About us
We are a high-effort hiking community based in Orange County, Southern California, for people who want their weekends to build something.
Our hikes are brisk, intentional, and community driven. We are not a casual walking group, a sightseeing group, or a guided hiking service. We are a volunteer-led group of people who like to move, train, connect, and raise the floor of what ordinary effort feels like.
Some members run. Some lift. Some train for big objectives. Some simply want a stronger version of their weekend. What we have in common is that we show up ready to move.
The Sunday Standard
Sunday hikes are the foundation of the group.
Expect:
- 8 to 12 miles
- 1,500 to 2,500+ ft of gain
- A brisk, steady pace
- Limited stops
- A group culture built around consistency, effort, and respect for everyone’s time
The goal is simple: get outside, move with purpose, connect with good people, and leave stronger than you came.
The Saturday Altitude Series
The Saturday Altitude Series is a smaller training series for hikers preparing for higher, longer, more demanding objectives.
It is built for people training for Mt. Whitney, San Gorgonio, San Jacinto, Mount Baldy, Cucamonga Peak, the SoCal Six-Pack of Peaks, international treks, multi-day alpine routes, endurance events, and other serious mountain days.
Expect higher elevation, longer distance, more gain, variable weather, and rougher terrain.
Because these hikes are more demanding, attendance may be limited based on recent hiking experience, pace compatibility, and route requirements.
Is this for you?
Join us if you want a group that moves with purpose, respects the effort, and makes a strong weekend feel ordinary.
You do not need to be elite. You do need to come prepared for the route, ready for the pace, and willing to meet the effort.
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Stay Connected
If you’re new here, start with Your Environment Is Your Training Plan, a field note on why consistency is easier when you stop trying to build it alone.
For more notes on effort, endurance, and human capacity, subscribe to Not So Casual Hikes.
Upcoming events
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July 4th in Crystal Cove: Lizard, Laurel, Willow & Emerald (8-11mi)
Pacific Ridge Trailhead, Ridge Park Rd, Newport Beach, CA, USIf your July 4th plans start later, spend the morning on the trail with us.
Join us for an ~11-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.
Please Note: Not So Casual means our hikes double as a workout — brisk pace, solid climbs, and an endurance challenge paired with a friendly, supportive group vibe. Come prepared with gear, water, and your best effort, and you’ll fit right in. The group moves at a steady, moderate-to-fast pace and may not wait if you fall behind, so please know your limits and be ready to hike at this level — or plan to finish on your own, ideally by pairing up with someone at a similar pace.
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: ~11 miles, ~1900 feet cumulative gain.
- Shorter Route: ~8 miles, bypassing Emerald Canyon.
Essentials:
- Traction hiking shoes
- Water (2L+; electrolytes recommended)
- Sunglasses & sunscreen
- Hat or sun protection
Route Details:
Start: Ridge Park Entrance
Trail Sequence:
Bommer Ridge - Lizard Trail - Laurel Canyon - Willow Canyon Road - Emerald Canyon (optional: continue to the REI Bridge, then return to Old Emerald Falls) - Bommer Ridge back to trailheadShorter Option:
After Willow Canyon Road, skip Emerald Canyon and return via Bommer Ridge to the trailhead.From the Trail:
We also share lessons from the trail in a short Not So Casual Hikes newsletter on training, discipline, and showing up.
https://notsocasualhikes.beehiiv.comNote on Punctuality & RSVP: Please be on time — we’ll wait up to 5 minutes past the start. If you’re running late, you can post your ETA in the event discussion, but the group may still begin without you. If your plans change, please update your RSVP — it helps us know who to expect on the trail.
Disclaimer & Safety Notice: Not So Casual Hikes are challenging outings designed for hikers in strong shape who know their limits and show up prepared. Organizers are volunteers—not guides—and cannot be responsible for your pace, navigation, or safety. We hike at a steady pace and the group may spread out. Please be prepared to navigate independently if you fall behind, though we’ll aim to check in at major junctions when possible. By signing up, you accept full responsibility for your fitness, gear, hydration, and navigation, and agree to hold harmless the Organizer, Co-Organizer, Assistant Organizers, and fellow participants for any incidents or injuries. Participation also means you agree to Meetup’s Terms of Service. Hiking carries inherent risks, including trip/fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak, ticks, snakes, coyotes, or mountain lions. Be prepared for sun exposure, heat, or marine layer conditions depending on the day.21 attendees
Past events
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