Hike the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve

Join me for a beautiful and relaxing approximately 5.6 mile hike on the green loop, the yellow trail (out to the Tolomato River), and the purple loop through the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve. It will be a nice, easy hike through mostly leaf covered dirt with a few small areas of sand. This hike is mostly flat with only small changes in elevation. We will be doing about 20-22 minute miles and there will be stops for water breaks and possible wildlife sightings. This hiking loop is mostly shaded. There are 2 parking areas. When you pull in, you will enter a large parking area and if you continue straight, there is a smaller parking area at the trailhead. You can park at either. It is about .2 miles from the large parking area to the trailhead.

There is a $3.00 parking fee, and you must pay using your phone (to scan the QR code) and a credit card. There have been issues with some not having cellular service there. If you think you may have difficulty, click here

https://camerapay.premiumparking.com/vehicle/P5913 to make your payment. You can pay before you leave your home (you will need your license plate number).

Restrooms are located at the trailhead parking lot. We will meet at the trailhead and hopefully we will have great weather. This is a rain or shine event. If there are any questions, the best way to contact me, Carla Elder is on my cell at 727-219-0469.

NOTE: You are required to sign our Participation Agreement to participate in our outings. To save time the day of the hike, we encourage you to sign the agreement online ahead of time at:

https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=701Po00000s9jWmIAI

A paper copy will also be available at the outing. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are good to have. Also, bug spray since we will be near water*.

You must have water and proper footwear. Bicycles and horses share the paths there. No dogs will be allowed.

Cancellation Policy: Event will be held rain or shine but may be cancelled if weather threatens safety such as in the case of lightning or high winds in the forecast. Also, if the heat index is forecast to be over 103, then the outing will be cancelled. Participants are advised to check Meetup for current status before traveling to the event. Events may need to be cancelled at short notice.

*Help the environment by following these tips:
Bring your water in a reusable container instead of a single-use plastic bottle. Use sunscreen free of oxybenzone and octinoxate. These chemicals are extremely harmful to coral reefs, as well as being hormone disruptors in humans.
Sierra Club maintains a safe space agreement between participants, leaders, volunteers, and staff. We want to support everyone in exploring, enjoying, and protecting our natural environment, and hateful and dangerous behavior will not be tolerated. We don't want to deny participation in these outdoor programs and we will always say no to racism, sexism, ageism, homophobia, impairment, and disruption. We request that all participants cooperate with the outing leader's direction to ensure a safe and enjoyable outing for everyone.