What we’re about
Explore the beauty of our natural surroundings on hikes with the Sierra Pathfinders in the South Bay, Mid-Peninsula, and beyond. We offer hikes for people at multiple levels of ability. Our hike leaders are experienced and trained to Sierra Club standards. Adults of all backgrounds are welcome!
Connect with nature in a community of like-minded people. Sierra Pathfinders typically meet after hikes to eat, drink and socialize. We also offer social events throughout the year.
Our members are committed to protecting the environment. We show respect for nature on our outings and embrace sustainable practices at our events. In addition, we provide financial support for conservation programs of the Sierra Club and other organizations.
The Sierra Pathfinders is an activity section of the Loma Prieta Chapter of the Sierra Club. We encourage you to join the Pathfinders and the Sierra Club, which will entitle you to participate in all of Pathfinder outings and events.
You don’t need to be a Pathfinders member to participate in our hikes—everyone is welcome. Check out our upcoming hikes and sign up for one today!
Upcoming events (3)
See all- Long Sanborn Hike via Vista Point to a beautiful creekSanborn County Park, Saratoga, CA
This is quite a strenuous hike of over 13 miles and 3,000 ft elevation gain. Some sections are fairly steep. Hiking poles will be useful for the steep sections. Most of the hike will be shady.
Our destination is a nameless beautiful creek on the John Nicholas Trail. On the way we'll stop at a vista point, where we'll have lunch.
Route Map on Alltrails
We’ll see several different trees along the route: redwood, madrone, black oak, tanbark-oak, Douglas-fir as well several types of ferns.Notes:
- Bring at least 2 liters of water, snacks and lunch.
- No cell phone reception in the meeting place.
- Our highest point will be about 3,000 ft elevation where it can get quite windy.
- Flush toilets are available only at the beginning of the hike.
- Medical form required for all participants, to be carried on each hike.
Medical forms can be accessed here
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- Fitzgerald Marine Reserve Aug 16Fitzgerald Marine Reserve , Moss Beach, CA
We have a guest leader for this outing. Barbara is enthusiastic and well-informed about the Marine Reserve.
I'll be coming from San Jose and would be willing to carpool with 2-3 others.
Hope to see you there.Barbara's event description:
Easy loop trail from the parking area up along the bluff with a small cypress grove, total of 52 feet elevation gain. However, there are 97 steps down (and back up) to the tide pool area. The stairs are well-constructed, with a sturdy railing, and a landing part of the way down. The amount of walking to explore the tide pools is flexible. Total distance will probably be 1-2 miles.Fitzgerald Marine Reserve consists of a three-mile stretch of beach, tidepool habitat, marsh, erosive bluffs, clifftop trail and cypress and eucalyptus forests, and is part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The tidepools are one of the best such habitats in northern California, and have been designated as having “Special Biological Significance”. It is within the traditional home territory of the Ohlone peoples. Initial settlement by Native Americans has been dated to 5,800 years ago. We can expect to see crabs, sponges, anemones, sea stars, mollusks, and fish in the tidepools; many shorebirds; and possibly harbor seals resting on the beach or sea otters foraging offshore. There are multiple ecosystems within the reserve. Also the Seal Cove Fault Line is visible along the reef.
I invite everyone to stay for a bring-your-own picnic lunch together, and some time relaxing in nature afterwards, perhaps writing a journal. We can also talk about wilderness survival if you are interested. Or, if you would enjoy a longer, more vigorous hike, you can continue on your own along the California Coastal Trail, or explore some of the multiple other trails and parks nearby.
Wear sturdy shoes (or sturdy sandals with ankle strap); bring water, sunscreen, and hat; wear layered clothing. Summer coastal weather is variable, with possibility of fog, wind, clouds, sun, heat or cold. Restrooms are available at the parking area.
Since this is a Sierra Club hike, you must sign a Liability Waiver at the trailhead. It is recommended to carry a copy of the Local Outings Medical Form in your backpack, but it's not required for this event.
Directions: Moss Beach is along coastal Highway 1, north of Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay, south of San Francisco, Daly City, and Pacifica. If you take 92 west from San Mateo, turn north on Hwy 1 at the coast. The Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is in Moss Beach, 3 blocks from Highway 1 – turn west at California Ave. The parking area is along North Lake St. (cross streets are Nevada Ave and California Ave).
Leader – Barbara Showalter (209) 628-2065. Please feel free to text or call with any questions. You do not have to pre-register.
