What we’re about
One of the oldest (since 2006) and long-named Meetup groups in Northern CA - aka SuperFabs - welcomes you 🤗 ! We are hikers exploring the hills, lakes, canyons of the South Bay area, enjoying its ever changing beauty in all seasons.
Here are the county parks (CPs) we hit the trail in for a moderate-level hike on a Sunday noon: Sanborn, Stevens Creek, Upper Stevens Creek, Uvas Canyon, Santa Teresa, Almaden Quick Silver, Joseph Grant's, Lexington Reservoir, Ed Levin's, Alum Rock, Pulgas Ridge.
On some Sundays you are invited to join a strenuous-level hike led by Ankit. In some evenings you can join Rita for a half-Mission Peak hike to see a sunset. And many Saturday's early mornings you can go with Lana on Alviso's colorful ponds to enjoy the atmospheric environment and an after-hike, optional, networking and breakfast at a Taco place nearby.
As Meetup keeps raising Organizer's subscription price, in March 2025 for the first time member's dues were set for all members (with some exclusions explained below.)
It's $17 per year, paid through Meetup's service provider, Strip. The current term is March 1 2025 to March 1 2026. If joining the group at any time between 3/1/2025 and 8/31/2025 the member's dues is $17. If joining the group at any time between 9/1/2025 and 3/1/2026 the member's dues is $8.50. After 3/1/2026 a new circle starts.
The group's calendar (in the main menu) is now filled up to 3/1/2026. It's 26 moderate-level Sunday noon hikes in the Santa Clara County Parks, 2 or 3 hikes per month. If the organizer is unable to conduct a certain hike, then a replacement hike will be scheduled and announced. The strenuous hikes and the half-Mission Peak hikes will be offred by the assistant organizers when they are available.
The Alviso Saturday early morning easy hikes are basically co-hosted with our sister group, U.S. National Parks Quest, aka NPQ (https://www.meetup.com/u-s-national-parks-quest-group/) NPQ has no member's dues, so if you are interested just in Alviso early morning easy hikes, join only NPQ. NPQ mainly organizers multi-day trips to US Natinal parks across the country, since 2024 - abroad (Canada's, Mexico's, Costa Rica's) and since 2026 - planning to explore National Parks overseas (see the NPQ's Description page.)
So what are the exclusions from member's dues in SuperFabs?
First, members who ever went on any number of multi-day trips (even a single one) with NPQ - you are friends and family from that trip on, so no dues in SuperFabs for you forever 🤗 If you are in SuperFabs and Meetup posts member dues for you to pay - just poke me with a message, it will be all waved (if not yet.)
Second, group leaders, hikes organizers are waved from the dues. And everyone is welcome to organize hikes in SuperFabs. Just let me, Lana, know and we'll discuss the setup, frequency etc.
Any GENERAL questions about the group's organization, calendar etc - feel free to message me or post in the group's Discussion board. Any questions SPECIFIC to a certain event (i.e. location, difficulty level, trail's link, lateness, carpool etc) - post in the Сomments of the appropriate event, please.
See each other on the trails! ⛰ 🍃 🥾 🎒🚶♀️🚶
Yours,
Maggie,
Rita,
Ankit,
Lana
Quote from Discussions:
Q: "..How to pay this ... is this only for in-person payment when I can attend the first event?"
A: No. Meetup should show you a button, like "pay dues".
This is all done on Meetup page of SuperFabs group. No cash, no in-person. The Meetup's service provider, Stripe, handles this. You should see "pay dues" button while navigating inside the group.
Disclaimer:
Joining any of our hikes is voluntary and there may be some risks associated with this physical activity. It is each hiker's responsibility to ensure that she/he is physically fit and in good health to participate in hiking activities ; and you also have agreed ( for you and your guests) to the Meetup Usage and Content Policies: Rules for Using Meetup located here: https://help.meetup.com/hc/en-us/articles/360002897532-Usage-and-Content-Policies-Rules-for-Using-Meetup
Hikers need to be prepared with the appropriate water, food or lunch, layers clothes, sturdy hiking shoes , hiking poles, and first aid supplies. Hike hosts make no warranties about the quality, safety, or supervision of these activities. Hiking organizers/ hosts are not professionals in this field and may occasionally get lost which will extend the time period for the hike. Hikers are ok to go ahead of leader, but wait at trails intersection and maintain visible distance between other hikers.
Liability Waiver:
By signing for the hiking event, you hereby release it's organizers, hosts, and all participants from any and all liabilities, claims, demands or causes of action that you now have, or may have in the future, for illness, injuries, damages, and /or economic loss of any kind or nature, arising in whole or in part out of the activities, advice, or information contained herein . You are acknowledging the requirements, the possible risks and are taking responsibility for your own health and safety issues. And Safety matters!
