About us
✨PRIORITIZE FITNESS & FUN IN 2026✨
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 3-4X Per Month & Sunday Hikes 4-6X per year.
- 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.
THURSDAY MORNING HIKES RESUME IN FEBRUARY 2026, 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
3
370-Salt Creek Trail, Start at Ritz Carlton, 5-6 Mi, Asphalt Trail, 9AM
Salt Creek Beach Parking, 33333 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, CA, USSALT CREEK TRAIL from the Park Near Ritz Carlton, 5-6 Miles RT, 9:00 AM
PARKING LOT, 33333 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, CA 92629ALL ASPHALT TRAIL - STROLLER & DOG FRIENDLY :) !
This is a 5-6 mile Out and Back walk on the paved Salt Creek trail from Salt Creek Beach Park to the in Clubhouse Plaza, Laguna Niguel. This is a perfect location to get out on the trail when the temperatures are high.
PARKING
SALT CREEK BEACH PARKING LOT has $1/hr parking (free for those with an OC County Parks and Beaches annual pass). Make sure you place the parking receipt on your dashboard before starting the hike. We will meet in the parking lot near the parking kiosk and the restroom.HIKER’S CHECKLIST :
- 1-2 Liters of Water
- Shoes or hiking boots with good tread
- Hat and sunscreen
- SnacksFeature photo from Fun OC parks:
https://funorangecountyparks.com/salt-creek-trail.html3 attendees
000-Switzer Falls, Angeles Forest, Azusa, CA, 10 mi/ Check Spring 2026
Red Box Picnic Area, Forest Rte 2N24, Palmdale, CA, USThe Bear Canyon Trail leading down to the falls is closed.
Hello Meetup Friends on the Switzer Falls Waitlist :) !
I don’t feel confident this area is safe enough to hike yet.
I’ve seen some YouTube videos from the past 6 months and as recent as September, verifying a sign is up blocking the trail (picture added) so there is no access to the falls, a high fine for those attempting to walk through.
There is also mention of poison oak and rattlesnakes which we’re used to, but I’m guessing there could be more because of less traffic and possibly no trail maintenance.
I will revisit this in the spring to see if it has improved.
CANCELLED from FEB due to EATON FIRE and potential closures. WILL RESCHEDULE and Check trail info later.
2/18/25 Update
Eaton fire closures through December 2025. See link and map.Switzer Falls, Angeles Forest, Azusa, CA, 10 mi
Haramokngna American Indian Culture Center to Switzer Falls, 7:45AMWe can check out the Indian Culture Center after hike before going home.
Feature photo: Outdoor SoCal
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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.1 attendee
Past events
401
Group links
Members
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