About us
If you've enjoyed hiking with this group follow me as I move Go Wild Hikers to a new platform by the end of May, called Heylo at - https://heylo.com/invite/PpURbZWX
Click on the link above to join.
"If you are looking for well-organized hikes by an experienced leader with a friendly, welcoming vibe to the group, give this one a try! You will not be disappointed!" Ken Collins. Enjoy many of our beautiful local parks, get exercise, view native plants and wildlife, and meet other friendly local people. Getting outdoors is one of the best prescriptions for health and happiness. We're about creating a group environment in which our fellow hikers can connect and enjoy each other’s company in a friendly, courteous and supportive manner.
Your Guide - Zoli - I'm a long time (36+ years) resident of Sonoma County. I have been hiking and backpacking all my life. I love nature and spend as much time as I can outside. I'm interested in kind people, healthy foods, peaceful environments and mindful living.
The hikes - are usually 4-9 miles in length and are appropriate for intermediate-level hikers. Some are appropriate for beginner-level hikers depending on their fitness level. Hikers who are out of shape should read hike descriptions carefully and be aware of their fitness level before signing up.
Cost - $5 cash.
If your plans change after you sign up, even if you're on the waitlist, please update your RSVP.
Do Not Attend if you are sick, running a fever, were exposed to or have tested positive for Covid-19!
Hikes may be changed, postponed or cancelled due to excessive heat, smoke/AQI, rain, illness or zombie apocalypses etc.. Check your email the night before for any possible changes.
Please refrain from using any scented products the day of a group hike!
Of course we will all look out for each other but ultimately, hikers are responsible for their own safety and well-being during hikes.
Waitlist Policy -
This is an extremely popular hiking group and fills up quickly leaving many disappointed and wondering how it all works.
The history. I took the group over in 2019 and the "No Show" rate was up to 50%. Meetup said, this is normal.
After managing it for over four years I've reduced the average "No Show" rate to about 10%.
- This is how it works in this group now -
I post a new hike/event once a week.
The first 14 spots are first come first serve for any event unless specified.
After that everyone goes on the "Waitlist".
- Hikers are moved from the "Waitlist" to "Attend" list in the following order:
Frequent hikers - who regularly attend two or more times a month.
Occasional hikers - who attend once in a while.
New hikers - Who never hiked with me before.
You will be notified when you are moved to "Attend". Be aware of the "No Show" policy!
In spite of my success in dramatically reducing the "No Show" rate, there will always be people who are frustrated and disappointed.
No Show Policy
After six years and over 300 guided hikes I'm adding a new rule for New Hikers Only Effective Immediately. In my experience New Hikers have a 90% chance of not showing up (No Show) to a hike they have rsvp'd to attend. The new rule is "When a New Hiker (never hiked with me before) doesn't show up (No Show) to their first hike with the group, they will be removed (not banned) from the group immediately." When a New Hiker does attend then the current No Show policy applies after that point.
You can be a No Show for any reason and even contact me after the event (but the same day) and not get marked No Show.
But if you're a No Show and make no effort to contact me, you will be marked as a No Show.
Three No Shows in a twelve (12) month period will be subject to being removed from the group.
Release of liability
By attending any event you agree and understand that hiking is an inherently dangerous activity that you are choosing to attend and waive the organizer(s) of all liability from injury or disease including Covid-19, tick bites, injuries from falls etc.
What To Bring
• Wear appropriate comfortable hiking shoes
• Bring sunscreen and dress appropriate to the weather
• Bring plenty of water with electrolytes and snacks for longer hikes
• Cash for parking (if applicable) and the hike fee
What About Dogs? - Dogs are not allowed on many of the local trails. We ask that you please leave your 4-legged, furry friends at home for the group hikes, unless otherwise specified. Thank you & Happy trails Zoli
Upcoming events
3
Vista Trail at Sugarloaf
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, 2605 Adobe Canyon Rd, Kenwood, CA, USWe never get tired of hiking Sugarloaf. This is a very popular park with rolling hills, dense forests, creeks, wildflowers & waterfalls (in season). We'll hike up to Vista Trail while taking in the beauty. Then hike back down past Sonoma Creek. Appropriate for individuals with at least a moderate level of fitness.
