What we’re about
http://www.socialfundation.com for the full calendar.
Ever suddenly realize that the weekend is almost upon you and you have a few free days, but can't find someone with an open schedule to accompany you on that killer hike you've been wanting to do for months? Or have you tried to organize a trip through another backpacking meetup and found that it's a mess of coordinating schedules? Here's the place to post your idea, no matter how short the notice.
We are a collection of backpackers from absolute beginner up to hard-core mountaineering folks all looking to share some new adventures with new friends. We will have regular events hosted by our organizers but we also welcome the community to post their own trips to see who else might be interested in joining.
A couple of things about being part of our group:
- Safety! Know your abilities and your limits. If you find yourself over your skills, be vocal and let others know.
- Respect nature! Practice good stewardship and leave it cleaner than you found it.
- Respect Others! Be mindful of how your decisions can impact them, especially when it comes to safety!
- Be patient! If you like to grind out the miles be patient if your group isn't quite up to your level.
- Be generous! Some trips will be free, others will be paid, it is all dependent on what the organizer decides. Even if a trip is free, offer to help with gas for the car pool or bring a dessert to share on the trail.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia with Angkor Wat. Ancient Kingdoms of Southeast Asia!!San Francisco International Airport, San Francisco, CA
We are off on another event. This time to Angkor Wat.
Along the way visiting to Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia.Our meetup event is full.
AND . . .
. . . If you are reading this now . . . it's too late to join.
IF you still wish to see the itinerary . . Click Here and send me a message with "send me the Angkor Wat itinerary." Do include your email as it's a larger file.We will repeat this trip in Dec 2026 (for those that plan ahead). Here is the link (for those that plan ahead) https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/299959770/
Speaking of planning . . .
. . . . Travel takes planning in advance.
Here are our other upcoming more elaborate/complex meetup events so you can plan to join us.
May 15, 2025 Meetup on Orient Express.
Jun 28, 2025 Spain and Portugal with Running of the Bulls!
Aug 10, 2025 EPIC MACHU PICCHU! vis Short Inca Trail or Train!!
Oct 19, 2025 Petra to the Pyramids. Dead Sea, Sphinx & Nile CruiseFeb 10, 2026 Northern Lights. A Scandinavian Odyssey!
Feb 28, 2026 India's Golden Triangle with HOLI & Dubai Extension
Mar 29, 2026 Cherry Blossoms in Japan
Jun 17, 2026 Serengeti Photo Safari!
And here are our more adventurous or rugged/remote trips & Treks
Mar 7, 2025 Galapagos Islands Expedition
Apr 25, 2025 Everest Base Camp Yoga Trek.
Aug 10, 2025 The Salkantay Trek to MACHU PICCHU!
Oct 12, 2025 Jordan: Dana to Petra Trek with bonus of Wadi Rum
Jun 7, 2026 Mt Kilimanjaro Trek! One of the 7 Summits.
We do a monthly Q & A Zoom on all our overseas events.
Come to the zoom and ask any questions. Great way to get the info you want without all the other fluff. As well as meet us and other attendees.OR
Click Here to Message Direct to Anna with any questions.
We believe in good decent social. This events is cross posted to several other groups and the number of RSVPs on each is not reflective of total attendees. In this case the trip is full.
We have a set of sister groups where we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events.
Click Here to see and join in on all our other fun events
Live the adventure instead of only dreaming it!
SOT 2000318-10
- Tech at Nite The return of adults-only nightlife at The Tech! 730pm-11pmThe Tech Interactive, San Jose, CA
#### What to expect at Tech at Nite:
- Music and vibes curated by Universal Grammar, featuring sets from Chale Brown and Zuri Alexa
- "Science of Whisky" tasting experience led by 10th Street Distillery
- "Letter to your Future Self" postcard workshop and button-making station by Local Color
- Exclusive after-hours access to some of The Tech's cutting-edge exhibits, like Solve for Earth and Jet Pack Chair
- Full bar serving up classic cocktails and a few Tech-inspired specials
Grab your tickets for the most innovative night out in town!
- Valley Of Fire, Red Rock Cyn & Meteors for a 3 day weekend-Camping-Hikes &more,.rr Location is approximate. Location ONLY for Attendees. Camping for Red Rock/Valley Of Fire, Las Vegas, NV
Valley Of Fire is stunning!
