Backpacking San Francisco
Connect with San Francisco backpacking enthusiasts

Wildcat Canyon San Pablo Ridge 7.2 Mile Moderate Hike
Sat, May 23, 7:00 PMWAIVER: For us to hold our large events at local parks, the local parks require us to carry insurance for our events. To participate in our events, please sign this waiver (required by our insurance underwriter) for each event. Please do so online prior to arriving (works on mobile): https://www.sleeplateandhike.com/waiver-signing-form/ HIKING TIME: 3-3.5 hours DISTANCE: 7.2 miles, Loop. ELEVATION GAIN: Approx. 1400 feet DIFFICULTY: Moderate terrain and elevation. FACILITIES: Restrooms and water at trailhead. RECOMMENDED MAPS: [https://www.ebparks.org/sites/default/files/wildcat-canyon-brochure.pdf](https://www.ebparks.org/sites/default/files/wildcat-canyon-brochure.pdf) [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/wildcat-canyon-7-miles-6211941](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/wildcat-canyon-7-miles-6211941) MEETING PLACE: Parking lot at trailhead. Free. 66 spots available. Some street parking available as well. Meet by the bathrooms. • Please use the Google Maps link below to familiarize yourself with the trip and explore various route options from your home. Zoom in all the way. • The GPS locations below and the map link above are accurate enough to find us by looking around when you get there. GPS Degrees Decimal Format: 37.951920, -122.317232 https://goo.gl/maps/JD4SUuFZeJNPdiDP8 If you have the Waze app installed on your phone, click this link. It will open Waze and start navigating to the trailhead. waze://?ll=37.951920,-122.317232&navigate=yes • As always, it is good practice to confirm the night before that any app you use takes you to where you expect by comparing the destination with what is posted above on your PC/Mac • Most street addresses provided are approximate, and may be up to a couple of miles from the hike location. Use GPS coordinates when driving, if possible. CARPOOLING: We will use this link for carpooling. Please sign up here. https://www.groupcarpool.com/t/w4t8ig Please refrain from trying to negotiate your carpool in the comments, as it is equivalent to sending multiple "Reply All" emails to everyone. Please start your carpool quest, by first adding yourself to the carpool link above. Then, use the contact info provided by the driver or rider in the link above to contact them directly and privately. Please be considerate of others and resist the urge to "Reply All". Thank you for understanding. SUMMARY: Wildcat Canyon Regional Park encompasses 2,427 acres along the Wildcat Creek watershed and the surrounding hills and ridges. The park extends from the Tilden Nature Area above the Berkeley hills in the south to historic Alvarado Park at the north end in Richmond. https://www.ebparks.org/parks/wildcat/ HIKING DIRECTIONS: Starting at Alvarado Staging Area, head northeast on Wildcat Creek Trail for 0.23 miles. Pass Bonita Trail on your left and continue straight on Wildcat Creek Trail for 0.21 miles. Pass Belgium Trail on your left and continue straight on Wildcat Creek Trail for 1.57 miles. Pass Mezue Trail on your left and continue straight for 0.10 miles. Pass Leonards Trail on your left and continue straight for 0.18 miles. Cross a creek and pass Rifle Range Road Trail on your right (0.04 miles), then take Havey Canyon Trail on your left for 1.50 miles. Turn left onto Nimitz Way (paved road) for 0.68 miles. Turn left onto San Pablo Ridge Trail for 0.07 miles, pass Mezue Trail on your left again, and continue straight/right on San Pablo Ridge Trail for 1.21 miles. Pass Green Ridge Trail on your right and continue for 0.15 miles. At the four-way intersection, continue straight onto Belgum Trail for 0.20 miles. Pass Monte Cresta Trail on your right and continue straight/left on Belgum Trail for 0.65 miles. Turn right back onto Wildcat Creek Trail for 0.21 miles, then pass Bonita Trail on your right and continue for 0.23 miles back to the trailhead. PLEASE READ THE EVENT DESCRIPTION ABOVE BEFORE POSTING A MESSAGE.