*Important Notice*
If you've enjoyed hiking with this group follow me as I move Go Wild Hikers to a new platform by the end of May, called Heylo at - https://heylo.com/invite/PpURbZWX
Click on the link above to join.Where We Meet/Important Directions
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
2605 Adobe Canyon Road, Kenwood, 95452
Get there Early! Carpool if you can - This is a very Popular Park!
Give yourself enough time to arrive, use the restroom & pay park fee. It often takes longer than you think.
Meet in large parking lot on the left after passing entrance/Pay Kiosk!The Hike (Group Hike #342)
Lower Bald Mtn, Bald Mountain, Vista, Meadow and Creekside Nature Trails - a loop hike
Distance - +/-4.75 miles/+/-7.6 kilometers
Elevation change - +/-800 feet/+/-244 meters
Difficulty - 7/10 moderate with some steep sections
Exposures - 40% shade/60 % sun - rocky, poison oak, ticks and insects
Bring plenty of water - at least 34 oz./ 1 liter
Dogs - Not permitted
Facilities at trail head - shade, picnic tables and toilets
Cost - $5 cash
Parking - $10 State Park fee or free with your State Park Pass.
Remember to wear appropriate hiking shoes, bring plenty of water, a hat, a snack and layered clothing.
Please Do Not Use Any scented products the day of a group hike!
Of course we will all look out for each other but ultimately, hikers are responsible for their own safety and well-being during hikes.Sarmentine French Bakery/Cafe
(Near McDonald's)
52 Mission Circle, Suite # 112
Santa Rosa, CA 95409
(707) 623-9595
https://www.sarmentine.com/When We Meet
Saturday May 9, 2026
8:30 am - 11:30 am
Get there Early! Carpool if you can - This is a very Popular Park!
If your plans change after you sign up even if you're on the waitlist, please update your RSVP.
Do Not Attend if you are sick, running a fever, were exposed to or have tested positive for Covid-19 or any other contagion!
Hike may be changed, rescheduled or cancelled in case of excessive heat, rain, smoke/AQI, illness, zombie apocalypse etc... Check your email the night before for any possible changes.Notice to New Hikers Only
"When a New Hiker (never hiked with me before) doesn't show up (No Show) to their first hike with the group, they will be removed (not banned) from the group immediately."13 attendees
Grandmother Redwood at Jack London
Jack London State Historic Park, 2400 London Ranch Rd, Glen Ellen, CA, USIt's time to hike at Jack London. We'll visit the enormous Grandmother Redwood tree. Stop at Camp Via, hike up the old orchard. The trails will take us through mixed forest, redwood groves, oak woodlands, and grassy meadows. Best for individuals with at least a moderate level of fitness.
*Important Notice*
If you've enjoyed hiking with this group follow me as I move Go Wild Hikers to a new platform by the end of May, called Heylo at - https://heylo.com/invite/PpURbZWX
Click on the link above to join.Where We Meet/Important Directions
Jack London State Park
2400 London Ranch Rd, Glen Ellen, CA 95442
After passing entrance/pay kiosk make a right to upper parking lot.
Give yourself enough time to arrive, use the restroom & pay park fee. It often takes longer than you think.The Hike (Group Hike #343)
Mountain, Quarry, Vineyard, Camp Via, Apricot Tree, Apple Tree, New Fallen Bridge, Old Fallen Bridge and Lake trails - A lollipop route.
Length - 5.5 miles/8.9 kilometers
Elevation change - 800 feet/244 meters
Difficulty - 7 out of 10 - Moderately easy
Exposure - 30% sun / 70% shade - some steep rocky sections, ticks/insects and poison oak.
Bring plenty of water. At least 68 oz./2 liters.
Dogs - Not permitted.
Facilities at trail head - Shade, picnic tables and toilets.
Cost - $5 cash.
Parking - $10 State Park fee or free with State Park Pass.
Remember to wear appropriate hiking shoes, bring plenty of water, a hat, a snack/lunch and layered clothing.
Please Do Not Use Any scented products the day of a group hike!
Of course, we will all look out for each other but ultimately, hikers are responsible for their own safety and well-being during hikes.After Hike Coffee/Food
Les Pascals (French bakery)
13758 Arnold Dr, Glen Ellen, CA 95442
(707) 934-8378
https://www.lespascalspatisserie.com/
OR
Glen Ellen Village Market
13751 Arnold Dr. Glen Ellen, CA 95442
(707) 996-6728
https://glenellenvillagemarket.org/When We Meet
Sunday May 17, 2026
8:30 am - 12:00 pm
If your plans change after you sign up even if you're on the waitlist, please update your RSVP.
