Suggested Groups near Petaluma, CA

Senior Walkabouters & Adventure Group "SWAG"

Santa Rosa, CA

2021 Covid update:  Fully vaccinated members may want to bring a mask to the hike and wear it when encountering someone whose vaccination status is in question. Any member or guest not vaccinated must always wear a mask. 

SWAG had its beginning in April 2012 when our original leader, Wendy realized it was time for her and many of us to either get in shape or back into shape. And what better way to do that than walking and/or hiking? We started with about 10 people and have grown to over 100 at the time of this writing.

We are a fun group of people who enjoy getting out and doing things together whether it be walking, hiking or any other adventure anyone can think of. It is a great way to get some exercise in, learn more about the local parks in the area and make some truly fantastic friendships along the way.

As most of you know there are a number of hiking groups in this area.  We have several hike leaders and a variety of hikes posted. If you are concerned about your fitness level please read the description of the hike or ask questions if details are not posted about the elevation, trail surface and distance. Nyla's hikes are about 4 miles but sometimes include hills up to 500 ft (Foothill, Shiloh). Kebbie generally has longer hikes with more elevation around 800 or 1000 ft.

By signing up for this hike, you agree to the following:

You recognize that there are risks associated with participating in group hikes and assume full responsibility for personal injury. You agree to indemnify and release from liability the leaders of this group against all claims, causes of action, damages, judgments, costs or expenses, including attorney fees which may arise.

As with most groups there are rules:

Membership: Membership is $3.00 per year -- due within 30 days of signup may be paid online via credit card. Message me if you need to mail the dues.  Dues cover the cost of SWAG’s annual fee to 'Meet-Up' and a portion goes to the payment system.

About Attending Events:

1. All events start at the time indicated. We may wait a few minutes if someone knows you are coming but don't count on it (out of fairness to others) as they have planned their schedule to be on time.

2. Please make sure that you click “Yes” to RSVP so the leader knows who and how many will be attending.

3. If you find that you will not be able to attend after stating that you will attend, please change your RSVP to “No” – even if that is at the last minute.

4. There will be many events posted that you either cannot attend or do not want to attend. That is perfectly alright. But please, you DO NOT have to RSVP No if you do not plan on attending. Just delete the email invitation.

5. Please read the descriptions of the hikes. If there are hills and you cannot do hills for whatever reason it is probably best to not RSVP. 

6. Remember that everyone accepts responsibility for themselves. This means knowing and accepting your capabilities; wearing proper clothing; bringing your own water and snacks.

7. Please check the website prior to the event in case there are any changes. This is especially important during bad weather or fire season.

8. Note regarding personal responsibility. If you decide to attend the Senior Walkabout Adventure Group you are responsible for your own safety. Leaders, organizers and other hikers are regular community members like yourselves not experts and they are not liable for any injury that you may sustain while attending or hiking with the group.

We do not charge per event. However, there may be times in which you might be required to pay for parking or an entrance fee due to the venue. Those fees are paid directly to the venue.

Please note that the leaders and organizers are all volunteers. They are not paid and most do not have any training in leading hikes. If you have a problem with any leader please do not comment on that event page. Instead please message Nyla and let her know of the situation that took place.

Now...let's get that SWAG going...

183 members · Public

North Bay Fun And Social (30’s And 40’s)

Santa Rosa, CA

Hello new friends!

Let’s enjoy what Sonoma County and the surrounding areas has to offer! The possibilities are endless! We will do trivia, wine tasting, volunteering, picnics, or a day at the river...And so much more. This is a group for guys and gals, single or married, in your 30s or 40s that like to get out and explore, all while having fun and meeting new people. Have an idea for a meet up? Let me know!

I look forward to getting to know you all.

