About us
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.
In 2026 we want to go to Hawaii Volcanoes, Haleakalā in Hawaii (with a possible stretch to the National Park of American Samoa), Voyageurs and Isle Royale National Parks in Minnesota, Riding Mountain and Theodor Roosevelt National Parks in Canada and North Dakota. Overseas: for 2026 the plan is to explore National Parks in Norway, and in 2027 - in Chile, Peru, South Korea and New Zealand.
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, Channel Islands, Joshua Tree and Pinnacles in California,
- Saguaro and Petrified Forest, and Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend in Arizona,
- Great Basin in Nevada,
- 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,
- Everglades, Biscayne NPs and Big Cypress National Preserve in Florida,
- Fall Foliage at Loess Hills and Door County - in Nebraska, Iowa, Wisconsin,
- Southeast- in Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana,
- Midwest and the Ozarks - in Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee.
In Canada:
Pacific Rim National Park - on Vancouver Island,
La Mauricie, Parc National du Mont-Tremblant, and National park of Frontenac - in Quebec,
Kejimkujik and Fundy National Parks - in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick,
Banff, Jasper, Kootenay and Yoho National Parks - in Alberta.
Also, other Americas:
Volcan Poas, Volcan Arenal, Montaverde and Manuel Antonio National Parks - in Costa Rica,
Izta-Popo and Nevado de Toluca National Parks - in Mexico.
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!
Featured event
Road-trip in blooming Nor.Dakota & Manitoba CAN, TWO Nat.Parks, moder. hikes
In this road-trip we want to explore the Manitoba and North Dakota natural scenery at the blooming season. We will driving from Winnipeg, Manitoba's Capital, towards Riding Mountain National Park, cross the US boarder and enter the Little Missouri Badlands in North Dakota.
We'll explore badlands, prairie, and a historic ranches in Theodor Roosevelt National Park stopping to see the rocks with character at amazing Makoshika State Park, then head eastward aiming to get a glimpse of the world's largest population of bisons, including rare albino bison found only in North Dakota.
The Canadian natural beauty encompasses strips of deciduous forest along the foot of rocky escarpments, with chances for wildlife watching. In North Dakota we'll get views of prairie dog towns, petrified forest, the the famous rugged badlands layered with color and awash in classic badland formations like hoodoos, mesas, natural bridges, caprocks and “Cannonball Concretions”
We could stop and explore a few cities and towns – Winnipeg in Manitoba and Dickinson, Bismark and Fargo in North Dakota.
U.S. citizens entering Canada must have proof of U.S. citizenship. Permanent residents of the U.S. must have a U.S. green card. A visa or electronic visa may also be required for some countries.
Beginning of summer weather in this area is warm with day average temperatures 75 degree F. See updates of weather forecasts at:
https://bit.ly/3WXy9TN
- 6days/5nights trip for a small group of 6 explorers.
- The starting point is Winnipeg International Airport (YWG) in Winnipeg, MB, CAN and the ending point is Fargo International Airport (KFAR) in Fargo, North Dakota (or YWG - drive back to Winnipeg with me, where rental car to be returned.)
- Level of activities: Easy to Intermediate.
Hotel accommodations in Winnipeg, MB, Brandon, MB, Wibaux, MT, Jamestown/Valley City, ND. All locations in this event follow safety requirements by the state.
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 $590 (to be finalized min 1 month before start.) What is included:
- 6days/5nights stay in 2-people occupancy non-smoking room (two beds in room)
- Breakfasts at some hotels,
- Transportation by minivan (like Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Grand or similar) covering approx. 1000 mi of road-tripping total,
- Park entrance fees at Theodor Roosevelt NP,
- Organized hikes in all days.
What is NOT included:
- Getting to Winnipeg, MB, CAN and returning from Fargo, ND,
- Parks entrance fees in Canada except per vehicle fees (but most CAN parks charge per person, not per vehicle),
- Individually charged fees/tours in North Dakota
- Meals, snacks, water (we will drive for grocery shopping in each location.)
Sunrise: 5:30am. Sunset: 9:30pm. 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 for activities.
