
What we’re about
We organize 3 to 5-day long weekend trips to National Parks in the US, in a comfortable mode with economy hotels' accommodations and getting around in a locally rented van with no more than 6 people in a group.
If you are interested in exploring with us National Parks of the US, and - since 2023 - abroad (Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica) then check on the group's Calendar.
Among others in 2025 we want to go to Hawaii Volcanoes, Haleakalā in Hawaii (with a possible stretch to the National Park of American Samoa), and Voyageurs and Isle Royale National Parks in Minnesota. For 2026 the plan is to explore National Parks overseas: Norway's, Eastern Europe's, South Korea's and New Zealand's. Check on the group's Calendar – 2025 is fulled wholly with each event described, and 2026 is well outlined.
As to the past - feel free to click on the below photo albums of the parks that we've done in the previous three years:
- Death Valley, Yosemite, Redwood, Lassen Volcanic and Pinnacles in California,
- Saguaro and Petrified Forest, and Grand Canyon in Arizona,
- White Sands and Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico and Guadalupe Mountain in Texas,
- Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and Mammoth Cave in Kentucky,
- Rocky Mountain, Great Sand Dunes, Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Mesa Verde in Colorado,
- Wind Cave, Badlands, and Mountain Rushmore Monument in South Dakota,
- Yellowstone and Grand Teton in Wyoming,
- Indiana Dunes in Indiana and Cuyahoga Valley in Ohio, Niagara Falls in New York,
- Bryce Canyon, Zion, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef in Utah,
- Mount Rainier, Olympic, and North Cascades in Washington,
- Denali and Kenai Fjords in Alaska,
- Crater Lake in Oregon,
- Glacier in Montana,
- Acadia in Maine,
- Shenandoah in Virginia,
- Congaree in South Carolina,
- Big Bend in Texas,
- Everglades, Biscayne NPs and Big Cypress National Preserve in Florida.
In space-limited events (like small group multi-day trips) the preference is given to members who previously attended other NPQ's events and met their fellow group members in-person.
Do not hesitate to sign into a WAIT-LIST when an event if full - chances are you eventually get to the main list: some people in the main list happen to change their mind as the dates coming up. Or they do not respond the organizers' messages about the event. In this case they got moved out and people from the wait list go to the main list.
Other activities in NPQ:
- On many Saturday early mornings Lana takes the group to Alviso's colorful ponds to enjoy the atmospheric environment and an after-hike, optional, networking and having breakfast at a Taco place nearby.
- On lunch-time we occasionally organize hikes at Baylands Nature Preserve and Rancho San Antonio C.P.
These Saturday early morning and weekday lunch-time hikes are often cross-posted with tech pros' Meetup groups: Silicon Valley Indian Professionals Association (SIPA), California Software Professional Association (CSPA), Global Online Tech & Startup Networking & Training Meetup and others. We want to network and build a community of good people!
Our sister group Super Fabulicious Hiking and Outdoor Adventures aka SuperFabs (https://www.meetup.com/superfab/) does even more fun stuff such as:
- Hitting the trail on a Sunday noon for moderate hikes at County Parks: 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 SuperFabs go on 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.
- When undertaking backpacking trips to beautiful locations in California, our picks are Desolation Wilderness, Emigrant Wilderness, and the Lyon lake area.
As Meetup skyrocketed the Organizer's subscription price by the beginning of 2025, participation in the above events of our sister group SuperFabs became a paid subscription starting March 2025.
But, members of this group, NPQ who ever went on any number of multi-day National Park trips (even a single one) - you are friends and family from that trip on! And if you are a member of SuperFabs then no dues for you forever! If you are in SuperFabs and Meetup posts some member dues for you to pay there - just poke me with a message, it will be all waved (if not yet.)
See each other on the Happy Trails! 🏔 🚶♀️🚶♂️
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](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!
Let's hike among the mammoth woods that are home to the tallest trees on Earth in a coastal preserve of old-growth redwood forests, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mist steals through towering trees soaring up to 380 feet as thrushes sing melancholy notes from the canopy. On the ground, fallen trees expose upturned root beds more than 6 feet in diameter.