Red Rock is equally so.And we get to camp and explore both.
Easy Camping!! Perfect for First-Timers
CLICK HERE to see from when we have gone before.
Or check Google Images:
Click Here for Images of Valley of Fire
Click here for images of Fire Wave
Click here for Pink Sands Slot
Click here for a nice vid of Red Rock CanyonIn addition to Valley of Fire AND Red Rock Cyn Dec 21 and 22 is the peak for the Ursids Meteor Shower
If you have not heard of either . . . that's because they are outside of California. We have so much here that we often can overlook what is right next-door and still super close.
The other reason you may not of heard of them . . . Valley of Fire is a Nevada State Park and not a National Park. State Parks are assumed to not be as good as National Parks.
Red Rock is a National Conservation Area . . . again . . . assumed to not be as good since not designated as National Park.The reality is BOTH are stunning. And the designations make them more accessible.
Valley Of Fire has "The Fire Wave." Similar "The Wave" in UT.
This event is tent camping (not RV or Van). You do need to provide your own gear and food. (more on that down below). We are staying outside of Red Rock on a private non-federal, non-blm site.
The general itinerary/ schedule is:
Fri-
Arrive when you can. Anytime AFTER 2PM. People will be arriving up to midnight. I will be away to greet you and show you where to go. Along with whoever else is at the campfire at that time.Sat- Valley Of Fire - - This is the main fun.
- Drive Mouse’s Tank Road towards Fire Wave and take lots of photos along the way.
- Now to our "main hike." We will get there early before the crowds. We will do a loop of four hikes together. Fire Wave, Pink Pastel Slot Cyn, Domes Slot, White Domes. They call it the 7 wonders loop. I do not know what the other three wonders are.
- After that we make it to Fire Cyn Vista (this is a view only)
- Then two short hikes of Rainbow Vista trail (this has natural arches)
- & Mouse's Tank trial. This has 2000 year old petroglyphs all along the cyn walls.
- A quick zip to Atlatl Rock (more petroglyphs)
- And lastly visit the Beehives and take tons more pix there.
- Elephant Rock is also an option to drive to.
- Get back to camp and we have a fab campfire all nite.
- Dec 21st is the peak of the Ursids Meteor Shower. We have a show instore for us in the dark desert skies.
Sunday Schedule will be Red Rock Cyn.
- Easy vista points and views
- Medium (two or three smaller hikes)
- Hard hike (for the hardcore among us.
- We will break to groups accordingly by who wants to do what.
- Get back to camp and we have a fab campfire all nite.
Monday: Head home.
- For those only staying Sat & Sun eve. Simply pack up Sun AM and do Red Rock with us and then continue home.
Time of year:
BOTH Valley of Fire and Red Rock Nat Rec Area are MISERABLE in summer.
Daytime high will get up to 70 degrees. Perfect for hikes. Nighttime low will get to around 45 degrees. Just bring some extra blankets and you will fine.Another benefit of the time of year is Christmas is the 24th/25th. Many folks can take Monday 23rd off super easy to make it a 3 day weekend.
RSVP does not guarantee your spot. Payment is the only way to secure you place.
CLICK HERE for Payment link (per person 4 days, 3 nights)
OR
( https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/9HBBWT977EP24 )Question: What if I have a +1 or +whatever?
Cost is Per Person. Just do the payment link a 2nd or 3rd time.Question: When do I have to pay by?
- The event is limited in size.
- Our events always fill up. And with lower limit . . . it will fill faster.
- When it fills the payment link is removed. If you did not pay you are not attending.
- The short answer is pay now to 100% secure your spot.
- Refunds issued up to 2 weeks before event start date. So you have till Dec 6 to cancel.
- If cancel after Dec 6 receive 100% credit towards a future event.
Question: What if I stay two nights. Is it less?
No. But since we have for Sun night you can stay as late as you want on Sunday before packing up. It gives us flexibility. Why not stay till Mon?Question: Dogs?
This is a very dog friendly trip.
Dogs OK on the trails and in camp.Carpool? We help facilitate carpools for attendees. Carpool info
