What we’re about
This group's goal is to get exercise while exploring and learning about the geology and natural science of the San Francisco Bay Area. The aim is the mid-point between the hiking groups that don't stop long enough to explore and learn about what they're passing and the nature groups that see lots of great stuff, but don't get that much exercise.
Hikes will be lead by members with knowledge of unique, exotic, or otherwise fascinating features of our area. If you have a favorite hike that you'd like to lead, drop a suggestion and I'll make you a leader (you just have to commit to coming on the hike and sharing your knowledge).
Everyone with interest is invited, and presentations should be aimed at people with interest but not necessarily a strong academic background in the subject (although some conversations occasionally get pretty deep).
Our primary focus will be on geology, but we won't pass up a good tidbit of information about the flora and fauna as we hike.
I've finally started putting together a website with more details on the geology of our hikes. You can find them at https://geology.trampleasure.net/ A few direct links to pages on my site include:
Upcoming events
2
Rocks and paths in North Berkeley, 4.2 miles, 900 feet elevation
Marin Circle Fountain, Solano Avenue Tunnel, Berkeley, Ca, USThis is a new hike for us; we're hitting many of the landmarks in the Nor Cal Geological Society's 2003 Field trip "Silica Rich Rocks in the Berkeley Hills."
We'll meet at the Marin Circle, then head up paths and roads through Berkeley.
Destinations include:- Indian Rock
- Mortar Rock Park
- John Hinkel Park
- Grotto Rock Park
- A landslide area and earthquake fault evidence near Spruce Street and Marin Ave.
- Cragmont Park
- Remillard Park
- Cordornices Park (take a trip down the cement slide)
- Berkeley Rose Garden for brief lunch stop
An Alltrails map can be found here. AllTrails list this route as 4.2 miles and 843 feet climbing.
Kids are welcome, but dogs are not.
We'll "pass the hat" for requested $2 contributions at the start of the hike.Bring fluids and snacks; we'll stop for a short lunch at the Berkeley Rose Garden (which has a great view of the Bay).
We should be done in about three hours, although times are never certain.
Getting there
Parking: We're in neighborhoods here, so most parking is free--but keep your eye out for parking restrictions and red zones. If you want to carpool, leave a comment.
Public Transit: AC Transit Line 7 will get you to the Marin Circle, and Line 18 will get you a few blocks away on Sutter Street. If you're coming on BART, you can get off at Downtown Berkeley station and switch to the Line 7 bus (or ask in the comments section if anyone can pick you up--North Berkeley is best for meeting someone if carpooling).If it's pouring rain, we'll cancel...check here Friday night for updates.
12 attendees
CANCELLED: Death Valley; December 2025
Furnace Creek Campground, Airport Rd, Death Valley, CA, US** Update Oct 19**
We regret to inform everyone that we have decided to cancel this year's trip due to the number of closed roads and the uncertainty of when they will open.
We are still planning a summer trip in 2026 (likely Mammoth area again, including Devil's Postpile), as well as returning to Death Valley in December 2026 (with Jeep trip to Racetrack!).
Again, we regret this decision, but feel it is the best option for the group. Look forward to seeing many of you on our day hikes in the Bay Area.Update Oct 5:
Because of the flooding in early September, a lot of park roads are still closed. Rangers had hoped to have at least the road to Badwater open by mid-October, but with the federal government shutdown, it’s hard to know whether the repair work is still moving forward or on pause.
We normally open registration in early October, but this year we’re holding off until we know which roads will actually be open. Once we have that information and can plan our hikes accordingly, we’ll open registration right away.
I spoke with someone at the Jeep rental company, and he said that the report they heard was that, while there is significant rock debris on the closed roads, none of them suffered actual damage to the pavement. So it sounds like they are just clearing roads of this debris, and thus the roads should be opened much faster than in past storms where there has been road damage.
In the worst case, we might need to stick to hikes in the middle of the park—but don’t worry, there are still plenty of great spots to explore!General details:
We have reserved a few sites for our annual Death Valley camping/hiking trip. It's happening this December.
We don't have this year's itinerary set yet, but wanted folks to know we're on for 2025.
We have five sites reserved (ten cars), and are looking for people with National Parks Senior passes to help us get a couple more. If you have a Senior Pass, please let Lee know if you're comfortable with us using it. Each camping site is shared by two vehicles.
If you prefer a hotel to camping, make your reservations as soon as you know you're coming.General details of our annual trip can be found here: https://geology.trampleasure.net/geology-trips-in-the-western-usa/dvnm/
We'll probably have a tentative itinerary decided by early October, but the typical plan is:
- Dec 27th: Driving to Death Valley (it's a long drive that takes most of a day).
- Dec 28th: Day trip to either Racetack Playa (in rented Jeeps) or Ash Meadows. We have reserved four Jeeps, so up to 16 people. Cost is around $150 per person (rental price plus cost of gas). More details about the Jeeps here.
- Dec 29-31: Three days of hikes around Death Valley.
- Dec 31: Dinner at the Last Kind Words Saloon to celebrate New Year's Eve.
- Jan 1st: Whichever trip we didn't do on the 28th.
- Jan 2nd: Pack up and drive home.
The 28th and 1st are optional for those who have the time and inclination.
2 attendees
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