Beginner Hiking San Francisco

Beginner Hike to West Point Inn

Join Docent Debra Hoitomt, for this slower paced guided hike. For beginning hikers, senior hikers, and in-betweeners, though there is some tricky footing over rocky areas. No one left behind. Sign up is required HIKE ROUTE Start at Bootjack Parking Lot; Old Mine Trail to Mountain Theater; Rock Spring Trail to West Point Inn; Nora trail to Matt Davis to Bootjack Parking Lot Distance: 4.5 miles, Elevation Gain: 500 feet, slower paced hike ( <2 mph), depending in terrain and the group CANCELLATIONS: Rain, red flag days, winds above 30 mph, and unforeseen circumstances will cancel. Check the Friends of Mt Tam Facebook for updates: [https://www.facebook.com/FriendsOfMtTam](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsOfMtTam) PARKING: There is a $8 parking fee at Bootjack. Options for paying: (1) Exact change at Bootjack, (2) Use QR code (requires cellular reception) to pay with credit card, (3) Ranger station at Pantoll has both change and wifi. WATER: Bring at least two bottles of water on hot days. FOOD: There will not be a formal lunch stop, but a short snack / bio break at West Point Inn. Bring your own snacks. PROTECTION: Ticks, mosquitoes, horse flies and yellow jackets are present, but not abundant. STURDY BOOTS / POLES: Trails are uneven, rocky and can be very steep in places. Sandals, sneakers and running shoes are not recommended. Poles can prove useful in some terrain. HIKE DOCENTS have been trained under the California State Parks Volunteers In the Park Program (VIPP). This hike is part of the "The Pantoll Quad", which is four epic hikes that start/end at the Pantoll Campground. Together they are 21 miles with 4,300 feet of elevation. Individually they are 4.5 – 6.5 miles long with 500 – 1,500 of elevation. [https://www.friendsofmttam.org/wp-content/uploads/PanToll-Quad-Brochure-03022021.pdf](https://www.friendsofmttam.org/wp-content/uploads/PanToll-Quad-Brochure-03022021.pdf)

Lands End Hike

I have another event I am going to in the East Bay. I might have to push the time to 1pm depending on when I get done. I will let keep everyone in the loop though. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/lands-end-trail 3.2 miles 810ftElevation gain 1.5–2hrEstimated time Loop The Blue Oak Trail leads to Briones Regional Park in Reliez Valley. It offers rolling hills and great views of the valley, Pleasant Hill, and Mount Diablo. The trail is well-maintained and nicely shaded. However, be cautious of the steep sections with loose surfaces. The area can become muddy and slippery after rainfall, so it's best to hike during a dry spell. Parking is available at the trailhead.

Sibley Gudde Huckleberry Loops -9.2mi 1890ft EG (Hard) w/6mi option @8:30

Weekly Hikes at Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park

A Sunday at 3;00 PM moderate hike in addition to our regular Wednesday hikes at Redwood Park. This is a mostly shaded, 7 mile, 1000 feet elevation, moderate-paced hike at Oakland's Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park. Enter from Redwood Gate https://goo.gl/maps/PrGuttC8dEnxN1KC9 We meet at Fishway Lot (the first parking lot on the left). Fishway is a small, unpaved lot closest to the entrance gate. Both Park Entry and Parking is free and there are 4 parking lots. At 3:00 pm we start with a meet and greet; and each person gets to share 1 or 2 things that made them happy this week. Please be on time and get to know your new friends during the hike. We leave for the hike at 3:05pm. Route to be determined day of the hike. Hike is about 3 hours. We stop at most trail intersections along the hike to regroup. Please make sure to bring enough water and clothes and respect for everyone and nature. If you cannot make it, please update your RSVP so others can join the hike. Participants assume responsibility for their own safety Doggie friends are currently not part of this group hike.