252 members · Private

Sonoma County Wanderers

Santa Rosa, CA

Welcome to The Wanderers! You have just discovered Sonoma County's most active hiking group! We love to hike...during the week, the afternoon, the weekend and even by the light of the full moon! If you love to hike, you have just found your new home! But the most important part of this message is to FIND A HIKE and sign up...NOW! I've found that the newcomers that jump right in and start hiking are the ones that become a strong part of our Wanderer hiking community.

We are about the journey as well as the destination.  We are striving to meet the hikers that fall into the middle zone...people that enjoy moderate mileage with moderate altitude gain with a challenge thrown in occasionally at a moderate pace!    We are a group that wants to explore and constantly include new hikes while doing our favorites on a regular basis.   Although we have members as young as 12, most of our members fall in the 45-70 year old range.

Our outings will normally be in the 5-14 mile range. We are looking for people that are looking to improve their fitness level or are maintaining their current level. If you are a moderate hiker that is hiking frequently you will find our hikes quite enjoyable. If you are a new hiker or have recently just got back to hiking then our pace might be challenging for you at first until you fully get back into wandering on the trails. We do average a speed of 2.5-3.0 mph and we keep going. We wait at trail junctions and those of you in the front will have to wait and those of you in the rear will find that the group starts off when you are safely within sight.  Oh and YES, there will be altitude gain included in almost every hike. You will need to be comfortable and happy with walking uphill.  You also will need to be steady on your feet for the down hills.  Once again, we stop briefly to keep the group together from time to time but we do keep going with the exception of our lunch/snack break.  

A word of caution-if you haven't been hiking regularly you will need to give yourself some time and consistent participation to be comfortable with the group's pace. Most people that start with us think our pace of 2.5-3.0 is fast until they have completed 4-5 hikes.  Don't get discouraged after one hike. A common comment I get from new hikers is that they didn't have time to enjoy the scenery. Trust me....as you continue with the group, you will find yourself being very comfortable with the pace and will fully enjoy the scenery.  

Our group size is limited so please DO NOT sign up for a hike unless you are 100% sure you will be there. If you cancel last minute (after 5pm the preceding day) or are a no-show then we will need to excuse you from the group. If you take a spot, that means that someone else is not able to hike. Make sure to show up!

We are about hiking. If you are into plant, mushroom, scat or bad mood studies then this group is not for you. Although we love pictures and encourage photographs, if you are having a hard time staying with the group, you will need to let others take the photos until you find yourself able to keep up.

I'm not a professional hiker or guide and I don't have specialized training in first aid so I need to hold everyone completely responsible for their own safety and well-being. What I do have is a love of the outdoors and a desire to be there..whenever possible. I also have knowledge of many local hikes and am ALWAYS exploring new ones! Come join me and we will simply enjoy this gorgeous area that we live in, find new adventures, laugh, talk and probably learn something new every hike while making new friends.

Please don't get discouraged if the first couple of hikes seem hard. Just keep on joining in. If there is one thing I know, the fun, health benefits and confidence arrive in spades, with repetition.

Happy Trails!

Leigh

P.S. We are hiking under covid conditions so bring a mask and be prepared to step off the trail to maintain a distance from others. You are responsible for your own health and safety during COVID conditions.

2367 members · Private

Sonoma County Millennials

Santa Rosa, CA

Are you a Sonoma County-based millennial? Are you looking for new friends and fun? Join us!

We are a group of millennials with birth years ranging from 1981-1996 who live predominately in the Sonoma County area. Our events accommodate a variety of interests and a wide range of budgets. Favorites of the past include: beach days, trivia, bowling parties, game nights, and pub crawls.

We have a stellar group of organizers who are always ready to plan the next great event, but if you want to host an event or have an amazing idea of your own, don't hesitate to reach out!

To review the Sonoma County Millennials Bylaws, please visit: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Frt_KVHB3yyC0DS-huhBxr5v_Gmf-5V5/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=101914433092702063991&rtpof=true&sd=true

598 members · Private

Bed to Shred, Biking in The Greater SF Bay Area & Beyond!

