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
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Saturday Hikes 3X Per Month & Sunday Hikes 1X Per Month
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Intermediate Local Hikes on Saturdays, 5-6 miles, approximately 700-1000 feet or less of elevation gain.
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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
DRY LAKE SOUTH FORK TRAIL 1E04, SAN GORGONIO, 11.5 Miles, 2300 eg
7AM Carpool, 8:45AM Trailhead
*** I HAVE OUR TRAIL PERMIT, MAX LIMIT IS 12 HIKERS ***
- Carpool option from Tustin 7:00 AM
- Or Meet at Trailhead 8:45 AM.
- Total Hike & snack break about 6-6.5 hours, finish by 3:30 PM
- Home by 5:30 PM 6 PM?
- 7:00 AM CARPOOL, Meet at Tustin Market Place Parking Lot between REI and Ethan Allen. Park nearest to Ethan Allen (see image marked with "X" in the photos). It is apprx 90 minute drive to the Trailhead. I’ll be glad to drive anyone who wants to come along with me. I have room for four more.
- 8:45 AM TRAILHEAD - South Fork Trail 1E04, 40800-40894 Jenks Lake Rd W, Angelus Oaks, CA 92305
I have talked with the Ranger, there is water in the lake. There should be water along the trail if you’d like to bring a filter. This hike is doable for an Intermediate to Advanced-Intermediate hiker and somewhat comparable gain and distance-wise to Sitton Peak (3273') if you have ever been on that trail. The big difference, our hike to Dry Lake is at higher elevation between 7000-9000 feet. I’ve heard a creek crosses over the trail from time to time, so consider waterproof boots. Looks like temps will be in the hi 60s - mid 70s.
LET'S PLEASE STICK TOGETHER, NOT FAST, BUT A MODERATE PACE.
IF YOU HAVE BEEN BEFORE, PLEASE JOIN AND HELP LEAD :) !
HIKERS CHECKLIST
- Adventure Pass per vehicle
-1-2 LITERS OF WATER Required
-HIKING BOOTS W/GOOD TREAD Required
-HAT, GLOVES, LAYERS
-SNACKS Recommended
-HIKING POLES not required, however recommended.
Please see Cris The Hiking Guy’s YouTube. Please consider subscribing and/or giving his video a Thumbs Up :) 👍🏻!
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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.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- 294-Dry Lake San Gorgonio, 11.5 Miles, 2300 eg, 7AM Carpool, 8:45AM TrailheadDry Lake South Fork Trail San Gorgonio, Angelus Oaks, CA
DRY LAKE SOUTH FORK TRAIL 1E04, SAN GORGONIO, 11.5 Miles, 2300 eg
7AM Carpool, 8:45AM Trailhead*** I HAVE OUR TRAIL PERMIT, MAX LIMIT IS 12 HIKERS ***
- Carpool option from Tustin 7:00 AM
- Or Meet at Trailhead 8:45 AM.
- Total Hike & snack break about 6-6.5 hours, finish by 3:30 PM
- Home by 5:30 PM 6 PM?- 7:00 AM CARPOOL, Meet at Tustin Market Place Parking Lot between REI and Ethan Allen. Park nearest to Ethan Allen (see image marked with "X" in the photos). It is apprx 90 minute drive to the Trailhead. I’ll be glad to drive anyone who wants to come along with me. I have room for four more.
- 8:45 AM TRAILHEAD - South Fork Trail 1E04, 40800-40894 Jenks Lake Rd W, Angelus Oaks, CA 92305
I have talked with the Ranger, there is water in the lake. There should be water along the trail if you’d like to bring a filter. This hike is doable for an Intermediate to Advanced-Intermediate hiker and somewhat comparable gain and distance-wise to Sitton Peak (3273') if you have ever been on that trail. The big difference, our hike to Dry Lake is at higher elevation between 7000-9000 feet. I’ve heard a creek crosses over the trail from time to time, so consider waterproof boots. Looks like temps will be in the hi 60s - mid 70s.
