Energetic Hikers Age 60+

Please arrive before 9:00am. It means that we will take off at 9:00am for hiking. Don’t forget to change to NO and update, or post your message if you have changed your mind after you made your RSVP. You may also call or text to the hike leader in the last minute. You will find the phone number in this event page. It will be helpful if your hike leader has your mobile phone number in the Contacts so that you are not an unknown caller/sender who may be ignored.

This hike is about 5.5 miles for those who want to hike more than the Shorter Hike, and less than the Longer Hike, or who want to add more distances per week, or who want to try as a transitional hike from Shorter Hike to Longer Hike. Either one of OPTIONS is available.

OPTION ONE: We hike on entire Restoration Way and skip Bosque Trail. Overall long gradual ascents and descents as well as flat terrain, and no steep climbing. The combined elevation change is 600+ feet.

OPTION TWO: We skip outer loop of Restoration Way and hike on Mill Pass, then Bosque Trail. Long gradual ascents and descents as well as flat terrains. In addition, there are challenging steep ups and downs. The combined elevation change is 700+ feet.

The hike is mostly portions of the Longer Hike, or a shorter version of modified Longer Hike. The trails are rocky with exposed tree roots. We hike at brisk pace. A not fast and not slow hike is expected. Our average speed is about 2+ miles per hour. Good hiking shoes/boots are suitable. Bring water (A MUST), and snacks if you like. If you need to contact the event host, please call Alicia at (512) 497-3884.

This hike is not suitable for beginners. If you are not sure about your fitness level, please try the Shorter Hike, and find it out. You should be fine if you are comfortable with the Shorter Hike without difficulty, and able to keep up with the group’s pace. But it’s not an easy hike for very beginners.

Note: You are in the wilderness once you left the trail head.

Water requirements for Intermediate Hike during hot summer months:
To avoid dehydrations, every average size hiker must carry and consume 1 liters (2 bottles) of water or more (adjust to your body size) while hiking. Please understand that we are seniors who are more susceptible to heat and dehydration, and we need to take precautions to avoid emergency situations. Not drinking sufficient water your body needs while hiking is the cause of heat exhaustion, and you can prevent it.

♦️ Please answer LIABILITY agreement in your profile page if you have not done so.♦️

We plan to hike the 5.5 mile Loop Trail which leads to a wonderful view of the park. Of course if you have not been here before, or even if you have, the short walk to view the parks namesake waterfall is strongly recommended.
YOU WILL GET WET FEET! The Loop hike will involve making a low water crossing so please bring water shoes and a towel to dry your feet before changing back into your hiking boots. Bring plenty of water and a snack or lunch.
Please meet at the entrance/headquarters and we will go from there to the parking area.
The park is located approximately 76 miles from downtown San Antonio. Car pooling is strongly recommended, the less vehicles the better. Entry to the park is free with a Texas Park Pass for everyone in the car or $6 per person without. You can register on the park website for entry to save time and guarantee entrance.
Unfortunately the camping areas at the Park are closed so I will NOT be camping as was originally planned.
PLEASE NOTE: Depending on conditions and weather I may change the hike to the Madrone Trail/Juniper Ridge Trail, it is also lovely. I will post any updates.
Also, the hike may not end exactly on time. I would recommend having no other plans for the rest of the day.

Please arrive before 9:00am. It means that we will take off at 9:00am for hiking. Don’t forget to change to NO and update, or post your message if you have changed your mind after you made your RSVP. You may also call or text to the hike leader in the last minute. You will find the phone number in this event page. It will be helpful if your hike leader has your mobile phone number in the Contacts so that you are not an unknown caller/sender who may be ignored.

This hike is perfect for Shorter Hike hikers who want to challenge, but who think the Intermediate Hike is too long. Also the hike is for any hikers who want to add more miles per week in addition to other hike.

This is a challenging 3.5 mile hike for Shorter Hike hikers. We hike on Water Trail and skip Juniper Barrens (lower portion). Then we will go up a long gradual ascent on Main Trail, and continue to portions of Intermediate/Longer hikes with steep uphills/downhills which are good for cardio workout with more elevation gain/loss than the other Shorter Hike. The trails are rocky in addition to exposed tree roots, and mostly shaded under trees. Our average speed is about less than 2 miles per hour with about 500+ feet of combined elevation gain. A not fast and not slow hike is expected. We will take a short sit down trailside rest for snacking. Good hiking shoes/boots are suitable. A hiking pole may be helpful on steep hills. You should be fine if you are comfortable with the other Shorter Hike without difficulty, and able to keep up with the group’s pace. If you are having difficulties with the other Shorter Hike, this hike is not recommended. Bring snacks if you like, and water (MUST). If you need to contact the event host, please call or text Ikuko at 210-241-9692.

We’ll have one or two sit down rest stops. If you don’t like to sit directly on the rocks, bring something to sit on.

Note: You are in the wilderness once you left the trail head.

Water requirements for Shorter Hike during hot summer months:
To avoid dehydrations, every average size hiker must carry and consume a half-liter (1 bottle) of water or more (adjust to your body size) while hiking. Please understand that we are seniors who are more susceptible to heat and dehydration, and we need to take precautions to avoid emergency situations. Not drinking sufficient water your body needs while hiking is the cause of heat exhaustion, and you can prevent it.

♦️ Please answer LIABILITY agreement in your profile page if you have not done so.♦️

Please arrive before 9:00am. It means that we will take off at 9:00am for hiking. Don’t forget to change to NO and update, or post your message if you have changed your mind after you made your RSVP. You may also call or text to the hike leader in the last minute. You will find the phone number in this event page. It will be helpful if your hike leader has your mobile phone number in the Contacts so that you are not an unknown caller/sender who may be ignored.

This hike is scheduled on Friday when no other hiking event takes place.

This Slower Intermediate Hike (about 5.5 miles) is not intended for faster hikers. The hike is for those who want to spend time on observing surroundings, enjoying vistas, taking photos, etc. Our average speed is about less than 2 miles per hour which is neither slow nor fast, but slower than Monday hike. If you think Monday hike is too fast, this hike is for you.

OPTION A: We hike on entire Restoration Way and skip Bosque Trail. No steep climbing. 600+ feet of combined elevation gain.

OPTION B: We skip outer loop of Restoration Way and hike on Mill Pass, then Bosque Trail. There are challenging steep ups and downs. 700+ feet of combined elevation change.

OPTION C: Take Mill Pass to Restoration Way and go up until T-section of Encino Pass and go down to Mill Pass. From here we go to opposite direction to Restoration Way and hike up to Vista Loop to Upland and Main Loop. About 680 feet of combined elevation gain.

The trails are rocky with exposed tree roots. Long gradual ascents and descents as well as flat terrains. Good hiking shoes/boots are suitable. Bring water (A MUST), and snacks if you like. If you need to contact the event host, please call Ikuko at 210-241-9692.

This hike is not suitable for beginners. If you are not sure about your fitness level, please try the Shorter Hike, and find it out. You should be fine if you are comfortable with the Shorter Hike without difficulty, and able to keep up with the group’s pace. But it’s not an easy hike for very beginners.

Note: You are in the wilderness once you left the trail head.

Water requirements for Intermediate Hike during hot summer months:
To avoid dehydrations, every average size hiker must carry and consume 1 liters (2 bottles) of water or more (adjust to your body size) while hiking. Please understand that we are seniors who are more susceptible to heat and dehydration, and we need to take precautions to avoid emergency situations. Not drinking sufficient water your body needs while hiking is the cause of heat exhaustion, and you can prevent it.

♦️ Please answer LIABILITY agreement in your profile page if you have not done so.♦️