San Rafael, CA

We're a group of acoustic mountain bikers, road cyclists, and gravel grinders (SORRY, NO EBIKES). Grab your bike and come roll with us so long as it's purely human powered, in good working order, terrain appropriate, and you can wield it. We'll also offer occasional get fit off the bike opportunities that level up your on the bike time as well as create that innate musculoskeletal protection, via mobility, flexibility, stability, & strength training, to help keep you better protected!

I’m a bike enthusiast, strength and fitness coach, yoga & pilates instructor, bodyworker, and more who’s on a journey to improve my bike skills and fitness, as well as use the bike to continue to restore my health and well being. When the group fills out and has regular dependable attendees the plan is to put together weekend bike adventures. The aim is for all of us average Joes and Janes and the more gifted to support one another to shred on year after year, after decade, on and on! Additionally the hope is to put together weekend bike adventures.Therefore a target is for this to be an active group. We’ll offer both small and the whole enchilada group rides for MTB & road. To encourage active participation and cover the cost of this group there’s a small yearly fee. In order to hold us accountable there's a penalty for no shows. It's an honor system--true emergencies and illness are valid excuses that won't incur a penalty so long as you let us know and remove your name from the RSVP. First cancellation is a freebie. Habitual no showers will be dropped from the group. Window lickers will be dropped from the group. Excluding illnesses, emergencies, and other valid long term absences such as temporarily out of state, etc, those with unexplained long term absences will result in being dropped from the group if you've not made any rides in a quarter and didn’t make an effort to let us know you’ll be away temporarily. It’s all about accountability…we’re here to ride, right, so let’s make it happen!

Do you've a great place to ride...let us know and we'll try and get it on the calendar. Have a time you prefer to ride, but we don't offer that time...if you're willing to be the ride leader let's make it happen, drop us a DM.

Road cycling: safety first, please always have a headlight & red flashing taillight.

Mountain Biking: if the scheduled ride’s w/in 2hrs of sunset it’s advised you have a flood/bar light & spot/helmet light even if it’s expected we’ll be done before dark.

Ideally have a trail app or map of the area. I usually know where I’m going, but say you inadvertently take a wrong turn and no one noticed. You’ll appreciate you’ve a trail app/map; better safe than sorry, although someone’ll eventually come looking for you!! With that if you decide to intentionally separate from the group please let the ride leader know so the calvary isn’t sent out searching for you.

Are you up for carpooling or caravanning to a particular ride? If so, please post in the discussion area of the specific ride you’re interested in. Include relevant details such as: if you’re iso a ride or can drive; rack capacity; where you can meet; and any details you feel are important to you.

FYI: IF no one’s RSVP 24hrs before a scheduled ride, said ride, without notice, MIGHT change in time &or location. Some RSVPs will close BEFORE the day of the event. If you’re n the fence, get off the damn fence and on your bike 😁

30 members · Private

CAC Outings

Mill Valley, CA

This is a group for the Members of the California Alpine Club to communicate about the club outings. Contact the Outings Coordinator for access to this Meet Up Site.

344 members · Private

NorCal Active

Rohnert Park, CA

Northern California is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts: mountains, beaches, trails, rivers, lakes and vineyards. Let's take advantage of all it has to offer! This group is for active people who enjoy exploring and meeting fellow adventurers. Hiking will be the primary focus. Other events may include fitness walking, paddling, ice skating, snow sports, camping, or cycling. As a bonus, we may enjoy a picnic or restaurant visit after. The goal is to create a fun, social experience in nature for members to enjoy, including some time to snap some pics. Event times and lengths will vary, weekdays and weekends - whenever my schedule permits. I try to host a few each month. After work hikes are seasonal, contingent on daylight. During the rainy season, I don't schedule far in advance to maximize opportunities for waterfalls, snow, and springtime wildflowers.