Camping at Bear Valley - Memorial Day Weekend
Fri, May 22, 9:00 PMHi All, Feel free to join us for this camping at this beautiful area for the Memorial Day weekend :) This will be a 3 night camping [May 22, 23 and 24th nights]. You are welcome to join for any number of nights :) It's about 3+ hrs east of SF [along highway 4] according to google maps. **Check the invite link below for more details and rsvp**..[don't try to rsvp on the meetup, it will say full already :)] **[Camping at Bear Valley \[Lake Alpine\]](https://www.munkyvite.com/event/3l1eLzL5W7) <== [RSVP HERE]** Beautiful lake alpine [as in the invite picture] is about 10 min drive and mosquito lakes area is about 25 mins drive from the camp. With lack of snow this year, Ebbetts Pass is open already. So there should be some nice hiking opportunities there. Also many lakes and areas to explore along 4 **Campground info:** Campground is about 6,400ft elevation. It's in a scenic setting with a creek running by and granite outcrops. Camp is not on the lake itself but about 10 min drive. You would have to park and walk about 70-100ft to the camp. Has pit toilets, picnic tables and fire rings. Not sure about drinking water. Will update next week. Cost will be about $30-$35 per person. **Let me know if you have any questions on RSVPing or anything else by posting a comment here or send me a message...** see u soon! :)

Wildflower Field Trips on Ring Mountain, Tiburon
Sun, May 24, 5:00 PM**Leader: Alison Pence or Karen Madsen** Join Ring Mountain Docents Alison Pence and Karen Madsen for short wildflower forays 10 am to 12:30. See schedule below. Each few weeks different wildflowers become showy. There are two possible meeting locations off Paradise Road in Tiburon. **Please check which trailhead to meet at for the date you plan to go.** See map below. · **Taylor Road Trailhead** **off** Paradise Dr. From Taylor Road Trailhead, the group will walk out and back about 2 miles. · **Phyllis Ellman Trailhead** **on** Paradise Dr. The Phyllis Ellman/Loop trail hike is about 2.5 miles, with about 600 feet of elevation gain and drop. | | **Date** | **Time** | **Name/location** | **Leader** | | --- | ---- | ---- | ------------- | ------ | | Sun. | 4/5/26 | 10-12:30 | Taylor Rd Trailhead | Alison Pence | | Thurs. | 4/23/26 | 10-12:30 | Paradise Dr. - Phyllis Ellman Trailhead | Karen Madsen | | Sun. | 5/24/26 | 10-12:30 | Taylor Rd Trailhead | Alison Pence | | Tues. | 5/26/26 | 10-12:30 | Paradise Dr. - Phyllis Ellman Trailhead | Karen Madsen | | Sun. | 6/7/26 | 10-12:30 | Taylor Rd Trailhead | Alison Pence | **Bring:** Water, lunch/snack, rain gear, and hiking poles if desired. **If you have not done so already, please sign the** [CNPS Marin 2026 Waiver](https://app.waiversign.com/e/605434825bd9a600198d4bcc/doc/605436925bd9a600198d4c79,6791226ab8771f0012d5789c?eventName=CNPS%20Marin%202026%20Waiver) **Note**: Destructive invasive plant pathogens and weed seeds can be transported to sensitive plant habitats when contaminated soil or plant material is shed from footwear, equipment (such as hiking poles), and other personal items. See these 2 brochures for how you can minimize your impact. [Pocket Guide - Every Step Counts](https://cc.cnps.org/phytophthora/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/PROTECT-OUR-NATURAL-AREAS-011525.pdf) and [Cleanliness Tips for Hikers](https://cc.cnps.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/CC-06/Trail-user-start-clean-stay-clean-ver5-16-23.pdf)