UPD. 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 messanger will not work out for this trip, sorry.
Sign up and feel free to comment/mail with questions 👍
Title photo: Theodor Roosevelt National Park
UPD. Photo-albums from the previous trips with similar features
South Dakota's badlands, bison herds, 2021: https://www.meetup.com/u-s-national-parks-quest-group/photos/31429080/
fall foliage peeping trips to Canadian British Columbia and Alberta: https://www.meetup.com/u-s-national-parks-quest-group/photos/33817981/
https://www.meetup.com/u-s-national-parks-quest-group/photos/32009286/
Upcoming events
11
Haleakala and Hawaii Volcanos National Parks, with moderate day hikes
Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii, HI, USIn this trip we want to explore the both National Parks of Hawaii - Hawaii Volcanoes on the Big Island and Haleakala in Maui. We start with experiencing Hawaii Volcanoes with its young, rocky, otherworldly landscape and volcanic shores and, in the contrast, a very lively Kona coast. Then we catch an evening flight to Maui that lasts less one hour.
Hiking Haleakala Summit can make feel like another, colorful and cloudy, world. We will plan to catch make it it there by sunrise or sunset one day. And then we will explore a lush rain-forest and swim at Ohe'o Gulch and drive along scenic Hana Highway.
The adventurous part of this trip can be (optional) addition of American Samoa National Park to the itinerary. In this case on the last day of the trip instead of flying home will fly to Honolulu that is the only connection to Pago Pago airport and a non-stop flight to it lasts about 6 hours. For the National Park of American Samoa, a tropical preserve of rain-forest and coral reef, we want to allocate just two days (one night stay.) Accommodation (not numerous there) can be in a hotel or private properties.
Spring weather in the areas is warm with day average temperatures 84-87 degree F (65 degree at night). See updates of weather forecasts at: https://bit.ly/3tA7E9J
Trip's summary:
- 7days/6nights trip for a small group of 6 explorers.
- The starting point is Kailua-Kona, KOA, and ending point is Kahului, OGG.
- Level of activities: Easy to Intermediate.
- Hotel and airbnb accommodations in Hilo and Wailuku.
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,
- day backpack,
- sunscreen,
- hat,
- swim-suite, flip flops (all beach accessories),
Tentative cost $750 (to be finalized 1.5 months before the start.) What will be included:
- 6 nights stay in 2-people occupancy non-smoking room (two beds in room),
- Transportation by minivan covering approx. 500 mi of road-tripping total,
- Park entrance fees,
- Organized hikes in all days.
What is NOT included:
- Getting to Kailua-Kona, KOA, transfer from Kailua-Kona, KOA to Kahului, OGG, returning from Kahului, OGG,
- Transfer to Honolulu, HI,
- Meals, snacks, water.
Sunrise: 6:20am. Sunset: 5:50pm. 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 group.)
Please sign up and feel free to comment/message with any questions!
6 attendeesRoad-trip in blooming Nor.Dakota & Manitoba CAN, TWO Nat.Parks, moder. hikes
Riding Mountain National Park, 135 Wasagaming Dr, Onanole, MB, CAIn this road-trip we want to explore the Manitoba and North Dakota natural scenery at the blooming season. We will driving from Winnipeg, Manitoba's Capital, towards Riding Mountain National Park, cross the US boarder and enter the Little Missouri Badlands in North Dakota.
We'll explore badlands, prairie, and a historic ranches in Theodor Roosevelt National Park stopping to see the rocks with character at amazing Makoshika State Park, then head eastward aiming to get a glimpse of the world's largest population of bisons, including rare albino bison found only in North Dakota.
The Canadian natural beauty encompasses strips of deciduous forest along the foot of rocky escarpments, with chances for wildlife watching. In North Dakota we'll get views of prairie dog towns, petrified forest, the the famous rugged badlands layered with color and awash in classic badland formations like hoodoos, mesas, natural bridges, caprocks and “Cannonball Concretions”
We could stop and explore a few cities and towns – Winnipeg in Manitoba and Dickinson, Bismark and Fargo in North Dakota.
