign up for one today!
Upcoming events (3)
See all- Special Walking Tour at Shoreline, followed by Potluckcasey forebay, Mountain View, CA
Why are they moving dirt at Shoreline Park and in the pond next to it?
If you’ve been to Shoreline Park recently, you’ve seen new dirt and fencing on the western side of the park. Have you wondered what’s going on? If so, this event is for you. Dave Halsing, Executive Project Manager of the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project (that gives you a hint, but there is more information here: www.southbayrestoration.org), will explain what you’re seeing and what the whole project entails, with time to answer your questions. Program will finish up about 12:30 pm.Since Dave's walking tour will start promptly at 11:00 am, plan to arrive at Palo Alto Baylands’ entrance at 10:45 am or at the Peninsula Conservation Center at 10:15 am.
Parking near the Palo Alto Baylands’ entrance to the park (along Terminal Blvd., at the end of San Antonio Rd.) is challenging on Sunday mornings. You’re welcome to try and may get lucky. Instead we recommend parking behind the Peninsula Conservation Center (3921 E. Bayshore Rd., Palo Alto) or in the adjacent lot. From there we’ll take the Adobe Creek Loop to walk to the park entrance – about 0.7 mi, 15-20 min.
Restrooms available at the trailhead.
Wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and wear clothes suitable for the weather – it can be a little cooler and breezy near the bay.
The host of the Shoreline event – South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project – has set up an RSVP process online. If you plan to join us, please go here and click ‘Add Me’.
First Sunday Potluck
Peninsula Conservation Center, Raptor Suite (first floor)
Bring potluck item (for 8-10 people) ready to serve with serving utensils. Unfortunately there are no facilities for heating or cooling foods. If you want to bring a dish in a crockpot or similar electric appliance, you’re welcome to plug it in to keep food warm.A to G Main Dish
H to O Salad or Snack
P to Z Drink or DessertBring your own plate, cup and utensils. Please take them home to wash.
Optional Event Fund Donation $5 - $10No need to RSVP for the potluck – just show up with a smile and food.
Directions to Palo Alto Baylands’ entrance: Take Hwy 101 to the San Antonio Rd. exit and head east/toward the bay. After 0.3 mi you’ll reach Terminal Blvd. Lots of parking spaces but may be full.
Directions to Peninsula Conservation Center: Take Hwy 101 to the San Antonio Rd. exit and head east/toward the bay. At the traffic light turn left onto E. Bayshore Rd. After 0.3 mi turn right onto Corporation Way, then left into the parking lot. Coming from the Baylands, turn right at the traffic light and continue as above.
- On the Lookout for TarantulasRancho Canada Del Oro , Morgan Hill, CA
Overview: our plan is a 5-mile hike with 800' of elevation gain, stopping often to share observations.
Notice: After deciding you want to come, sign up here on the Chapter Calendar. No sign ups on Meetup. Contact me in private chat or by email if you're having any difficulty getting your name on the list.
If you have a fear of spiders, this event is not for you. We hope to see some of the larger male Arachnids that have come out of their secretive burrows as they search for a lovely mate. As we walk along, there will be plenty of other seasonal changes to note. For one, this is expected to be a mast year, which means unusually heavy acorn production. What else indicates that summer is behind us?
Wear sturdy shoes. Bring plenty of water (none available on site) plus lunch. Layered clothing is recommended.
Restroom near trailhead.Since this is an official Sierra Club hike, you need to sign a liability waiver at the trailhead, if not online. Also, don't forget to bring your medical form to show to one of the leaders. You can get a copy of the Local Outings Medical Form here.
Looking back, it would be easy to imagine the native Tamien Nation living in this area, hunting and gathering their food from the local abundance. More recently, a group of activists was looking ahead, and in 1993 the Open Space Authority was voted into existence. We can thank these folks by continuing to appreciate and care for this land.
Directions: Take Hwy 85 south until it meets Hwy 101. Continue on Hwy 101 S and take the Bailey Ave. exit. At McKean Rd. turn left. Watch for Casa Loma Rd. and turn right. The park is at the end of this road.
- El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space PreserveEl Corte de Madera Creek OSP, Woodside, CA
➤ Hike Description: Step into the heart of history on an 8.7-mile trek through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve, with a 1,300-foot elevation gain 50% of the time on packed earth single track and 50% of the time on double-track fire roads. Named for its logging past, “El Corte de Madera” (Spanish for “The Cutting of Wood”), this 2,891-acre preserve, saved from logging by Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District since 1982, safeguards second growth redwood and oak groves once ravaged by axes, now a haven for wildlife.
This journey centers on the tragic legacy of Resolution BCPA Flight 304, a British Commonwealth Pacific Airlines Douglas DC-6 that crashed on May 12, 1953, killing all 19 aboard due to severe weather and navigational errors. The sole Vista Point of this hike, near the memorial, marks where a military H-19 ‘Chickasaw’ helicopter first landed that day to begin recovery efforts, the Resolution’s wreckage is still visible further along the trail in a somber reminder of early aviation challenges.
We’ll also marvel at the Tafoni Sandstone formation’s unique honeycomb patterns from a viewing platform, a geological contrast to the human story. Though the creeks lie silent this late in summer, savor their rugged canyon cuts amid the redwoods. Bring sturdy shoes, ample water, and a spirit of reverence for both nature and history.
➤ Post-Hike Celebration: We invite you to join us after the hike for a festive tailgate potluck gathering at the area adjacent to and west of the parking lot. Come trade trail stories, and good company around the majestic redwoods.
➤ Route: From the El Corte de Madera Creek Parking Lot — Sierra Morena Trail 1.7 — Fir Trail 1.1 — Resolution Trail 1.1 — El Corte de Madera Creek Trail 0.6 — Tafoni Trail 2.3 — Fir Trail 0.2 — Sierra Morena Trail 1.7 to trailhead parking lot.
You can view or download the route using the following links:
Online Park map at: Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
➤ Restrooms: Vault toilets are available at the trailhead. There is no potable water.
➤ Exposure: The route is approximately 90% covered under mixed oak and redwood forest 10% exposed along open hillside trails. Be prepared for variable weather due to a marine influence. See the weather forecast on Weather Underground.
➤ Cell Phone Coverage: Expect limited coverage throughout the route.
➤ Directions/Parking: We meet at the El Corte de Madera Creek parking lot, 2.8 miles north of the junction of state routes 35 and 84 on SR35 (Skyline Blvd). Parking is free.
GPS Coordinates:
37.399511, -122.295438 or 37°23'58.2"N 122°17'43.6"WView trailhead location on Google Maps or Apple Maps
➤ Attendance Requirements: This is a Sierra Club backcountry outing requiring a completed paper Outings Medical Form. This form can be downloaded from the Sierra Club website. Bring this form with you.
➤ Park website: El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve
➤ Bring: Medical form completed, lunch, water, a sit-upon for lunch, warm layers and poles if you use them, sun protection, and a sparkling personality for the potluck if you’re staying.
➤ Safety: A safety meeting will be held before the hike begins. You hike at your own risk. The nearest EMS is located at San Mateo Fire Station 58, 2.8 mile south on CA35. In case of emergency, call 911.
➤ Sierra Club Guidelines: We encourage responsible hiking practices, adhering to Leave No Trace principles to minimize our impact on the environment. Neither vaccinations nor masks are required.
These hikes are sponsored by the Sierra Pathfinders an outings section of the Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter. We encourage you to join the Sierra Club if you are not a member. For a list of all hikes offered by Sierra Club's Loma Prieta Chapter, please visit the online calendar.
