What we’re about
The Monterey Bay Area Hiking Group is for people who enjoy hiking, being outdoors and socializing. We explore many areas throughout the Monterey Peninsula, BigSur/ Ventana Wilderness, and Santa Cruz Mountains. On occasion, we will offer events out of the area. Hikes are generally for most levels; from 4 mile hikes with minimal elevation gain to 20 mile expeditions with significant elevation gain. Hikes may be scheduled on any day of the week and usually last between 3-5 hours. For those interested in multi-day activities, there will be some car camping or backpacking trips.
Please be advised that we are not a walking group and therefore do not expect to see many short hikes (less than 3 miles) over level terrain . Please match the hike to your skill level.
Please join us for our next hike!
Disclaimer: The Organizers are not professional guides and do not have certified training nor insurance. As you are aware, inherent hazards and risks are associated with hiking and all other physical activity. You are responsible for your own safety and health. The individual hike Organizer is not in charge of this hike, but simply going on a hike and inviting others to join.
As you join, please read the "About" information under the heading "Pages" on the menu at the top of the Home page.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- #13_MMT 8 M with 2,300' gain_GVC to Pinyon Peak with 20lbsGarland Regional Park, Visitor Center, Carmel Valley, CA
Let us go up to Pinyon Peak (aka Fire Tower) at Garland.
We start from the Garland Visitor Center [GVC] at 7:45 sharp. So arrive a bit earlier.
We will have a weigh-in before the hike.Loop Hike_Route route:
Going: [GVC] - Buckeye Nature - Fern - Sky - [Old Corral] - Snively's - [Pinyon Peak]
Return: [Pinyon Peak] - Snively's - Palisades - {WADE across Carmel River} - Rancho Loop Trail - [GVC]AllTrail Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-june-15-2025-c86a7ee
What to bring:
- Layered clothing, a pair of gloves (rocky area and slippery surface at Pinyon Peak)
- wind breaker, 2L of water, electrolytes, snack, Solid hiking shoes
- a pair of hiking sticks (for wading across Carmel River)
- Since we wade across Carmel River, towel might be helpful.
DISCLAIMER:
“The Monterey Bay Area Hiking Group” group and its event/assistant organizers (the "Organizers") are not responsible for your safety. Outdoor activities are inherently dangerous. By signing up for these events, you agree to release “The Monterey Bay Area Hiking Group” group of Meetup.com and its Organizers from ANY responsibility, liability or claim in law or in equity. If you DON'T agree to these terms, DO NOT JOIN THIS MEETUP EVENT. “The Monterey Bay Area Hiking Group” group of Meetup.com doesn't certify the expertise of the Organizers. The Organizers in this Meetup.com group are volunteers. You are responsible for yourself. - Volunteer day at Fort Ord Dunes with CA State ParksFort Ord Dunes State Park, Marina, CA
Come on out to our volunteer day at Fort Ord Dunes State Park!
Afterwards, treat yourself to a beautiful walk to the beach or a bike ride down the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. This event is co-sponsored by the Monterey District of California State Parks and the California State Parks Foundation.
WHAT WE ARE DOING: Join us in the historic Fort Ord Dunes for a morning of volunteer work! Projects vary seasonally but may include: weeding invasive plants, planting native plants, collecting seeds, or trimming brush along trails. Visit our Upcoming Volunteer Events page for the latest information.
WHERE TO MEET: The main parking lot of Fort Ord Dunes State Park in Marina, California. Click here for a link to Google Maps.
WHAT TO BRING: Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, hat. Tools, training, gloves, provided!
Please email volunteer.monterey@parks.ca.gov with any questions!
- Volunteer day at Garrapata State Park with CA State ParksGarrapata State Park, Carmel , CA
Come on out to our volunteer day at beautiful Garrapata State Park!
Afterwards, treat yourself to a beautiful hike along the bluffs or up the Soberanes Canyon Trail. This event is sponsored by the Monterey District of California State Parks and the California State Parks Foundation.
WHAT WE ARE DOING: Join us for a volunteer morning at beautiful Garrapata State Park! Projects vary seasonally but may include: weeding invasive plants, planting native plants, collecting seed, and repairing fences. Visit our Upcoming Events Page for information about this month's project.
WHERE TO MEET: Usually, Gate 8 (Soberanes Canyon Trailhead). Please check our Upcoming Events Page for the latest meeting location!
WHAT TO BRING: Water, closed-toe shoes, snacks, sunscreen, and hat. Gloves, tools, and training will be provided!
Please email volunteer.monterey@parks.ca.gov with any questions!
- Big Sur Volunteer Day with CA State ParksAndrew Molera State Park, Big Sur, CA
Each month, we'll be visiting either Pfeiffer Big Sur or Andrew Molera State Park for a morning of volunteer activities. Projects vary seasonally, but may include: weeding invasive species, planting native plants, fixing fences, etc. This event is sponsored by the Monterey District of CA State Parks
Visit our volunteer events page for this month's project!
WHAT WE ARE DOING: Project varies each month! Check out our upcoming volunteer event page for details (if I haven't already updated them here)
WHERE TO MEET: Meet at the main Parking Lot of Andrew Molera State Park and we will shuttle to the project site. (Double check the meeting location on our upcoming volunteer event page)
WHAT TO BRING: Water, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, hat, and snacks. Gloves, tools, and training will be provided.
Please email volunteer.monterey@parks.ca.gov with any questions!