UPD re ANNUAL DUES:
Members, who did not participate in any group's activities DURING 2024 and on, the annual membership dues of $17 will be WAIVED for you (just please allow some time to process that.)
If Meetup's system charges you that $17 - you will be REFUNDED (manually) within a few hours (just please allow some time; to speed up - send a message to Lana.)
You can remain inactive any time long. The annual membership dues of $17 will be reinstated for you (in fairness to other members) after/if you start coming to the group's events again.
Featured event
Yosemite Almost Winter Car Camp
This is a great time to visit Yosemite Valley. The large crowds are gone and peace and quiet have returned. Officially, it's not quite winter but conditions may say otherwise.
We will tent-camp in 3 adjacent campsites in Upper Pines campground. Reservations are confirmed.
Although this is a 4 day event, you can stay as long or as short as you want. When signing up, please designate which nights you plan on attending and any guests.
The cost is $6 per person, per night, payable at the campsite.
Donations for firewood are appreciated or bring a bundle or 2 of firewood.
After unloading at the campsite, parking will be in the overflow lot nearby.
If you plan on sleeping in your car, you may be able to park at the campsite. Just let us know when you sign up.
Activities will be completely dependent on snow cover. In the past, there has been anywhere from no snow to 18 inches on the Valley floor. Temperatures average around 28°F - 50°F (-2°C - 10°C).
If needed, we will clear snow for tent sites.
A partial list of possible endeavors:
- Mirror Lake Loop - 5mi, 200ft el. gain, easy to moderate.
- Valley Loop Trail - Flat, easy, 11.5mi, full loop - 7.5 miles, half loop.
- Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall Trail, out & back, (winter route) 7 mi, 2200ft el. gain, moderate to strenuous.
- Yosemite Falls Trail, out & back, 7.2mi, 2700ft el. gain, moderate to strenuous.
- Columbia Rock via Upper Yosemite Falls trail, out & back, 3 miles 1000ft el. gain, moderate.
- The fun, Tenaya Canyon mystery hike! (5 miles, depending on conditions)
- Depending on snow cover, there may also be hiking options available on the South Rim. (Taft Point, Dewey Point, Sentinel Dome)
For participants who want easier hikes:
- Lower Yosemite Fall Trail, loop, 1mi, 50ft el. gain, easy
- Cook's Meadow Loop, 1mi, flat, easy
- Sightseeing loop - 1 - 5 mi, mostly flat. We'll see Indian Caves, Indian Village, cemetery, museum, Superintendent's house, Yosemite Chapel, explore the Ahwahnee Hotel.
- Happy Isles, 1 mile, flat, easy.
- PLEASE REMEMBER - All activities are dependent on conditions.
Everyone is free to join an organized hike or activity or do their own thing.
Our usual non-hiking activities include ice skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and possibly downhill skiing. These activities are dependent on snow cover.
Check the weather forecast here:
https://tinyurl.com/cn6vce87 / weather. gov
https://bit.ly/3x4cHiO / weather. com
We will all meet at the Ahwahnee Hotel for cocktails/refreshments on Saturday evening.
The Glacier Point Ski Hut and Snow Creek Cabin may not be open; the information on this will become available as the winter season approaches.
Badger Pass Ski Area is scheduled to open Saturday, December 13th, conditions permitting.
The Ice Skating Rink is scheduled to open December 1st.
Dining options include Degnan's Kitchen, Basecamp Eatery, The Mountain House Lounge and The Ahwahnee Dining Room and Bar. Also, Seven Tents Pavillon (breakfast and dinner) and Bar 1899 are a short walk from the campsite.
Also, we plan on providing breakfast for all participants on Saturday morning. (eggs, sausage, potatoes, coffee, tea)
The Yosemite Village Store is well-stocked and open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.
They have a great selection of meats, fresh veggies, frozen food, grocery items, liquor and a wide selection of beer. You can also buy a hammer and nails!
The Ahwahnee Gift Shop and Lodge Gift Shop will be open.
Cell service is spotty at the campsite but generally reliable at the Village. Wi-Fi is available at the Village and the library only.
This is an all-inclusive, non-discriminatory event. Please be kind!
ATTN: RSVPs are now open. Please indicate which nights you plan on attending and any guests.
ATTN: This is a camping event at a national park with the meeting point INSIDE THE PARK, at the Park's campground. Attendees should provide their own transportation to the Park's campground. If you need to carpool or seek to share a rental car, feel free to post in the comment section.
