What we’re about
Welcome to Not So Casual Hikes – Orange County
From steep climbs to summit views, we hike hard, stay tight, and earn every mile.
Who We Are
We’re a hiking group that leans into the challenge - think 9–13-mile trails with real elevation, switchbacks, and summit payoffs. What began as “Casual Hikes” changed on August 4, 2024, after we took on the infamous Big Fat Incline (BFI). Since then, we've embraced the grind and renamed ourselves accordingly.
Our Mission
To explore Southern California’s wildest terrain while pushing ourselves physically, mentally, and socially. We hike not just for the views, but for the growth, grit, and camaraderie forged along the way.
Who Should Join: Anyone with a love for nature, a zest for outdoor fitness, or a desire to meet people in social, adventure-filled settings. If you appreciate the great outdoors and want to connect with like-minded enthusiasts, you’re in the right place!
What to Expect
- Strenuous hikes with solid elevation (1,500–2,000+ ft)
- 10–12 miles on average
- Steady, no-fluff pace (we hike to hike, not to picnic)
- High-spirited camaraderie and a little trail humor
- We stick together and encourage each other to level up
Who Should Join
- Intermediate to advanced hikers building endurance
- Fit beginners hungry for a challenge (and not afraid of hills)
- People who love early starts, quiet summits, and some good old Type 2 fun
- Anyone who’d rather earn the view than just photograph it
If you're ready to leave “casual” behind - you're in the right place.
Upcoming events (4)
See all- Anniversary Edition: Rattlesnake to BFI Loop at Crystal Cove (~10 Miles)Pacific Ridge Trailhead, Newport Beach, CA
Get a sneak peek here: Rattlesnake to BFI loop hike at Crystal Cove.
It’s our 1-year anniversary as Not So Casual Hikes—and we’re going back to where it all changed.
Join us as we revisit the iconic 10-mile loop that inspired the name switch from Casual to Not So Casual. This route packs a punch with coastal views, rolling ridgelines, shaded canyon trails, and of course—BFI (Big Fat Incline).
We’ll start from the Ridge Park Entrance in Newport Coast and explore some of the most scenic and challenging trails in Crystal Cove, including Bommer Ridge, Red Tail Ridge, Rattlesnake Trail, Moro Canyon, BFI, and Moro Ridge. We'll take a short break at Moro Campground, where restrooms and water are available, then tackle BFI before heading back via Bommer Ridge or Fenceline Trail, depending on group flow.
Read This Before Joining: Not So Casual Hikes are fast-paced, challenging outings designed for hikers in great shape who know their limits and show up prepared. Our organizers are volunteers—not guides—and cannot be responsible for your pace, navigation, or safety. We don’t provide sweepers, and the group may not wait if you fall behind. You might finish with new friends or on your own—and either way, it's part of the journey. By signing up, you take full responsibility for your fitness, gear, hydration, and navigation. We don’t tailor pace or routes for individuals, and we don’t make space for complaints. What we do offer is a supportive, like-minded community that thrives on grit, respect, and pushing the edge together. If that speaks to you—we’re glad you found us. Let's move.
📍 Location: Pacific Ridge Trailhead, Ridge Park Road, Newport Beach, CA 92657
• Meeting Point:
We’ll meet at the Ridge Park Entrance, at the dead end of Ridge Park Road. Look for the group gathering near the trailhead sign.
• Parking: Free street parking available along Ridge Park Road.
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
• Distance / Elevation: Approximately 10 miles with ~1,900 feet of cumulative elevation gain, including multiple climbs and descents.
• Facilities: Restroom available at Crystal Cove State Park Moro CampgroundEssentials:
· Sturdy hiking shoes with good traction
- Hiking poles (optional but recommended for steep sections)
· Water
· Snacks/energy bars
· Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
· A positive attitude and a smile 😊Route Details:
• Start at Ridge Park Entrance and head out on Bommer Ridge
• Continue along Red Tail Ridge
• Descend via Rattlesnake Trail (challenging, uneven terrain)
• Connect through West Cut Across to Moro Canyon
• Stop at Crystal Cove Moro Campground (restroom available)
• Climb BFI to reach Moro Ridge (steep incline)
• Return to Ridge Park via Bommer Ridge or FencelineNote: DOGS are not allowed on many trails within Crystal Cove State Park, so please leave pets at home.