U.S. citizens entering Canada must have proof of U.S. citizenship. Permanent residents of the U.S. must have a U.S. green card. A visa or electronic visa may also be required for some countries.
Beginning of summer weather in this area is warm with day average temperatures 75 degree F. See updates of weather forecasts at:
https://bit.ly/3WXy9TN- 6days/5nights trip for a small group of 6 explorers.
- The starting point is Winnipeg International Airport (YWG) in Winnipeg, MB, CAN and the ending point is Fargo International Airport (KFAR) in Fargo, North Dakota (or YWG - drive back to Winnipeg with me, where rental car to be returned.)
- Level of activities: Easy to Intermediate.
Hotel accommodations in Winnipeg, MB, Brandon, MB, Wibaux, MT, Jamestown/Valley City, ND. All locations in this event follow safety requirements by the state.
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 $590 (to be finalized min 1 month before start.) What is included:
- 6days/5nights stay in 2-people occupancy non-smoking room (two beds in room)
- Breakfasts at some hotels,
- Transportation by minivan (like Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Grand or similar) covering approx. 1000 mi of road-tripping total,
- Park entrance fees at Theodor Roosevelt NP,
- Organized hikes in all days.
What is NOT included:
- Getting to Winnipeg, MB, CAN and returning from Fargo, ND,
- Parks entrance fees in Canada except per vehicle fees (but most CAN parks charge per person, not per vehicle),
- Individually charged fees/tours in North Dakota
- Meals, snacks, water (we will drive for grocery shopping in each location.)
Sunrise: 5:30am. Sunset: 9:30pm. 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 for activities.
UPD. 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 messanger will not work out for this trip, sorry.
Sign up and feel free to comment/mail with questions 👍
Title photo: Theodor Roosevelt National Park
UPD. Photo-albums from the previous trips with similar features
South Dakota's badlands, bison herds, 2021: https://www.meetup.com/u-s-national-parks-quest-group/photos/31429080/
fall foliage peeping trips to Canadian British Columbia and Alberta: https://www.meetup.com/u-s-national-parks-quest-group/photos/33817981/
https://www.meetup.com/u-s-national-parks-quest-group/photos/32009286/3 attendees
Minnesota: Voyageurs & Isle Royale NPs, scenic North Shore, w/moderate hikes
Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota, MN, USLet's explore our Upper Midwest, with Voyageurs and Isle Royale National Parks and North Shore Scenic Drive (MN 61) on Lake Superior. Voyageurs is a mixture of upland and aquatic ecosystems, southern boreal and northern hardwoods forest types, and rocks. We also plan to spend a day at Isle Royale getting there by a charter boat.
The both parks are more of wilderness type of experience and having anticipation of solitude and wondering what the next lake might look like, much like the voyageurs and fur trappers did in the past.. There is high chance of seeing moose, timber wolves, black bear, and deer in these areas: the relatively small island of Isle Royale, for example, has populations of approx 25 wolves and 1,000 moose.
And we will conclude the trip by a scenic drive that follows the rocky shoreline of Lake Superior, passing lighthouses and cascading streams and going though the only part of the continental US where the northern boreal landscape thrives and where walks, overlooks and stairways revel Lake Superior's immensity.
We will hike in one of the few state parks along the shoreline where we can see a river dropping off a cliff and even rain forests setting with water splitting over mossy ledges. Superior Lake can appear to be calm and serene but may quickly release its legendary fury thrashing icy waves against the shore. We also plan to stop in a resort town there with a picturesque natural harbor, fine restaurants and shops.
Summer weather in this area is mild with day average temperatures 70 degree F and possible light wind. See updates of weather forecasts at:
https://bit.ly/2IJStpBTrip's summary:
- 5days/4nights trip for a small group of 6 explorers.
- The starting and ending point is Duluth International Airport, MN.
- Level of activities: Easy to Intermediate.
- Hotel accommodations in Grand Marais, MN, International Falls, MN. All locations in this event follow safety requirements by the state.