I volunteer for both California State Parks and Napa Open Space District and might mix in some trail work days - it's rewarding to give back. :)

GROUP GUIDELINES: 1) I prefer to use a smaller group setting for events; I find it's more enjoyable for everyone this way. There will often be waitlists, and I don't allow +1s, unless you message me directly with a request. 2) If you need to cancel, please update the RSVP on the event page or contact me. Even last-minute cancellations are okay as long as you follow this. I will remove members who are consistently no-shows. 3) These are group events and the group is expected to stay together. If we get separated, the protocol is to wait at trail junctions. 4) For safety, please ensure you are fit enough for the event hosted. 5) Cost is free! There are no member dues for this group.

If you love the outdoors, please join us in enjoying the beauty of Northern California!

255 members · Private

Sonoma County Go Wild Hikers

Santa Rosa, CA

Take a walk (or hike) on the wild side! Enjoy many of our beautiful local parks, get exercise, view native plants and wildlife, and meet other friendly local people. The Go Wild hikes are a great way to support your wellness on all levels. Getting moving outdoors is one of the best prescriptions for health and happiness. We're about creating a group environment in which our fellow hikers can connect and enjoy each other’s company in a friendly, courteous and supportive manner. It’s as much about the hikers as it is about the hikes. 

The hikes are usually 4-9 miles in length and are appropriate for intermediate-level hikers. Some are appropriate for beginner-level hikers depending on their fitness level. Hikers who are out of practice or out of shape should read hike descriptions carefully and be aware of their fitness level before signing up. 

If your plans change after you sign up, please update your RSVP. This is a courtesy to the group and leaves room for others who want to attend.

Cost: $5 suggested donation. No one turned away!

It is essential that we respect each other in the hiking community and the world. 

**Please refrain from using Any scented products the day of a group hike! This includes cologne, perfume, aftershave etc..  Symptoms of fragrance sensitivity can include headaches, nausea, and a skin allergy like contact dermatitis, which causes redness, itching, and burning. Watery, itching, burning, and red eyes; sneezing; runny nose; and congestion are also common.

*Remember to wear appropriate hiking shoes, bring plenty of water, a snack and layered clothing.

*Of course we will all look out for each other but ultimately, hikers are responsible for their own safety and well-being during hikes.

WHAT TO BRING:

• Wear appropriate comfortable hiking shoes

• Bring sunscreen and dress appropriate to the weather

• Plenty of water and snacks for longer hikes

• Money for parking (if applicable) and suggested donation

YOUR GUIDE: I (Zoli) became organizer in June 2019. I'm a long time members of the Go Wild Hikers. I've enjoyed many of their hikes over the years. Kristi Bowman announced in May 2019, that she and Tony would no longer lead the hikes. Now it's Go Wild 3.0 lead by me, Zoli Somogyi. I welcome all constructive feedback as this wouldn't be a group without you.

NOTE ON DOGS:  Dogs are not allowed on many of the local trails. We ask that you please leave your 4-legged, furry friends at home for the group hikes, unless otherwise specified. Thank you! 

2285 members · Public

Let's Go, Golden Girls! Fun & Friendship for Women 50+

Santa Rosa, CA

For Sonoma County women 50+ to enjoy social activities in small groups, make new friends, and have fun! Join others for events and activities and organize your own adventures. Connect with others who share your interests and enjoy new experiences.

We encourage each member to organize at least one event every six months, so that activities include things YOU want to do, and so it's not always the same people organizing events. Expect lots of events to choose from! Whether you enjoy gallery browsing, jazz concerts, bird watching, action films, kayaking, trying new brunch spots, tide pooling, visiting the DeYoung, or exploring shops in Sonoma, you'll find others who want to join you.

As we venture out in these uncertain times, we'll ask that all members be vaccinated and agree to wear a mask when appropriate. Outings will be limited to groups of eight or less, both for safety and to encourage getting acquainted.

BTW, this group is not a good place to promote classes, workshops, coaching, consulting, services, etc.

Ready to have some fun?