Do Not Attend if you are sick, running a fever, were exposed to or have tested positive for Covid-19 or any other contagion!
Hike may be changed, rescheduled or cancelled in case of excessive heat, rain, smoke/AQI, illness, zombie apocalypse etc... Check your email the night before for any possible changes.30 attendees
Conn Peak at Lake Hennessey
2602 Chiles Pope Valley Rd, St Helena, CA, USIt's time for another trip to Lake Hennessey. We'll hike up to Conn Peak overlooking the lake. At the top there's a picnic table and a cool stone labyrinth. Moore Creek Park is 1,600 acres of rugged terrain including Oak woodlands, Douglas Fir & Madrone forest, grasslands, and chaparral. Wildlife in the park is plentiful, including large mammals such as black bears, mountain lions, bobcat, gray fox and coyote. Best for individuals with at least a moderate level of fitness.
Important information
If you've enjoyed hiking with this group, follow me as I move Go Wild Hikers to a new platform by the end of May called Heylo. https://heylo.com/invite/PpURbZWXIt's people like you that have made this group so great!! Thank you all for being members of Go Wild Hikers and I appreciate the large number of Hikers who have already followed the group to Heylo. The Shiloh Hike on Sunday May 31 still has some room.
Upcoming events for Go Wild Hikers in June will include Hood Mtn, Taylor Mtn, Annadel and North Sonoma Mtn to Jack London.
https://heylo.com/invite/PpURbZWXClick on the link above to join for free. It just takes a few clicks to create your profile.
Happy trails, this is not the end but the beginning of a different trail for Go Wild Hikers. Come and Hike with us. Zoli
Back to the current Hike.Where We Meet/Important Directions
Moore Creek Park
2602 Chiles Pope Valley Rd, St Helena, CA 94574
Carpool if you can - This is a very Popular Park!
South on Hwy 128 past Calistoga - Left on Deer Park Rd (Sign Pacific Union College) - Right on Silverado Trail - Left on Sage Valley Rd/Hwy 128 - Past Lake Hennessey - Pay Attention - Left on Chiles Pope Valley Rd - Left into Moore Creek Park past a private house on a very narrow road there is a large parking lot.
Give yourself plenty of time to arrive. It's often farther than you think.The Hike (Group Hike #344)
Chiles Creek, Whiskey Ridge, Conn Peak and Shoreline trails, - a lollipop hike
AllTrails Map -
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/lake-hennessey-e70981f
Distance - 6 miles/9.7 kilometers
Elevation change - 900 feet/274 meters
Difficulty - 6+ out of 10 - Moderate
Exposures - 30% sun/70 % shade - creek crossing, poison oak, ticks/insects.
Bring plenty of water. At least 68 oz./2 liters.
Dogs - Yes, friendly dogs on a leash are permitted at Lake Hennessey section (this hike). But they're prohibited in Moore Creek (different hike).
Facilities at trail head - Port O Potti
Cost - Suggested $5 cash donation. No one turned away!
Parking - Free - Napa Ag & Open Space welcomes donations.
Remember to wear appropriate hiking shoes, bring plenty of water for your dog too, a hat, a snack/lunch and layered clothing.
Please Do Not Use Any scented products the day of a group hike!
Of course we will all look out for each other but ultimately, hikers are responsible for their own safety and well-being during hikes.After Hike Gathering?
The Calistoga Creamery
1473 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga 94515
Come to the Calistoga Creamery to enjoy organic ice cream and organic frozen yogurt, thick custom milk shakes, root beer floats and sundaes. No high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors or flavors. No hydrogenated oils and no GMOS.When We Meet
Saturday May 23, 2026
8:30 am - 12:00 pm
Carpool if you can - This is a very Popular Park!
If your plans change after you sign up even if you're on the waitlist, please update your RSVP.
Do Not Attend if you are sick, running a fever, were exposed to or have tested positive for Covid-19 or any other contagion!
Hike may be changed, rescheduled or cancelled in case of excessive heat, rain, smoke/AQI, illness, zombie apocalypse etc... Check your email the night before for any possible changes.20 attendees
Past events
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