Punctuality & RSVP Etiquette:
We kindly request that all participants aim to be punctual. Our group will wait for a grace period of 5 minutes past the scheduled start time for any latecomers. However, if you realize that you're running late, please inform us through the message board. This will help us know to wait a bit longer for you and ensure we don't leave anyone behind.
If your plans change and you're unable to attend after RSVPing, please cancel your RSVP before the event begins. This consideration allows us to manage the group size effectively and opens up space for others who might be on a waiting list.
REMINDER: By joining the meetup, you agree to Meetup Terms of Service, releasing the Organizer, Co-Organizer, and Assistant Organizers from any liability related to incidents during gatherings.
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE: Hiking is a rewarding activity, but certain dangers exist. These may include trip and fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak exposure, ticks, snake bites, coyotes, mountain lions, or wildlife encounters. By registering for this event, you explicitly recognize that our organizers and participants are not professional guides or certified experts. You assume responsibility for yourself and your safety, agreeing to hold harmless the hike organizer, co-organizer, assistant organizers, and fellow participants for any injuries sustained during the hike. This acknowledgment extends to any unforeseen incidents or accidents that might take place, emphasizing your commitment to personal responsibility for your safety throughout the entire event. Your participation implies your understanding and acceptance of the shared responsibility for ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Tags: #Hiking #OutdoorAdventure #OrangeCountyHikes #CrystalCoveStatePark - Car Wreck + TOW + Rock It Loop (~9.5 mi, Moderate Pace)Canyon View Park, Aliso Viejo, CA
Get a preview here: Car Wreck, Mathis, Top of the World
Read This Before Joining: Not So Casual Hikes are fast-paced, challenging outings designed for hikers in great shape who know their limits and show up prepared. Our organizers are volunteers—not guides—and cannot be responsible for your pace, navigation, or safety. We don’t provide sweepers, and the group may not wait if you fall behind. You might finish with new friends or on your own—and either way, it's part of the journey. By signing up, you take full responsibility for your fitness, gear, hydration, and navigation. We don’t tailor pace or routes for individuals, and we don’t make space for complaints. What we do offer is a supportive, like-minded community that thrives on grit, respect, and pushing the edge together. If that speaks to you—we’re glad you found us. Let's move.
Join us for a scenic 9.3 to 9.6-mile hike near Laguna Beach, CA. The trail typically takes about 3-3.5 hours to complete.
• Location: Canyon View Park, Aliso Viejo, California.
• Meeting Place: Canyon View Staging Area
• Difficulty: Moderate – based on distance, elevation gain, and pace
• Distance / Elevation / Duration: Approximately 9.3–9.6 miles, ~1,200 ft elevation gain, estimated time 3–3.5 hours at a steady pace
• Parking: Street parking available near the staging area (check signs for restrictions)Essentials:
· Comfortable hiking shoes
· Water
· Snacks/energy bars
· Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
· A positive attitude and a smile 😊Route Details:
- We'll start at Canyon View Staging Area.
- From there we'll follow Wood Canyon Trail to Wood Canyon Creek and then towards Coyote Run.
- We'll take Coyote Run Trail to Mathis and ascend Car Wreck Trail. From there we'll head towards Top of the World via West Ridge.
- We'll return via West Ridge Trail and descend either Mathis or Rock It Trail back to Wood Canyon Trail.
- Finally, we'll return to Canyon Vistas via Wood Canyon Trail.
Punctuality & RSVP Etiquette:
We kindly request that all participants aim to be punctual. Our group will wait for a grace period of 5 minutes past the scheduled start time for any latecomers. However, if you realize that you're running late, please inform us through the message board. This will help us know to wait a bit longer for you and ensure we don't leave anyone behind.
If your plans change and you're unable to attend after RSVPing, please cancel your RSVP before the event begins. This consideration allows us to manage the group size effectively and opens up space for others who might be on a waiting list.
REMINDER: By joining the meetup, you agree to Meetup Terms of Service, releasing the Organizer, Co-Organizer, and Assistant Organizers from any liability related to incidents during gatherings.
