Walk Into the Dark: Full Moon Hike | Beaver Moon, Supermoon Edition

Walk Into the Dark: Full Moon Hike | Beaver Moon, Supermoon Edition
Tuesday, November 24 | 5:15 PM

November’s full moon is the Beaver Moon. Folklore ties the name to the beavers, who spend these weeks finishing their lodges and stocking up on food before the ponds freeze, and to the trappers who set their last lines for thick winter pelts around the same time. This one is also a supermoon, which means the moon is near its closest point to Earth and looks a little bigger and brighter than usual. It lands two days before Thanksgiving, which gives the quiet moment at the top something to work with.

This month we’re skipping the daylight part. The moon rises at 4:28 PM and the sun sets at 4:39, so by the time we head out the last of the twilight is almost gone and the whole hike happens under the supermoon.

We’re meeting at South Mesa Trailhead at 5:15 PM and heading out at 5:30. That window is for parking, lacing up and saying hello. We’ll start with the moon already low in the east over the plains, and we’ll reach the overlook around 6:30 with it well up and still climbing.

The trail is 5 miles round trip, moderate with a steep final push that earns the view. This is a social hike, so nobody is racing anyone. That said, it’s a Tuesday night and the temperature drops after dark, so we’ll keep a steady pace on the way up. If this would be your first hike of the year, this probably isn’t the one to start with.

What to expect:

The vibe is light and social on the way up, so come ready to chat. Once we reach the top, there may be a short reflection on what you’ve been building this year and what you want to carry into winter, and joining in is completely optional. Then we’ll take a moment of silence together to soak in the view and listen to what the dark actually sounds like. The moon lights the way back down.

Total time is about 2.5 hours. Back at the trailhead around 8:00 PM.

What to bring:
Headlamp. The whole hike is after dark, so bring a good one with fresh batteries. We go lights off wherever the trail and the moonlight allow.
Warm layers, a hat and gloves. Late November nights can drop into the 20s fast.
Water, plus something warm to drink if you want it.
Sturdy shoes, since this is a real trail.
Microspikes if there’s been recent snow.

Parking:
South Mesa is a paid lot. Boulder County plates park free. Everyone else needs a $5 daily permit through ParkMobile (zone 24600), and you should buy it before you get there since cell service at the trailhead can be spotty. Give yourself a few extra minutes to park and gear up before we head out.

Day-of logistics and weather:
Late November weather can change fast. Jump into our WhatsApp Event Logistics room to ask any questions or follow for updates. While you’re in the community, you’re welcome to join our other rooms too, including Mission Control, where we drop a new uncomfortable mission every other Sunday.

Run by Adam at Volks Coaching (www.volkscoaching.com)

By joining this event, you acknowledge that hiking in the dark on uneven terrain carries inherent risks, that you are responsible for your own safety and fitness, and that you release The Uncomfortable Club, its organizers and Embody Purpose LLC from any liability for injury, loss or damage.