Guided rock climbing near Idyllwild

I'm going to hire a guide to do a Tahquitz climb (near Idyllwild & Mt San Jacinto). This is multipitch trad and 5.4-ish. The date is open but it looks like the weather will be OK in mid-Oct. To be clear, this is a roped climb, like that shown in the photo. And, it's **multipitch trad**, which is a different beast than toprope climbs. While you don't really need experience, it'd really help since both likely routes have exposure in parts. As in, if you look down there's nothing below you for a few hundred feet. You probably won't have to clean or belay, but it'd be a good idea to practice a figure 8. It'd be an even better idea to go to a climbing gym, buy a day pass, and tell them what you hope to do. The routes I'm looking at are The Trough and White Maiden's Walkway. The exposure on the latter is apparently greater. I'll leave it up to the guide to choose which is most appropriate for the group. The guiding service will probably be Vertical Adventures and the cost for just me is $495. If I can find one other person it's $295 each and two others makes it $245 each. Guess which option I prefer. Whichever service we go with it will be with an AMGA-certified guide; they'll be the ones placing the protection, not me. I'll probably clean and belay the guide. You'll probably be belayed by the guide. You'll need a helmet, a harness, and probably climbing shoes. The service can rent all of those to you. If you don't already know what **multipitch trad** is (yes, I said it again), please watch a video of what that means. Like I said, it's a good bit more involved than toprope. Anyone who signs up has to join the waitlist and to get off it you have to leave a comment (or send me a DM) detailing your climbing experience or, if you have none of that, why you think you won't freak out with exposure. Note also that I'm slowly getting over a lower back nerve issue caused by bulging disks. It might cause pain for this event but I should be able to do it unless that suddenly gets worse. There's apparently a steep approach hike so prep for that. However, going to JTree instead is an option either if the weather turns bad or my disks explode.

No Hurry, No Worry Weekly Wednesday Hikes at Redwood Regional Park 4:30 pm

Join us for a weekly easy/moderate no hurry no worry afternoon hike in the redwood regional park. Enter from Redwood Gate https://goo.gl/maps/PrGuttC8dEnxN1KC9 Park and meet at canyon meadow parking lot (the last one). Please make sure no valuables are left or visible in the car to prevent break-in. At 4:30 pm we will start with meet and greet; and each person gets to share 2-3 things that made them happy this week. Please be on time and get to know your new friends during the hike. Depending on the group we will go fast or slow, 4-5 miles. Route to be determined on day of the hike. The hike is scheduled for 2 hours and I will try to get us back by then though occasionally and depending on the group we may be back a little later. Please make sure to bring enough water and clothes and respect for everyone and nature. Doggie friends are not currently part of the hike. Please be considerate when RSVP’ing and update in advance if you cannot make it so others in the waitlist can join if given enough notice! No shows will be marked if there’s no valid reason, and more than 2 no shows will have you removed from the group. Thank you for your understanding. Participants assume responsibility for their own safety. https://www.relive.cc/view/vXOnngZk55O?hl=en courtesy of Bob on the hike from 5/31/2024 If you enjoy the hike and are able to, please consider donating for meetup organizers subscription fee.