29 members · Public

Mindfull Hikes

Santa Rosa, CA

The purpose of this group is to allow people to feel a balance of solitude and togetherness in nature. Along with moments of silence, the hike will also provide ample time for conversation and connection with others. 

We will hike at a moderate pace and take moments to stop and observe our surroundings. You don't need to be an elite athlete to join our hikes, but we do expect a certain amount of fitness to climb hills and to hike the mileage and altitude listed for the hike. 

803 members · Public

Sea and Mountain Hiking Meetup

Petaluma, CA

Welcome to our group! We are a group of outgoing friendly hikers We enjoy hiking in the local bay area, mostly North Bay. Our hikes tend to be between 10 to 16 miles, at a faster pace and more strenuous. Most hikes will start early sometimes at 7 am, 8 am or 9 am. We usually are done by early afternoon or noon so that you can get more done on the weekends. Early AM start times also help with social distancing and to allow time to accomplish more later in the day. 

Please plan to stay with the group and complete the per-determined route. Do not go so far and then take others with you to do your own route and then splitting up the group. If you are sick or injured and need to leave prior to the end of the hike please let the leader know and then you can hike out alone or with one other friend.

For most hikes the pace is around 2.75 to 3 mph. All of the hikes will have elevation gain; some more so than others. We are faster than a lot of other meetups (unless the discription says slower)so please be prepared for a workout, but it is great fun. We urge people to use their energy to keep up. If you find that our pace is too fast I recommend going on one of the slower paced hikes that my husband will lead. 

I describe the hikes as Moderate or Strenuous. Moderate hikes are less than 10 miles and only one uphill with gentle grade. A strenuous hike can have 2 up hills or one very steep uphill and is usually more than 10 miles with the exception of Taylor Mountain.

I also plan road trips which include hiking and camping in a specific location such as the Pinnacles or Mount Lassen, Crescent city area, the Sierras, or Mendocino county. 

Things to remember: please wait at all junctions. If you can't make it to a hike please RSVP yourself out more than 24 hours prior to the event. If you do not show up but do not change your RSVP to no you will be removed from the group. I have to wait list people now and it is unfair to people on the waitlist if others take a spot but don't show up. We start on time out of respect for the people who show up so please leave early from home to allow for things like traffic. If you RSVP for a hike please show up or take your self out so that someone else on the waitlist can get in 24 hours or more prior to the hike.

Happy Trails!

1070 members · Private

WOMEN'S CIRCLE OF FRIENDS

Santa Rosa, CA

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS: WOMEN IN LIFE, LAUGHTER, AND CONVERSATION. 

This is a friendship group for those who want to build relationships with positive, conscientious women.  Our activities may include walks, movies, road trips, comedy, music, art, museums, theater, dining out.

Conversation Circles:  When the weather is good, we will meet at local parks for walks, picnics, and conversation circles. Our conversations will often just be social but I might also suggest a topic ahead of time so we can take a deep dive into a (non political) subject. During more structured conversations, I will act a moderator to ensure all voices are heard and to ensure we remain positive and thoughtful.  BRING A CHAIR!  

229 members · Public

Meet in the Middle Hikers

Santa Rosa, CA

Want to go on 9 to 12(ish) mile adventures with a group fun and easy going people/hikers from Sonoma and Marin Counties? Then this is the group for you. We will be leading different hikes from the Sonoma Coast to Marin (and maybe occasionally Napa or the East Bay) with some occasional camping and kayaking trips on the agenda. Please note we are a relatively fast paced group usually moving at a 3 mile per hour pace, unless it's really hot and the hike is really strenuous in which case we are closer to 2.5 miles/hour.

Also, please note that when you see a large # of RSVPs for a hike (i.e. 15-17) we won't actually ever have a group of that size on the day of the hike. We generally end up with between 8-12 people on our hike days. So don't be intimidated by the group size you may see on some hikes :). Also, if a hike is 'full' it is almost guaranteed that if you get on the waiting list, you'll be added before the hike as people always cancel in the week and days before a hike!