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE: Hiking is a rewarding activity, but certain dangers exist. These may include trip and fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak exposure, ticks, snake bites, coyotes, mountain lions, or wildlife encounters. By registering for this event, you explicitly recognize that our organizers and participants are not professional guides or certified experts. You assume responsibility for yourself and your safety, agreeing to hold harmless the hike organizer, co-organizer, assistant organizers, and fellow participants for any injuries sustained during the hike. This acknowledgment extends to any unforeseen incidents or accidents that might take place, emphasizing your commitment to personal responsibility for your safety throughout the entire event. Your participation implies your understanding and acceptance of the shared responsibility for ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. - Lizard, Laurel, Willow & Emerald Canyon Loop (~10mi, Moderate Pace)Pacific Ridge Trailhead, Newport Beach, CA
Get a sneak peek here: Lizard, Laurel, Willow & Emerald Canyon Loop #hike
Read This Before Joining: Not So Casual Hikes are fast-paced, challenging outings designed for hikers in great shape who know their limits and show up prepared. Our organizers are volunteers—not guides—and cannot be responsible for your pace, navigation, or safety. We don’t provide sweepers, and the group may not wait if you fall behind. You might finish with new friends or on your own—and either way, it's part of the journey. By signing up, you take full responsibility for your fitness, gear, hydration, and navigation. We don’t tailor pace or routes for individuals, and we don’t make space for complaints. What we do offer is a supportive, like-minded community that thrives on grit, respect, and pushing the edge together. If that speaks to you—we’re glad you found us. Let's move.
Join us for a scenic ~10-mile loop hike through Crystal Cove State Park and Laguna Coast Wilderness. This route features diverse landscapes, taking you along Bommer Ridge, Lizard Trail, Laurel Canyon, Willow Canyon Road, and Emerald Canyon, with a stop at Old Emerald Falls for a rewarding finish.
Optional Shorter Route (~8 miles):
If you prefer a less strenuous option, you can bypass Emerald Canyon. After reaching Willow Canyon Road, return to the trailhead via Bommer Ridge. This alternative route still offers great views and an excellent workout, covering approximately 8 miles.
Meeting Details:
- Location: Pacific Ridge Trailhead, Ridge Park Road, Newport Beach, CA 92657
- Meeting Point: Ridge Park Entrance (at the dead end of Ridge Park Road near the trailhead sign).
- Parking: Free street parking available.
Hike Details:
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Distance/Elevation Gain:
- Full Loop: ~10 miles, ~1600 feet cumulative gain.
- Shorter Route: ~8 miles, bypassing Emerald Canyon.
- Facilities: Restrooms available at the Willow Staging Area.
Essentials:
- Sturdy hiking shoes (with good traction)
- Hiking poles (optional but helpful for steep sections)
- Water (minimum 2-3 liters)
- Snacks and electrolytes
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
- A positive attitude and a smile 😊
Route Details:
- Start: Ridge Park Entrance
- Trail Sequence:
- Follow Bommer Ridge
- Continue onto Lizard Trail
- Take Laurel Canyon
- Ascend via Willow Canyon Road
- Continue to Emerald Canyon and visit Old Emerald Falls
- Return via Bommer Ridge to the starting point.
- Shorter Route Option:
- After ascending Willow Canyon Road, skip Emerald Canyon and follow Bommer Ridge directly back to the trailhead.
Note: DOGS are not allowed on many trails within Crystal Cove State Park, so please leave pets at home.
Punctuality & RSVP Etiquette:
We kindly request that all participants aim to be punctual. Our group will wait for a grace period of 5 minutes past the scheduled start time for any latecomers. However, if you realize that you're running late, please inform us through the message board. This will help us know to wait a bit longer for you and ensure we don't leave anyone behind.
If your plans change and you're unable to attend after RSVPing, please cancel your RSVP before the event begins. This consideration allows us to manage the group size effectively and opens up space for others who might be on a waiting list.
REMINDER: By joining the meetup, you agree to Meetup Terms of Service, releasing the Organizer, Co-Organizer, and Assistant Organizers from any liability related to incidents during gatherings.
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE: Hiking is a rewarding activity, but certain dangers exist. These may include trip and fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak exposure, ticks, snake bites, coyotes, mountain lions, or wildlife encounters. By registering for this event, you explicitly recognize that our organizers and participants are not professional guides or certified experts. You assume responsibility for yourself and your safety, agreeing to hold harmless the hike organizer, co-organizer, assistant organizers, and fellow participants for any injuries sustained during the hike. This acknowledgment extends to any unforeseen incidents or accidents that might take place, emphasizing your commitment to personal responsibility for your safety throughout the entire event. Your participation implies your understanding and acceptance of the shared responsibility for ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Tags: #Hiking #OutdoorAdventure #OrangeCountyHikes #CrystalCoveStatePark