Smoky Mountain Boots and Roots Hiking

**OVERVIEW** Are you into endless views? Old-growth forests? Mist bouncing off a 100-foot waterfall hitting your face? Then spend a long weekend with a small group of women hiking the best trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (including parts of the Appalachian Trail). Channel your inner goat girl as you stroll through iconic scenery and listen to stories of the women who helped shape the Smokies. Take a brief break from the trail living out your pottery fantasies throwing clay on the wheel and sculpting your very own mug. Then kick back like a queen with nightly glamping near Gatlinburg, TN. **BOOTS = HIKING** Get your blues and greens in on three stunning hikes that don’t even look real. The views from Charlies Bunion and Ramsay Cascades are complete madness. Wind your way through pine trees and over classic creek crossings that make you momentarily consider a coonskin hat. (But not really, because animals ♥️) **ROOTS = HER-STORY** Did you know a woman was the first settler to move to the Smoky Mountains? You didn’t? That’s because Martha Jane Huskey Ogle’s husband called dibs on the fame. Learn about the deliciously woman-heavy history of a wilderness that man tried real hard to claim as his own. Your Explorer Chick guide will drop all the juicy gossip, connecting you to the goosebumpy sisterhood who walked before you. Deep dive into Appalachian crafts straddling a wheel and molding a coffee mug with your very own hands. Local artists will guide you through the entire pottery process and only help when needed. After 10 weeks of drying, firing, and glazing, your mug will show up at your doorstep. Surprise! Relive the SHE-nanigans of your Smokies trip. **YOU FEELING MAX COMFY WHILE GLAMPING** Put your feet up in total Insta-worthy digs at our adorable glamping site minutes from Gatlinburg. You will sleep in a tent that has been tastefully decorated and luxuriously appointed with WiFi and temperature control – with meals freshly prepared at camp by your Explorer Chick guides. You only have one task after hiking: RELAX. **ADVENTURE HIGHLIGHTS:** * Hike the Appalachian Trail to the sweeping panaromic views from Charlies Bunion * Get up close and personal with the Smokies tallest waterfall, Ramsey Cascades * Learn how to work clay on a wheel as you create your one of a kind glazed coffee mug * Kick back at camp with breakfasts and dinners cooked by your Explorer Chick guides. * Sleep easy at our Glamping site with canvas tents outfitted with all the creature comforts. * Relax with a comprehensive itinerary that makes the logistics, transportation, navigation, meal planning, lodging, and everything between easy. * Geek out with supportive and encouraging Explorer Chicks on a private, women-only, small group adventure tour. **See the website for full details and to book.** [https://explorerchick.com/adventures/womens-smoky-mountain-boots-and-roots-hiking-trip/](https://explorerchick.com/adventures/womens-smoky-mountain-boots-and-roots-hiking-trip/) **Say Hello 👋** 💻 Website: [https://explorerchick.com/](https://explorerchick.com/) 📧 Email: [hello@explorerchick.com](http://hello@explorerchick.com/) 📸 Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/explorerchickadventureco/](https://www.instagram.com/explorerchickadventureco/) ❤️ Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/ExplorerChickAdventureCo/](https://www.facebook.com/ExplorerChickAdventureCo/) 👯‍♀️ Facebook Group: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/weareexplorerchick](https://www.facebook.com/groups/weareexplorerchick) 🎥 TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@explorerchick](https://www.tiktok.com/@explorerchick)