LET'S PLEASE STICK TOGETHER, NOT FAST, BUT A MODERATE PACE.
IF YOU HAVE BEEN BEFORE, PLEASE JOIN AND HELP LEAD :) !
HIKERS CHECKLIST
- Adventure Pass per vehicle
-1-2 LITERS OF WATER Required
-HIKING BOOTS W/GOOD TREAD Required
-HAT, GLOVES, LAYERS
-SNACKS Recommended
-HIKING POLES not required, however recommended.Please see Cris The Hiking Guy’s YouTube. Please consider subscribing and/or giving his video a Thumbs Up :) 👍🏻!
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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.
- 295-Serrano Ridge, Irvine Open Space Preserve, 5-6 Miles, 8.30 AM39 Shady Canyon Dr, Irvine, CA
MEET AT QUAIL HILL COMMUNITY CENTER PARKING LOT, near the community center steps, 8:30 AM
39 Shady Canyon Dr · Irvine, CAIrvine Open Space Preserve, 3 Choices
This Week Serrano Ridge
*** Requires Minimum of 4 Sign-ups***- Quail Hill Loop Trail
- Shady Canton Trail
- Serrano Ridge Trail
Quail & Shady are Stroller & Dog Friendly, Apprx 5-6 Miles.
Shady Canyon is a popular, scenic and slightly hilly trail filled with beautiful views, meadows, wildlife and charming bridges (some residential). The trail is part of Irvine Ranch, and meanders through the Quail Hill Preserve.
HIKER'S CHECKLIST:
- 1-2 Liters of Water
- Wear shoes or hiking boots with good tread
- Flashlight or Headlamp recommended
- Hat, Coat and/or Gloves recommended seasonally
- Bug Repellent or Sunscreen recommended seasonallyTrail Link
https://www.traillink.com/trail/shady-canyon-trail/Feature photo from The Irvine Standard
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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.
- 296-Turtle Rock, French Hill Loop, Irvine, 4.5 Miles, 8:30AM1 Concordia, Irvine, CA
TURTLE ROCK FRENCH HILL LOOP, 4.5 MILES, 8:30 AM
MEET AT 1 CONCORDIA, IRVINE, CA
Meet on Concordia street across from Turtle Rock Preschool
About 4.5 Miles, 800-900 feet of elevation gain.
Dog friendly.This hike can be completed in about 2 hours depending on the pace we keep and how long we admire the views on top of Turtle Rock :) !!!
This is one of my favorite conditioning hikes. There are a few steep places, but they are not too long, and one technical hill where one needs to choose a path, use hands and watch footing.
There is an easier alternative path around the fourth technical hill, if desired.See my YouTube video below with highlights of the trail.
We'll start at the trailhead off Concordia across the street from Turtle Rock Preschool. Here is the first big hill, a second hill comes within the next mile, but both of these hills are not long. From there it's lower "rolling hills" not too steep. In the spring there is very tall mustard on either side of the trail, it's very beautiful and exhilarating to hike through. By about mile 2 the trail passes behind residential for less than a mile, then up narrow, slightly steep hill.
The fourth and most challenging hill comes next, steep and wide, but it's a slow and steady climb with plenty of places to navigate and get your foothold. At the top of this hill you can see all of downtown Irvine and Catalina Island out yonder. The last mile~ish is the end of the dirt trail, and back to residential which closes the loop at Concordia.
CHECKLIST:
- SHOES W/GOOD TREAD, PREFERABLY HIKING BOOTS
- 1-2 LITERS OF WATER
- HAT, GLOVES
- SNACKS optionalMore specific stats and Feature Image from All Trails, see link:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/turtle-rock-french-hill-loop-irvine*MY YOUTUBE VIDEO from when I hiked April 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rK_chjwdy3Y——————————————————-
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.
