Geo-hike Big Sur

TRIP IS FULL AS OF JUNE 21, 2026. THE FACILITY HAS LIMITED SPACE. SEVERAL FOLKS HAVE CONTACTED ME DIRECTLY ABOUT ATTENDING AND THERE ARE OTHERS ON THE POSTED WAIT LIST. I'LL TRY TO RUN A 2D TRIP IN 2026.

We will be hiking and discussing geology, flora, and fauna along the Big Sur coastline. The Geologic Maps Foundation has a reservation at the UC Big Creek Reserve for 4 days and 3 nights. Reserve is located just north of Limekiln State Park and Lopez Point. Our plan is to hike the trails within the Reserve and coastal trails near the Reserve. Hikes could be as much as 8 miles roundtrip with ~2,000 ft elevation gain. You will need to be in good hiking shape.

THE COST OF THE TRIP IS $270.00. INITIALLY, THERE IS A WAIT LIST AND THE GROUP SIZE WILL BE SMALL (6-7 PARTICIPANTS). MEMBERS THAT HIKE WITH GEO-HIKES FREQUENTLY WILL HAVE PRIORITY TO ATTEND THIS EVENT.

We will not be camping-out but staying in the Whale Point Researcher Cabin that overlooks Big Creek canyon at five hundred feet elevation at the end of Highlands Ridge. Cabin has a fully functional kitchen, indoor flush toilet, and outdoor shower. There are three bedrooms with six single and two double beds plus loft space for sleeping pads. Three tent spaces outside the cabin. I plan to sleep in the bed of my truck so there should be plenty of room and privacy for six of us to attend. You will need to bring and prepare all your meals, including preparing lunch for the field. There will be at least one dinner at a restaurant along Highway 1 and possibly a lunch too, so bring cash or credit card for dining out.

If you are moved from the waitlist to going, you will need to email me, ASAP, your full name, email address, and vehicle color, make, year, and license plate number, if you plan on driving (send to geologicmapsfoundation@gmail.com) and state the trip you are on. If I do not receive this info you will be removed from the trip. Also, I need your email to send additional information and UC Waivers.

You will need to bring a sleeping bag (or blankets), sheet to cover the mattress, pillow, your personal hygiene stuff, don't forget a towel; plus your hiking gear: boots, hiking clothes (short pants are not a good option given there is poison oak here and there), water bottles, and a flashlight or headlamp. There is good Wi-Fi, but the cell coverage is spotty. I recommend checking the weather before the trip and being prepared for cool-foggy nights, warm days, and lots of sun. This area has poison oak, but bad reactions can be avoided with proper caution.

This is a fund raiser for the nonprofit GMF (Geologic Maps Foundation), www.geologicmapsfoundation.org. GMF is a 501 (c) (3) organization and donations are tax deductible. Cost is $270.00/person for 3 days and 2 nights payable by check to the Geologic Maps Foundation at the start of the event (please do not forget your check). GMF is a 100% volunteer effort with no employees. Donations pay for event expenses (in this case the facility) and GMF operating costs. Please read the cancellation policy.

DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY (IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY)
The hike host is a volunteer and not responsible for the group. Safety should be a priority for everyone in the group. Please treat this meet-up as hiking with a group of friends. If you become fatigued and unable to continue the hike, it is expected you will advise the hike host of this and return to our starting point on your own. If you can proceed, it is expected that you will always maintain line of sight with other members of the group and help to promote the group’s safety and fitness goals.
Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Geo-hikes Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained leaders, and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions.
If you choose to sign up for this or any Geo-hikes Meetup event, you are releasing the Geo-hikes Meetup Group and its organizers from all liability in case of injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.
No one under 18 years of age will be allowed to go to this event and dogs are not allowed at the UC Big Creek Reserve.