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 $670. (FINALLY UPDATED NO LATER THAN 1.5 MONTH BEFORE THE START DAY.) What will be included:
- 5days/4nights stay in 2-people occupancy non-smoking room (two queen beds in room),
- Breakfasts at the hotels,
- Transportation by minivan (like Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Grand or similar) covering approx. 600 mi of road-tripping total,
- Park entrance fees,
- Organized hikes in all days.
What is NOT included:
- Getting to and from Duluth International Airport, MN,
- renting canoe (optional), $12-25/day, in Voyageurs NP,
- getting boat shuttle ticket to Isle Royale National Park, $87 out and back trip - needed to get to the park: https://www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/ferry-transportation-services.htm, https://www.isleroyalebooking.info/res(L10!pid=ii!ptc=b)?
- Meals, snacks, water.
ATN: Previous canoe experience is recommended for this trip. There are options to explore the both parks by ground only (still getting to Isle Royale by a boat shuttle) but the essence of Voyageurs is better to appreciate by canoeing.
In CA there are many opportunities to go on a canoe day trip - to get acquainted to it. I had personal (positive) experience with this provider: Burke Canoe trips (http://burkescanoetrips.com) in Russian River, CA.
Because the areas in this trip are quite remote, more rarely visited/have fewer accommodation and other service providers, and because this trip requires some individual booking by participants, please sign up only if you are certain about going and can finalize your decision and make all booking no later than one month before the dates.
Sunrise: 6:50am. Sunset: 5:50pm. 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 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 group.)
Sign up and feel free to comment/message with any questions!
Title photo: encounters in Isle Royale National Park
Photo album: places we'll stay in or pass and their environments6 attendees
Road-trip to Norway's NPs, Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, moderate hikes
Jotunheimen National Park, Norway, NOLet's explore Norway's nature beauty and its nicest historic towns by road-tripping on the famous Atlantic Ocean Road. The idea of this trip is to move by a car from Oslo to a number of locations, staying one or two nights at each and exploring areas around for natural beauty and history - please see the map uploaded. The route will be: Oslo, Bergen, Alesund, Kristiansund, Trondheim, Lillehammer and Oslo.
On the western part of the trip we will be moving along the famous fjords area by ground. We'll need to use ferry in four spots (red circles on the map.) In this part we may use train or other public transit if it makes sense cost-wise.
The eastern leg of the route, from Lillehammer to Oslo, should be done by driving. Here we want to explore Jotunheimen National Park and Breheimen National Park (will try to include Jostedalsbreen National Park too.) Jostedalsbreen National Park can be hiked while we stay at Oslo.
This general itinerary for this this trip is open for being discussed and modified, till Sept 2023. Any comments are welcome )This trip is subject to COVID-19 restrictions imposed by the country. As of beginning of 2023 Norway is open for tourism. We'll try to monitor closely the situation and it it changes. Here is a page with advisory from the U.S. Embassy in Norway :
https://no.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/Fall weather in this area is mild with day average temperatures 63-65 degree F (45 degree at night). See updates of weather forecasts at:
https://bit.ly/3FkTE64The Trip's summary:
- 12 days/11nights trip for a small group of 6 explorers.
- The starting and ending point is Oslo, Norway.
- Level of activities: Easy to Intermediate.
- Hotel accommodations in, preliminarily: Oslo, Bergen, Alesund, Trondheim, Lillehammer/Roros.
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,
- for personal protection: mask, carry-on sanitizer, gloves (by your choice.)
Cost: the final calculation is to be made five mo before the start.
What's included:- 11 nights stay in 2-people occupancy non-smoking room (two beds in room),
- Breakfasts in some hotels,
- Transportation by minivan (like Peugeot 5008, Ford Tourneo or similar) covering approx. 1100 mi of road-tripping total,
- Park entrance fees,
- Organized hikes in all days.
What is NOT included:
- Getting to and from Oslo, Norway,
- Meals, snacks, water.
Sunrise: 7:15am. Sunset: 7pm. 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 group.)
Sign up and feel free to comment/message with any questions!
6 attendees
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