💚Green Exercise Hike 🥾Beautiful Mori Point🌷Ocean View 🌊Social Dinner 🍽️

**Hello Ocean Lovers!** Ready to trade the treadmill for ocean breezes? 🌊 Let’s gather for a 💚“green exercise” wellness Hike, Rock climbing/hiking/walking at the Rockaway Beach🏖️ to the scenic Mori Point Trail! Fresh sea air, breathtaking views, and the soothing sounds of the waves await.🌞 Come make new friends, recharge your body, and let the healing magic of the ocean lift your spirit. Because nothing beats a little seaside therapy for our physical health and mental well-being! 😇 Rockaway Beach is located Pacifica, CA that offers scenic views. "This is a great place to hike and to enjoy the great views of the Pacifica coastline. There are trails that hug the coastline climb up to the hilltop for panoramic views." MORI POINT Spectacular 360 degrees ocean view. This place has a lot of that here. And most of all, it also has an impeccable view of the sunset. Take advantage of the free sunset show only at Mori Point. ROCKAWAY BEACH Watch the sun drop below the horizon at Rockaway Beach. This hidden gem in the Pacifica is a sight to behold. You can learn surfing while waiting for the sun to set or enjoy your afternoon snack at a nearby restaurant while waiting for the sun to KISS the OCEAN. 💚 Support Our Group! Thanks for joining our wellness club event, it does take time and money to make it happen. Thank you for being prepared and supportive 🌿 Our hikes, dinners, and events run thanks to member support. A small contribution is appreciated to help keep our wellness community active and fun! Thank you for helping us make every event special! **\*Requested contribution** suggested amount $5-$20 to keep the club going! **​Dr. Heidi will ask for the contribution during event check-in.** Accepted in person. Your support helps cover the many behind-the-scenes efforts that make these events possible, including route scouting, Meetup platform fees, permits, communication with park staff and members, and planning hikes, dinners, and road trips... This community exists because of the support and kindness of its members. **The organizer reserves the right to ask a participant to depart!** If they refuse to contribute or follow event guidelines. This ensures our community remains a positive and respectful space for everyone. Thank you for helping keep our wellness community positive, respectful, and active. 🌿 Our meetup events have a very positive impact on people's lives, people meet, fall in love💘 meet new friends, HAPPY, better health, less stress, anxiety, depression, isolate being alone and got extra bonus for LOVE ​💞 ⚠️ Please Read Before Joining: These hikes and group dinners are hosted voluntarily and with love for the outdoors and community. Participation is completely voluntary, and everyone joins at their own risk and responsibility. 👉 We kindly ask you to review the event details carefully — including directions, trail descriptions, and dinner spots — before joining. Trails are part of nature and may not match everyone’s preferences. Dinner venues are selected based on group size, availability, and location. We do our best but can’t guarantee personal favorites. 🧡 Most importantly, come with an open heart, positive energy, and kindness. Let’s enjoy what we can control — good company, fresh Ocean air, and meaningful connections. ⏰**Meet time: 1pm** 🥾**Hike time** ⏰**1:30pm** Meet by beach parking lot near the big rocks 📍GPS: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fJnCgTYjDQadaEzo7 📍Address: Parking lot, 651 San Marlo Way, Pacifica, CA 94044 Level: Moderate + Challenging! **Steep and Rocky trails!** Several Steep Hills climbs... Total Distance: 5-6 miles Hiking Time: 2.5-3 hours Elevation: 800 ft Route: Loop Parking: Free Dogs: No! Exposure: Sun Views: Amazingly Beautiful 🎒 *Bring good vibes*🌿 ✅**Smiles for miles**😊 ✅Water, Snacks, ​Sunscreens, Hiking Poles ✅ **Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes** Near Ocean can be windy and/or foggy, so wear layers ✅​Your camera/phone for some incredible photos ✅​A fantastic, positive attitude! 🚗**Encouraging carpooling** if you know each other well for everyone's safety. Please contact each other in a private message not on the message board. Thank you! https://www.groupcarpool.com/t/ebwmr6 Optional: Sunset time hanging out After hiking the social dinner place TBD... \*We are an intermediate hiking group. Please be ready to keep up hiking with us from 5-6 miles without any health issues. If you don't workout, afraid high, steepest hill climbs mountains, unable to hiking minimum 5 miles regularly, this event is not a good fit for you. **\*LIABILITY WAIVER**: By signing up for the wellness hiking event, you hereby release its organizers, hosts, and participants from any and all liability, claims, demands or causes of action that you now have, or may have in the future, for illness, injuries, damages, and/or economic loss of any kind or nature, arising in whole or in part out of the activities, advice, or information contained herein. You agree to full responsibility for your own health issues. **\*DISCLAIMER:** By participating in this wellness hiking event, you understand that Meetup event Host/Organizer assumes ABSOLUTELY NO responsibility and you have to assume all at your own risk of injury, damage, and economic loss, without limitation, and release host/Organizer of all liability. **\*Hike at YOUR OWN RISK**. Open trails aren't necessarily free of hazards--by entering the wilderness, you assume responsibility for your safety and must use good judgment. **\*Participation in this event is strictly voluntary!** The event host/organizer assumes no responsibility for any injury, damage, or loss you may incur. You join and hike entirely at your own risk. **\*DO NOT ATTEND** if you're experiencing any cold or flu symptoms, have a compromised immune system. If anyone wishes to join our hike team, please answer the RSVP question every time when you sign up for our event. For everyone's safety in the group. If you are unable to send me a message confirming that you are in good health and you are able to hike 5-6 miles without health issues we CANNOT approve you come to this hiking event. \*Please don't just walk in. Thank you for your cooperation! I'm looking forward to meeting, hiking with you and making good memories together. Yours in good health! Dr. Heidi💝 ❤️American Heart Association BLS-CPR, Heartsaver CPR, First Aid Courses -Learn and Live!❤️ \*Three courses available upon request: [https://visibook.com/ahacprfirstaid](https://visibook.com/ahacprfirstaid) \*By taking this course, you're contributing to the safety and well-being of those around you. \*These skills are crucial for everyone to know, as they can help save the lives of loved ones, friends, or even strangers in the community.

