What we’re about
We are a friendly group of avid forest bathers who will be meeting usually 2-3 times a month, typically on a weekday morning, to explore our wonderful and numerous local and beyond trails. Our hikes will range from Easy to Challenging/Difficult depending on the chosen adventure. Many of our hikes are in the Santa Cruz County area but we do oft-times venture out to trails in the counties of Monterey, San Mateo, Santa Clara and beyond.
Maximum group size will be 12 so as not to overwhelm nature with our presence. And all attendees should be fully COVID 19 vaccinated so as to allow us all to go mask-free if we desire. We trust everyone will be honest about their status when they sign up.
I personally tend to hike at a fairly rapid pace but can certainly appreciate the value of slowing down a bit to fully enjoy our surroundings so pace is somewhat flexible. Depending on difficulty our group pace usually averages an intermediate rate of 2.5-2.8mph. Sometimes faster, sometimes slower depending on terrain. I strive to be thorough in my event write-ups so please read through them carefully so that you can enjoy the pleasure of hiking trails that interest you and match your skill level. For those who join us but hike at a significantly slower pace might find it hard to keep up with the group.
Beginner hiking pace is 1-2 mph. Intermediate hikers = 2-3mph. Speed hikers = 3-4mph. We are an Intermediate Hiking Pace group.
Safety: Please keep in mind that you always hike at your own risk and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety.
Start times will vary. Typically anywhere from 8am to 10am depending on time of year, travel distance and parking considerations. Try to be on time. If you arrive beyond the start time please feel free to try and catch up to us!
Very important - Please RSVP only if you are committed to attend. Reevaluate your availability at least a few days before the hike and withdraw at that time if you can no longer commit. Please change your status to "Not Going" as soon as you realize that you plan to withdraw. This allows others to attend. Or just simply message me and I will remove you from the Going list. There is always a Waitlist of people who would like to attend and this way it opens up a space for someone else.
I look forward to healthy, fresh air exercise with new and established friends as we explore our beautiful outdoors!
Legal Disclaimer: The hosts in this group are not professional guides, and each person who signs up for a hike, event, or other outing is responsible for his or her own safety and the safety of his or her guests and property. By signing up for this hike, or any other event organized by this group, you are acknowledging that you are aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with any outdoor activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards. And further agree to release and discharge the organizer, assistant organizers, event organizers and event hosts of this Meetup group from any and all liability arising from your and your guest's participation in the group activities. As always, this is a “Participate at your Own Risk” event.
Upcoming events
2
El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve
Skeggs Point Parking Lot, 15463 Skyline Boulevard, Redwood City, CA, US** IMPORTANT! **
**PLEASE READ ALL INFORMATION SO THAT YOU ARE ADEQUATELY PREPARED AND COMFORTABLE WITH THE STATED LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY**
Just off Skyline Boulevard in Woodside, the El Corte De Madera Creek Open Space Preserve contains nearly 3,000-acres of dense redwood forest and chaparral-dotted hillsides. It was once clear-cut in the late 1800’s but still has one of the largest groves of old growth redwoods. The lush forest makes the preserve especially nice for hikers on warm sunny days. We'll see many types of trees, including buckeyes, oaks and redwoods while hiking in their cool shade. Also along our route we'll visit a rare Tafoni sandstone formation. The world-famous, 1,800-year old Methuselah Tree can also be found here. Our route: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/tafoni-loop-1ce3e6e
Effort: Challenging (see photo below) Length: 8.4 miles
Elevation gain: 1791 ft Time: 4-5 hours Route type: Loop
We will park at the Caltrans Skeggs Point Parking Area on the east side of Skyline Blvd about 4 miles north of Highway 84 and begin our hike from there. Carpooling is advised as spaces are limited.
Weather forecast is sunshine!!! with temperatures in the mid-60s.
Bring water, snacks, tick/poison oak protection, hiking boots with good tread, any anticipated first aid needs and your love for adventure!
Safety: Please keep in mind that you attend these events at your own risk and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety.
Take a few moments and refer to the frequently updated Soquel SoleMates Hiking Group general description ("What We're About") for important information about this group. Soquel Soulmates Hiking Group
https://www.meetup.com/soquel-solemates-hiking-group/
I hope to see you there!
Jill :)9 attendees
Join the Fun! - Volunteer Trail Maintenance Day, Nisene Marks SP
Peets coffee, 50 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos, CA, US** IMPORTANT! **
**PLEASE READ ALL INFORMATION SO THAT YOU ARE ADEQUATELY PREPARED AND COMFORTABLE WITH THE STATED LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY**
Every 3rd Sunday of the month (except December) the Advocates for the Forest of Nisene Marks host a Trail Day for volunteers like ourselves to get together and assist with trail maintenance. This is a very fun and rewarding event to do and a great way to get in a good physical workout amongst the trees with new and old friends. Enjoy the satisfaction of giving back and helping to maintain the trails we all enjoy.
We'll meet at Peet's Coffee Aptos, Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center, and leave promptly at 9:00am to hike the short distance to the Nisene Marks Front Entrance Kiosk via Aptos Rancho Trail. There is one stepping-stone water crossing along this trail. Coffee, pastries, fruit and tools are all provided. We'll enjoy the provided free snacks and coffee (and bathroom break) until the 9:30am Trail Day Kick-Off.
If you choose to drive into the park instead, let the ranger know at the Entrance Kiosk that you are volunteering for the Trail Work Day. They will waive your parking fee and create a parking spot for you there at the Kiosk. Meet the rest of us there by the banner and sign-up table. It is preferred to carpool or hike in.
Please pre-register with the Advocates at the following link so that they have a record of how many to prepare for: https://calendly.com/nisenemarks/sign-up?month=2026-01
Volunteer Trail Work Time: 9:30am to 12:30pm.
Level of Difficulty: all fitness levels welcome
We will need to sign two waivers at the sign-in booth. One for State Parks and one for the Advocates for Nisene Marks State Park.
What to bring:
Wear comfortable clothing (long sleeves and pants recommended) and closed toe shoes. Bring your own drinking water. Garden hoes, rakes, loppers and gloves will be provided. I'm going to bring my own gardening gloves and fire hoe.
We'll work until 12:30 then hike back to our cars.
Safety: Please keep in mind that you attend these events at your own risk and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety.
Take a few moments and refer to the frequently updated Soquel SoleMates Hiking Group general description ("What We're About") for important information about this group. Soquel Soulmates Hiking Group
https://www.meetup.com/soquel-solemates-hiking-group/
I hope to see you there!
Jill :)5 attendees
Past events
97