We will also drive the Avenue of the Giants, the 10-mile Newton B. Drury Redwood Scenic Parkway and along the rugged coastline with some cozy seaside towns, such as Crescent City.
Weather is expected to be warm with day average temperatures 62 degree F (45 degree at night) and above with some chance of precipitation, and winds at the ocean.
Trip's summary:
- 4days/3nights trip for a small group of 6 explorers.
- The starting and ending point is South Bay (one or two pick-up locations, one can be Diridon station at San Jose.)
- Hotel accommodations in Arcata, CA, Crescent City, CA and Santa Rosa, CA. All locations in this event follow safety requirements by the state.
- Level of activities: Easy to Intermediate.
Clothes and gear recommended:
- good hiking shoes,
- warm jacket for evenings, be ready to layer up,
- hiking poles if you used to them,
- day backpack,
- consider hydration bladder for hikes,
- sunglasses,
- sunscreen,
- hat,
- for personal protection: mask, carry-on sanitizer, gloves (by your choice.)
Cost $440. What's included:
- 4days/3nights stay in 2-people occupancy non-smoking room (two beds in room),
- Transportation by minivan (like Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Grand, Ford Transit or similar) covering approx. 900 mi of road-tripping total,
- Park entrance fee,
- Organized hikes in all days.
What is NOT included:
- Meals, snacks, water.
Sunrise: 6:20am. Sunset: 8:00pm. Every day we want to start off from the hotel at 7 am or 7:30am, or as the latest. If you are a night owl, please try to adjust yourself for an earlier getup during the trip - the purpose of it is to use more of daylight at wintertime 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.
Sign up and feel free to comment with any questions!
Title photo: Fern Canyon in Redwood National Park.
Photo-albums from previous trips for
Redwood National Park: https://www.meetup.com/u-s-national-parks-quest-group/photos/31684230/
Point Reyes: https://www.meetup.com/u-s-national-parks-quest-group/photos/33968467/ (the last shots)
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Hike at Alviso Marina County Park, ~4.5mi, 1.5-hour, easy hikeAlviso Marina County Park, Alviso, CA
This 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!
- Road-trip to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in Mem. DAY, w/moder.hikesSequoia National Park, California, CA
These two adjacent parks with their deep valleys, skyscraping trees, and sharp rock outcroppings, is what John Muir, "Father of the National Parks" once called "a rival to Yosemite."
In Sequoia National Park we want to explore the iconic places of the park, such as Sherman Tree, the most massive tree in the world, Tunnel Log that’s cut through a fallen giant sequoia on a roadway, Tokopah Falls, Crescent Meadow in the Giant Forest, and Moro Rock, a granite dome with cut out staircase to the top.
Kings Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in North America, where sheer granite cliffs line the canyon, and the road down into the canyon follows along the mighty and roaring Kings River.
Weather in our locations is expected to be warm with day average temperatures 86 degree F and we will hike at least partially shady areas. See updates of weather forecasts at: http://bit.ly/3sMtdRJ
Trip's Summary:
- 3days/2nights trip for a small group of 6 explorers,
- The starting and ending points are locations in the South Bay (we can choose some 2 pick-up locations, one can be San Jose Diridon Station),
- Motel accommodations in Lindsay, CA.
- Level of activities: Easy to Intermediate.
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 $390 that includes:
- 3days/2nights stay in 2-people occupancy non-smoking room (two beds in room),
- Transportation by minivan (like Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Grand or similar) covering approx. 900 mi of road-tripping total,
- Park entrance fee,
- Organized hikes in all days.
NOT included:
- meals, snacks, water (we will drive for grocery shopping.)
Sunrise: 5:45am. Sunset: 8:40pm. We want to start off from hotel at 7:30am, to use more of daylight for activities.
Please sign up and comment with any questions.
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.
- Hike at Baylands Nature Preserve, 5.3mi/2 h, easy hikePalo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve Trailhead, Palo Alto, CA
This 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!
- Hike at Alviso Marina County Park, ~4.5mi, 1.5-hour, easy hikeAlviso Marina County Park, Alviso, CA
This 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!