Angel With Angels, 7 Miles, 791 Elv.

Zion and Bryce Hiking and Glamping

Unreal hoodoos? Check. Slot canyons? Majestic overlooks? Check. All this and more (like heated tents with electricity) await you during our Women’s Hiking and Glamping in Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon weekend adventure! **BRYCE CANYON HIKING AND BEGINNER-FRIENDLY CANYONEERING** Escape to prehistoric Utah where you’ll hike stupid-pretty trails in Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park. Wade through the Virgin River below 1,500′ canyon walls in the Narrows. Spend an entire day exploring Bryce Canyon National Park. Ghost the tourists as you wander deep into orange hoodoos. Explore areas of Zion so remote, they can only be reached by rappelling, scrambling, and down-climbing on a beginner-friendly canyoneering route. **ZION NATIONAL PARK’S SCOUT LOOKOUT** Beastmaster up the West Rim Trail to Scout Lookout and enjoy some of the best views in Zion National Park. You’ll hike through Refrigerator Canyon, and shimmy up all 21 of Walters Wiggles to Scout Lookout with panoramic views of Zion Canyon and Virgin River. Afterward, dry your pits as you descend the trail to an easier hike around the scenic streams of Upper and Lower Emerald Pools. **GLAMPING** Every night you’ll rest your head in Insta-worthy glamping tents bordering Zion National Park. Kick it by the campfire under a diamond sky with goddesses who aren’t afraid to get dirty. **See the website for full itinerary, details and to book.** [https://explorerchick.com/adventures/hiking-glamping-zion-bryce-canyon](https://explorerchick.com/adventures/hiking-glamping-zion-bryce-canyon) **Say Hello 👋** 💻 Website: [https://explorerchick.com/](https://explorerchick.com/) 📧 Email: [[hello@explorerchick.com](mailto:hello@explorerchick.com)]([mailto:hello@explorerchick.com](http://mailto:hello@explorerchick.com/)) 📸 Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/explorerchickadventureco/](https://www.instagram.com/explorerchickadventureco/) ❤️ Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/ExplorerChickAdventureCo/](https://www.facebook.com/ExplorerChickAdventureCo/) 👯‍♀️ Facebook Group: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/weareexplorerchick](https://www.facebook.com/groups/weareexplorerchick) 🎥 TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@explorerchick](https://www.tiktok.com/@explorerchick)

