What we’re about
✨PRIORITIZE FITNESS & FUN IN 2025✨
PLEASE READ ALL OF THE "ABOUT" AND PLEASE ADD AN IDENTIFYING PHOTO OF YOURSELF IN ORDER TO BE APPROVED FOR MEMBERSHIP (NO FEES OR DUES, EVER).
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PURPOSE
The purpose of this group is to make available hiking and walking activities locally and in other nearby locations for new and experienced persons to enjoy and feel safe on the trail as a group. Most hikes are local, weekly and average 2-3 hours, so it's convenient, won't take up the entire day and you’ll get your STEPS IN!
Meetup Hiking groups are a terrific way to get out of the house, be active and make new friends, especially after the covid lockdowns and the rise in computer use and social media, which lacks actually bringing people together physically.
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SCOPE
Local, surrounding areas and some out of area hikes are scouted and scheduled. Many are noted as “Stroller Friendly” or “Dog Friendly”.
South Orange County hikes have averaged about 5-7 miles 2-3 hours. Longer hikes are scheduled at Casper Wilderness, Cleveland National Forest, and others out of area, 8-15 miles with elevation gain from 800-2400+.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY MORNINGS, INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED INTERMEDIATE HIKES
- Saturday Hikes 3X Per Month & Sunday Hikes 1X Per Month
- Intermediate Local Hikes on Saturdays, 5-6 miles, approximately 700-1000 feet or less of elevation gain.
- Advanced Intermediate & Out-of-Area Hikes on Sundays, 7-15 miles, approximately 800-2400(+) feet of elevation gain. The longer the distance, the elevation gain will be more moderate.
WEDNESDAY MORNINGS, BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE HIKES
- Beginner/Intermediate Hikes Wednesday Mornings, 5-6 miles, Flat to 900 feet or less of elevation gain.
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RESPONSIBILITY
It is the responsibility of Myself, the Leadership Team and all Members to practice safe trail habits and respect others in order to make the hikes enjoyable and fun. Bring witty humor, “Dad jokes”, amusing anecdotes, knowledge of birds and trail critters, or other trail knowledge.
Sincerely,
Christine "Likes Chrysathemums"
Feature photo: Colinas Bluff 2023, by Christine
Upcoming events
8
324-Laurel Canyon Trail from Willow Staging Area, Laguna Beach, 6 Mi, 8:30 AM
Laguna Coast Wilderness - Willow Staging Area, Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, CA, USLaurel Canyon Trail from Willow Staging Area, Laguna Beach, 6 Mi, apprx 700-800 feet of elevation gain, 8:30 AM
Sorry, no dogs.Park at Willow Staging Area, off Laguna Canyon Road, $3 parking fee.
This is becoming a favorite because of the beautiful Sycamore and Willow trees throughout the hike. Emoji Rock can be seen from two points and is also a favorite part of among more beautiful rock formations. Many options on this trail, I’ve yet to trek right up to Emoji Rock, which can be added at the end of the hike.
Feature Image from Visit Laguna Beach
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Release Statement: Outdoor sports and activities are rewarding and pleasant, but there are certain dangers you should be reminded of, such as accidental injury, that simply happen in life. Practicing safety is priority.
By signing up for events in this Meetup group, you assume the risks of the outing and agree to release the organization, the event organizer and other participants from claims for any and all injuries or other losses sustained during any event.3 attendees
325-Colinas Bluff, Laguna Niguel, Bring a Painted Rock, 6 Miles, 8:30 AM
30211 Golden Lantern, Laguna Niguel, CA, USCOLINAS BLUFF - To Peppertree, Bring a Painted Rock (optional), 5-7 Mi, 8:30 AM
MEET: 30211 Golden Lantern, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
(Marina Hills Drive and Golden Lantern)
MEET AT THE PATIO NEXT TO STARBUCKS
DOG FRIENDLY!REPEATS
THE FIRST SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH, Three Route Choices, mix/alt:- Peppertree to Rock Snake
- To Big Hill and Back
- Pass Big Hill to Ocean View and Back
The hike is 2.5 hours, (600-800 feet elevation gain). Three Alternatives are to the Big Hill, past the Big Hill to Ocean View or down to the Rock Snake on Peppertree.
On the Bluff Trail, the first 2 miles~ish the trail has slight gain and is alongside residential. It's a beautiful dirt trail with epic views of the surrounding area, Santiago Peak and I-5. Peppertree Alt at about mile 2 goes downhill, switchbacks then up a slightly steep dirt lot. To or past the Big Hill has an option to go around the Big Hill, hiker’s choice, we still can come back together within 10 minutes and proceed to Ocean View.
PLEASE BRING:
- 1-2 LITERS OF WATER
- HAT AND SUNSCREEN
- WEAR SHOES OR BOOTS WITH GOOD TREAD
- A Painted Rock if you desire :)Colinas Bluff Trail (Ridge)
Jeff Hester of SocCalHiker has a great review:
https://socalhiker.net/hiking-colinas-bluff-trail/Colinas Bluff Trail (Ridge) - AllTrails
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/colinas-ridge-trailLaguna Heights Marketplace (Meet at Starbucks!)
https://www.facebook.com/LagunaHeightsMarketplace/——————————————————-
Release Statement: Outdoor sports and activities are rewarding and pleasant, but there are certain dangers you should be reminded of, such as accidental injury, that simply happen in life. Practicing safety is priority.By signing up for events in this Meetup group, you assume the risks of the outing and agree to release the organization, the event organizer and other participants from claims for any and all injuries or other losses sustained during any event.
1 attendee
Past events
355
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