Past similar events (with photo albums)
2017 https://www.meetup.com/superfabs/events/245354276/
2018 https://www.meetup.com/superfabs/events/249411209/
2021 https://www.meetup.com/u-s-national-parks-quest-group/events/281697055/
https://www.meetup.com/u-s-national-parks-quest-group/events/275043623/
Fall 2021 https://www.meetup.com/superfabs/photos/33455360/
2023 https://www.meetup.com/superfabs/events/292982759/
Upcoming events
28
Road-Trip in Midwest: Fall Foliage in the Ozarks, MO-AR-TN, with moderate hikes
Ozark Mountains, United States, USLet's explore scenic natural beauty and historic sites of the American Midwest.
At St Louis we will make sure to check on Gateway Arch National Park and Forest Park. Then we will start explo7ring a scenic rural way through Arcadia Valley that goes through the Ozarks Mountains region with Taum Sauk, the highest point in Missouri. Other natural gems of the area that can be explored along the route are Johnson’s Shut-Ins and Lake of the Ozarks State Park with its many hiking options.
We will have opportunities to explore some of the highest rated byways of America: Blue Bucks Scenic Byway, Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Crowley River Byway and Great River Byway. We will finish at Memphis and check on the iconic Beale Street, home of the Blues.
Fall weather in the areas on our route is warm with day average temperatures 73 degree F (60 degree at night). See updates of weather forecasts at: https://bit.ly/3It5ahH
Trip's summary:
- 7days/6nights trip for a small group of 6 explorers.
- The starting point is St Louis, MO and ending point is Memphis, TN.
- Level of activities: Easy to Intermediate.
- Hotel accommodations in: St Louis, MO, Osage Beach, MO, Mountain Home, AR, Kennett, AR, Memphis, TN.
Clothes and gear recommended:
- good hiking shoes,
- warm jacket for evenings, be ready to layer up,
- hiking poles if you used to them,
- consider hydration bladder for hikes,
- sunglasses,
- sunscreen,
- hat.
Tentative cost: $640. What will be included:
- 6 nights stay in 2-people occupancy non-smoking room (two beds in room),
- Breakfasts in some hotels,
- Transportation by minivan covering approx. 1000 mi of road-tripping total,
- Park entrance fees,
- Organized hikes in all days.
What is NOT included:
- Getting to St Louis, MO, getting back from Memphis, TN (or, optional, Little Rock, AR - ask the organizer for details),
- any individually charged fees (per vehicle fees are included),
- Meals, snacks, water.
Sunrise: 6:50am. Sunset: 7:15pm. Everyday we want to start off from the hotel at 7 am or 7:30am, or 8am as the latest. If you are a nigh owl, please try to adjust yourself for an earlier getup during the trip - the purpose of it is to use more of daylight at winter time for activities.
There will be a Zoom meeting on this trip and a WhatsApp group chat will be formed for the group to communicate and prepare for the trip. Please be available to connect by WhatsApp (provide the organizer with your WhatsApp contact info to be included in the chat.) Regular messaging will not work out for this trip, sorry.
Some basic info on gear: https://www.meetup.com/superfab/photos/33232901/
Sign up and feel free to comment/message with any questions!
Title photo: Whitaker Point (in the plan to visit)
6 attendees
Hike at Baylands Nature Preserve, 5.3mi/2 h, easy hike
Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve Trail, Palo Alto, CA, USThis hike in an urban-waterfront park will be organized regularly. The trail is quite flat but with fast pace it provides a good workout with scenic view of waterfront and plenty of wildlife.
* Length: 5.3mi
* Elevation gain: 49 ft
* Dogs are allowed but must be on leash at all times
* The Park is 100% open space and a good setting for cognitive respite by relaxing and restoring the mind ))
* Often freshly breezy.Here is weather forecast to check on: https://bit.ly/3MUOySD
Please, bring:
* shoes appropriate for an unpaved trail,
* layered clothes (for season),
* hat,
* water,
* sunglasses,
* sunscreen.We can complement this hike with a breakfast and networking at a nearby coffee shop:
Starbucks, 6 min drive
Philz Coffee, 9 min drive
Palo Alto Coffee, 12 min drive.
Depending on the group's mood, we can go on networking or not (it's up to everyone to decide to go on or not, no obligations/ expectations.)Where we meet:
Parking lot at Terminal Dr, nearby Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve Trail, in Google maps.