Moab and Arches National Parks Hiking Weekend

\#\# Moab Booty Buster Bust your booty on the best trails in Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. We squeeze a week of activity into a long weekend on this 4 day women’s hiking trip to Moab, Utah. Your weekend has been carefully curated and “in the field” tested by your Explorer Chick team! We’ve spent YEARS playing in this outdoor mecca in the desert. You’ll squeeze in some serious ground over the course of a long weekend working on those hiker booty gains. Explore six arches in one hiking trail to discover the namesake of Arches National Park. Witness the power of wind as you trek among iconic red rock formations where over 2,000 arches have been documented. Descend down layers of red, pink, brown, and white sandstone to enjoy a well-earned lunch on the White Rim of the Colorado River. Wander through red rock slot canyons, among sandstone hoodoos, and across wind-eroded plains in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. Feel like you’re on a desert planet as you admire the vast and desolately beautiful landscapes. Catch an unforgettable sunrise at Deadhorse Point State Park as you sip your coffee and munch on your breakfast. Next, gear up and hit the trail in Canyonlands to conquer the steepest trail in the park. (You’ve got this!) You better believe we wouldn’t let you miss this! Your reward after a brief hike? One of the most famous geological structures in the world. Gaze in awe at some of Mama Nature’s best work before taking your turn to pose in the photo op sweet spot. Every day, expect to be challenged by a new trail, and a new horizon, and new friends. Your thighs will sing every day as you walk a new hiking trail, admire a new desert horizon, and conquer a new national park! Your heart will swoon every night as you kick off your dusty hiking boots, share bad jokes, and enjoy fresh-made meals in the Explorer Chick lodging. We’ll enjoy the occasional meal out and even squeeze in some time for you to meander and shop in the funky town of Moab. Your weekend of epic Moab hikes begins with an easy rendezvous at a Salt Lake City airport hotel—we take care of all the transportation from there! (Phew, did we mention this is all going down in four days?!) **See the website for full itinerary, details and to book.** [https://explorerchick.com/trip/moab-and-arches-national-parks-hiking-weekend/](https://explorerchick.com/trip/moab-and-arches-national-parks-hiking-weekend/) **Say Hello 👋** **💻** Website: [https://explorerchick.com/](https://explorerchick.com/) 📧 Email: [hello@explorerchick.com](http://hello@explorerchick.com/) 📸 Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/explorerchickadventureco/](https://www.instagram.com/explorerchickadventureco/) ❤️ Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/ExplorerChickAdventureCo/](https://www.facebook.com/ExplorerChickAdventureCo/) 👯‍♀️ Facebook Group: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/weareexplorerchick](https://www.facebook.com/groups/weareexplorerchick) 🎥 TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@explorerchick](https://www.tiktok.com/@explorerchick)

Golden Gate Park, Lands End and Presidio Loop

Escape the city chaos with a rare, nature-packed hike right through the heart of San Francisco that connects Golden Gate Park, Lands End, the Presidio, and Mountain Lake Park. You’ll spend most of your time trekking through lush parks or dodging waves at the beach—giving you plenty of space to pretend you’re a rugged wilderness explorer instead of a city slicker three blocks from a Starbucks. The absolute crown jewel of this trek is the parade of stunning, postcard-perfect views of the Golden Gate Bridge from secret coastal lookouts, plus direct access to several beaches where you can empty half of the Pacific Coast’s sand out of your shoes. **Location:** Ocean Beach (San Francisco): Great Hw/Fulton St **Distance:** 11.3 mi - Loop **Elevation Gain:** +984 **Level**: Easy plus / Moderate **Hiking Time**: 4.5-5 hours **Parking:** Free Parking near Ocean Beach **GPS:** [GoogleMaps](https://maps.app.goo.gl/PkvSQGrEQYnbEYPj7) (37.7713, -122.5113) **Trail Info:** [AllTrails](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/california/golden-gate-park-lands-end-and-presidio-loop) **Car pool link**: [here](https://www.groupcarpool.com/t/tuq6fy) **Dog Policy:** Dogs are welcomed to join! **Release of Liability:** The organizer (me) of this trip is a volunteer and not a professional guide. The function of the organizer is only to organize this trip. Each person who signs up for a trip/hike/or outing is responsible for their own safety. By signing up for this event, or any other event organized by me, you are acknowledging that you are aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with any outdoor activity, freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge the organizer (me) of this hike from all liability arising from your participation in the group activities. Sleep Late & Hike Meetup, its organizers, assistant organizers, event organizers are not responsible for any injuries or accidents that may occur carpooling to and from this event, or for any injuries or accidents incurred before, during, and after this event. If you sign up or participate in an event you acknowledge that you freely and voluntarily agree to assume all risks of injuries and damages arising from, as a result of and associated with this event.