
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. Most will be in the Santa Cruz County area. But we do oft-times venture out to trails in the counties of Monterey and San Mateo 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 flexible. 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.
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 but we will wait until 10 minutes after the start time for any late arrivals. If you arrive beyond that 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 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 (1)
See all- Byrne-Milliron Forest Grand Tour!Byrne-Milliron Forest of the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, Corralitos, CA
Please RSVP only if you are committed to attend. Reevaluate your availability a few days before the hike and withdraw at that time if you can no longer commit. This allows others to attend.
Let's celebrate the re-opening of the magical kingdom known as Byrne Milliron Forest by exploring this wonder-filled 400-acre nature preserve in Watsonville. We'll enjoy a grand tour of this beautiful forest. Home to the 1000-year old, 250-foot tall "Great White" redwood. Wide, well-groomed trails with many unique charms along the way. And gorgeous views of the Pajaro Valley and Monterey Bay. The trails are dotted with large wooden sculptures, small mementos and other novelties.
Mostly shaded with a few open-air trail sections and vista points. Recommend hiking boots with good tread. Bring snacks, plenty of water, any anticipated first aid needs and your joyful, nature-loving spirit!
Here is a link to the trails we'll be traversing:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/byrne-trail-90e1357Dogs are welcome!
Length: 6 miles Effort: Challenging (due to elevation gain)
Elevation gain: 1795 ft Hiking time: 3-4 hoursPossibility of après hike lunch at Taqueria Los Pericos in Corralitos for interested hungry souls.
Byrne-Milliron Land Trust prefers that hikers register if they intend to hike in the Byrne-Milliron Forest. Really simple process. All they require is name and email address. There is no fee. Go to: https://landtrustsantacruz.org/byrne-milliron-visitor-registration/
There are no rangers on duty, no one to stop you if you have not registered. Hikers come and go freely. But if you are comfortable doing so, please register.I have heard that the small parking lot has been renovated. Maybe more parking spaces now? Consider carpooling just in case. Carpooling arrangements can be made through Comments. Possibly still a port-a-potty at the trail head.
Please 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/Hope to see you there!
Jill :)