326 members · Private

Marin and The City

Sausalito, CA

Music, Mix & Mingle

Would you like the opportunity to get out socially in and around Marin and San Francisco and do fun activities?

If you're looking for ways to meet more people, or looking for that special someone, it's always fun to get out and socialize with others. We have one of the most active Meetup groups in the area, so if you're interested in getting together for drinks, dinners, movies, wine tastings, whale watching, sailing, hiking, dancing and other activities, this is the group for you!

Feel free to suggest events - we're always on the lookout for new ideas!  We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event!  We have both indoor and outdoor events, and try to have something for everyone.

A photo is required so that Organizers can recognize you at events.  It should be face-recognizable!  Organizers often record attendance, and we don't want you to be missed and labeled a no-show.

No-Show Policies: If you RSVP that you are attending an event, that is a promise that you are attending the event in person.  This is especially important for things like restaurant reservations and small-group gatherings.  No-shows are often removed from the group when an Organizer is taking attendance at the event.

3917 members · Public

Spirit of Adventure

Santa Rosa, CA

Welcome to Spirit of Adventure. We are a group of outdoor enthusiasts in Northern California and the San Francisco Bay Area who enjoy things like rock climbing, cave exploring, hiking, backpacking, whitewater rafting and kayaking, ice climbing, mountaineering, skiing and hang gliding/paragliding. If it's in the outdoors and adventurous, we enjoy it. We enjoy frequent trips, great friendships and lots of laughter. We welcome everyone from beginners to the experienced. Our trips are generally planned to introduce people to the outdoors as well as giving experienced adventurists a place to gather.  If our trips do not specify that they are for experienced people, everyone is invited.  If you are a beginner, you are welcome to participate.  Furthermore, we welcome new leaders and people whose experience allows them to teach their skills to others.  

Note that we are not professionals or guides so everyone must be personally responsible for their safety and well-being. Yet it is our goal to combine knowledge of the activity, proper equipment and enough planning to make safety our highest goal. Nevertheless, accidents can happen. Personal responsibility is mandatory. By participating in our events, you agree not hold the leaders or members responsible for your safety. You don't have to be in great physical shape to participate. However, you should not have any health issues that would prevent you from enjoying physical exertion. As you enjoy various adventures with us, you will enjoy the feeling of getting in shape.

Please sign up with your full name.  Our sign up process is partly a legal release form.  

 Among our goals is to enjoy a group where we can have good adventures friends. We operate on consensus and democratically, rather than around a single leader. We value positive communications among members and avoid gossip. We welcome your participation and your outdoor gifts. 

3274 members · Public

Quest Novato Hiking Group

Novato, CA

This group is for anyone interested in hiking and acquiring new friendships. All skill levels are welcome. Easy and moderately difficult hikes will be scheduled. We will hike local Novato and Marin County trails. We look forward to exploring the outdoors with everyone.

116 members · Public

North Bay Millennials

Napa, CA

The North Bay Millennials welcome all social 20- to 30-somethings who enjoy meeting like-minded people. Events are primarily in Napa, Sonoma and Solano Counties, but our group is open to people from all areas. Join us for happy hours, music festivals, hiking, trivia/game nights and more. We look forward to hanging out!

1827 members · Public

Marin Mountain Biking

Mill Valley, CA

The Marin MTB meetup is open to everyone who is interested in joining for some rides.  There are members from all levels of mountain biking and we welcome members to set up a ride whenever/wherever they like.  If you are going to ride anyways and don’t mind company, why not post a ride.

Mostly small group rides that happen in Marin as well as many other great locations (Santa Rosa, Fairfax, Santa Cruz, Tahoe, and beyond).  Feel free to join us for a ride or set up your own ride and meet some new mountain bikers.

78 members · Public

Potlatch

San Francisco, CA

Potlatch is holding Pitch and Q&A sessions with investors every weekday!

534 members · Public