Also, marked with a red arrow on this map:
https://www.meetup.com/superfab/photos/33232850/510500530/
(click the photo to enlarge.) The meetup link leads to a close spot too.The Park's info: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Community-Services/Open-Space-Parks/Neighborhood-Parks/Baylands-Nature-Preserve
Parks map and brochure:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/community-services/parks-and-open-space/baylands/baylands-map.pdfMeet each other at Baylands Nature Preserve!
2 attendees
Hike at Stevens Creek County park, 5.9mi/2.75h, moderate hike
Stevens Creek Chestnut Parking Lot and fee station, Stevens Canyon Rd, Cupertino, CA, USLet's hike a loop trail that is steep enough to provide a good workout, switchbacks and variety of scenic views over the rolling hills and the lake to reward our efforts.
Trail's summary:
- Length: 5.9mi, moderate loop,
- Elevation gain: 1079 ft,
- 70% shady,
- Dogs are not allowed.
Please, bring:
- layered cloths,
- shoes appropriate for an unpaved trail,
- hiking poles if you used to them,
- hat,
- water,
- sunscreen,
- sunglasses.
Where we meet:
To avoid people getting lost within many parking lots in this park - let's pick a certain place with a name: Chestnut Picnic Area. It's close to the main entrance. Let's meet there, and you can park in any parking lot nearby. From Chestnut Picnic Area we will proceed to Stevens Canyon Trail that we hike. Here is a map with blue arrows showing the meeting point:
https://www.meetup.com/superfab/photos/33232850/514276685/
coordinates: 37.31716164928781, -122.07368465332924Photos of the meeting parking lot area:
https://www.meetup.com/superfab/photos/33232850/514401097/
https://www.meetup.com/superfab/photos/33232850/514400846/The whole Park's brochure:
https://parks.sccgov.org/sites/g/files/exjcpb961/files/documents/Stevens%20Creek%20Brochure%20Cover.pdfThis trail has poison oak, looks like this:
https://www.meetup.com/superfab/photos/33232850/510500633/
be careful.Parking fee is $6 payable with machines at parking lots; finding a spot can be competitive in this park, please allow time for this.
ATTN: This trail is a combination of other trails, with some intersections, so if you think you may want to separate from the group/slow down at some point, make sure you get the park's map and get known (from the leader) how to proceed on your own, otherwise a wrong turn can lead to a different part of this large park.
Let's meet and hike at Stevens Creek!
5 attendees
Hike at Alviso Marina County Park, ~4.5mi, 1.5-hour, easy hike
Alviso Marina County Park, 1195 Hope St, Alviso, CA, USThis hike at the serene and colorful area of Alviso Marina will repeat at least two Saturday mornings per month. We will hike along salt ponds, channel of the Guadalupe river and a network of levees. These easy hikes can be a way to train ourselves for longer hiking trips, and to meet your group members in person.
We will take Alviso Slough Trail. This is a flat, fast-paced hike and it can serve as a warm-up for your other activities later on this day. But if everybody in the group wants to do a longer hike, there are choices of trails at Alviso to extend your activities ))
The construction of that part of Alviso Slough Trail is scheduled to be finished by summer 2025. Until then we will hike the trail out and back, up to the old pump station. After construction is finally over we will be hiking the loop.
Please, bring:
* layered cloths/windbreaker,
* shoes appropriate for a rough trail,
* water,
* hat,
* sunglasses
* sunscreen.The weather forecast in the area: http://bit.ly/3qhmXih
Please be aware that in the case of precipitation in the area the day before the hike - the trail can get muddy here and there (due to subtle powdery soil at the sloughs.) So, put on appropriate shoes, do not wear nice textile shoes..
No parking fee is charged currently at Alviso.
The Park is 100% open space and a good setting for cognitive respite by relaxing and restoring the mind ))
We want to complement these hikes with networking time AFTER the hike, 9am - 10am-ish, so that group members could connect more directly.
This can be happening either at the picnic tables in the park, or at a eating place nearby. Here are some options:
El Taco de Oro , opens 9am
Vahl's Restaurant , opens 11am
Rosita's De Basilio Deli & Market , opens 11am.We found out that El Taco de Oro is a suitable place for after hike networking 👍 ($3.25/taco, friendly staff and plenty of space.)
Here is the full menu: https://www.meetup.com/superfab/photos/33232901/510500797Depending on the group's mood, we can go on networking or not (it's up to everyone to decide to go on or not, no obligations/expectations.)
This event is cross-posted with tech pro's Meetup groups: Silicon Valley Indian Professionals Association (SIPA), Global Online Tech & Startup Networking & Training Meetup and others.
Let's see each other at Alviso!
1 attendee
Past events
1115