JOURNEY: Walk the Camino de Santiago (Portuguese Way) 2026
Thu, Jun 4, 8:00 PMWalk the ancient Camino de Santiago in Spain/Portugal (Portuguese Way trail). Let us help you step into your pilgrim boots and take on the Camino in Spain! **Camino "Need to Know":** For a thousand years, pilgrims have traversed The Camino de Santiago. Follow in their footsteps as you **spend nine days walking** along the ancient trails that cut across the landscape of Portugal and Northern Spain. * See all the details here: [Portuguese Camino 2026](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/journeys-1/camino-santiago-portuguese-2026) **Your Journey on the Camino in Portugal/Spain:** This is not a race. This is a slower-paced Camino experience where we average about 17 kilometers (10.5 miles) per day and cover a total of 113 kilometers (70 miles). Completing this tour will make you eligible to receive the **Compostela**, the official certificate of completion issued by the Cathedral in Santiago. Join expert Camino guides who will be with you every step of the way to share facts about the history of this sacred trail and tips on how to make the most of the trip. **What is it like to hike the Camino with Bold Spirit Travel?:** * This trip starts in Porto, Portugal. * A local, bilingual guide will be on the trip to help you along on your journey. * Additionally, a support van will assist with your luggage, freeing you up to travel light during the day. You will carry a day pack. * All hotels, breakfasts, and delicious dinners with wine are included in the tour price. * We do not stay in hostels. We stay in inns and hotels with en suite bathrooms and hot showers! * You can choose to share a room with a new friend or upgrade to your own private room. * This is a small group adventure. This means no more than 15 people. * There will be a private Zoom call before this trip so that you can meet the other guests on the journey. **How to get in touch and learn more about the Camino:** * Want to learn more and dive deeper? We are glad that you are curious. * Contact us to set up a phone call about planning your time on the trail. * Or, attend a live Camino Info Session ([ask us](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/contact) for dates on those). **More:** * Are you ready to embark on **your** Camino? Leave the details to us and get ready to be impressed by this magical experience. * **See all the details here: [Portuguese Camino 2026](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/journeys-1/camino-santiago-portuguese-2026)** * [This is a paid event. ](https://www.wetravel.com/trips/portuguese-way-camino-2026-bold-spirit-travel-llc-52968211)

Wildflower Field Trips on Ring Mountain, Tiburon
Tue, May 26, 5:00 PM**Leader: Alison Pence or Karen Madsen** Join Ring Mountain Docents Alison Pence and Karen Madsen for short wildflower forays 10 am to 12:30. See schedule below. Each few weeks different wildflowers become showy. There are two possible meeting locations off Paradise Road in Tiburon. **Please check which trailhead to meet at for the date you plan to go.** See map below. · **Taylor Road Trailhead** **off** Paradise Dr. From Taylor Road Trailhead, the group will walk out and back about 2 miles. · **Phyllis Ellman Trailhead** **on** Paradise Dr. The Phyllis Ellman/Loop trail hike is about 2.5 miles, with about 600 feet of elevation gain and drop. | | **Date** | **Time** | **Name/location** | **Leader** | | --- | ---- | ---- | ------------- | ------ | | Sun. | 4/5/26 | 10-12:30 | Taylor Rd Trailhead | Alison Pence | | Thurs. | 4/23/26 | 10-12:30 | Paradise Dr. - Phyllis Ellman Trailhead | Karen Madsen | | Sun. | 5/24/26 | 10-12:30 | Taylor Rd Trailhead | Alison Pence | | Tues. | 5/26/26 | 10-12:30 | Paradise Dr. - Phyllis Ellman Trailhead | Karen Madsen | | Sun. | 6/7/26 | 10-12:30 | Taylor Rd Trailhead | Alison Pence | **Bring:** Water, lunch/snack, rain gear, and hiking poles if desired. **If you have not done so already, please sign the** [CNPS Marin 2026 Waiver](https://app.waiversign.com/e/605434825bd9a600198d4bcc/doc/605436925bd9a600198d4c79,6791226ab8771f0012d5789c?eventName=CNPS%20Marin%202026%20Waiver) **Note**: Destructive invasive plant pathogens and weed seeds can be transported to sensitive plant habitats when contaminated soil or plant material is shed from footwear, equipment (such as hiking poles), and other personal items. See these 2 brochures for how you can minimize your impact. [Pocket Guide - Every Step Counts](https://cc.cnps.org/phytophthora/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/PROTECT-OUR-NATURAL-AREAS-011525.pdf) and [Cleanliness Tips for Hikers](https://cc.cnps.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/CC-06/Trail-user-start-clean-stay-clean-ver5-16-23.pdf)
Glacier Point, Clark Range and Red Peak Pass Trail Backpacking
Fri, Jun 26, 3:00 PMTrusted by millions worldwide
Popular groups

Backpackers of the American West

" Last-Minute Backpackers " Camping, Hiking, Outdoors & More

The Turtles - Backpacking for Women

Come Walk With Me

" NorCal Hikers " Get out and explore locally and the world!

Mt. Tam Meditation and Forest Bathing

Bay Area Boomer Outdoors Group

Norcal Bicycle Touring
Frequently asked questions
Related content
Discover more groups and events that match your interests



