
What we’re about
We are a friendly group of avid forest bathers who will be meeting usually 2-3 times a month, typically on a weekday morning, to explore our wonderful and numerous local and beyond trails. Our hikes will range from Easy to Challenging/Difficult depending on the chosen adventure. Many of our hikes are in the Santa Cruz County area but we do oft-times venture out to trails in the counties of Monterey, San Mateo, Santa Clara and beyond.
Maximum group size will be 12 so as not to overwhelm nature with our presence. And all attendees should be fully COVID 19 vaccinated so as to allow us all to go mask-free if we desire. We trust everyone will be honest about their status when they sign up.
I personally tend to hike at a fairly rapid pace but can certainly appreciate the value of slowing down a bit to fully enjoy our surroundings so pace is somewhat flexible. Depending on difficulty our group pace usually averages an intermediate rate of 2.5-2.8mph. Sometimes faster, sometimes slower depending on terrain. I strive to be thorough in my event write-ups so please read through them carefully so that you can enjoy the pleasure of hiking trails that interest you and match your skill level. For those who join us but hike at a significantly slower pace might find it hard to keep up with the group.
Beginner hiking pace is 1-2 mph. Intermediate hikers = 2-3mph. Speed hikers = 3-4mph. We are an Intermediate Hiking Pace group.
Safety: Please keep in mind that you always hike at your own risk and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety.
Start times will vary. Typically anywhere from 8am to 10am depending on time of year, travel distance and parking considerations. Try to be on time. If you arrive beyond the start time please feel free to try and catch up to us!
Very important - Please RSVP only if you are committed to attend. Reevaluate your availability at least a few days before the hike and withdraw at that time if you can no longer commit. Please change your status to "Not Going" as soon as you realize that you plan to withdraw. This allows others to attend. Or just simply message me and I will remove you from the Going list. There is always a Waitlist of people who would like to attend and this way it opens up a space for someone else.
I look forward to healthy, fresh air exercise with new and established friends as we explore our beautiful outdoors!
Legal Disclaimer: The hosts in this group are not professional guides, and each person who signs up for a hike, event, or other outing is responsible for his or her own safety and the safety of his or her guests and property. By signing up for this hike, or any other event organized by this group, you are acknowledging that you are aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with any outdoor activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards. And further agree to release and discharge the organizer, assistant organizers, event organizers and event hosts of this Meetup group from any and all liability arising from your and your guest's participation in the group activities. As always, this is a “Participate at your Own Risk” event.
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Jacks Peak County Park Large LoopOlmsted Road, Monterey, CA
** IMPORTANT! **
**PLEASE READ ALL INFORMATION SO THAT YOU ARE ADEQUATELY PREPARED AND COMFORTABLE WITH THE STATED LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY**Please RSVP only if you are committed to attend. Reevaluate your availability a few days before the hike and withdraw at that time if you can no longer commit. This allows others to attend.
Let's explore Jacks Peak County Park overlooking the spectacular Monterey Bay and Carmel Valley areas just a short drive off Highway 1 in Monterey. The trails wind through cathedral-like forests revealing breathtaking ridge top vistas on clear days. Jacks Peak Park is one of only 3 natural stands of Monterey Pine tree forests remaining in the United States!
Here is a link to our route (I also have two alternate shorter routes that can be taken if needed or desired): https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/earl-moser-madrone-rhus-iris-coffeeberry-pine-sage-loop-d464b5a
Length: 9-10 miles Elevation Gain: 1740 ft Route Type: Lollypop
Hike Time: 4-5 hours
Effort: challenging (see Photo below)We’ll be meeting at the trailhead at 9:20 and start our hike at 9:30 sharp.
Bring water (2+ liters), snacks, tick/poison oak protection, hiking boots with good tread, any anticipated first aid needs and your love for adventure!
Good news and good news: Dogs are allowed! Bicycles are not :)
We'll be accessing the park via an unmarked trailhead along Olmstead Road. This trail provides a nice steep climb to get our hearts pumping. Although some trails are single file most are wide and all are well-groomed and well-marked. Trail surface is a comfortable packed earth and leaves. Expect open exposure at vista points and possibly dappled sun throughout. So be prepared with sun protection. Clean bathrooms at our midway point.
Carpooling is recommended as parking spots are limited. We will be parking along Olmstead Road. It is a 50-60 minute drive from Soquel.
Safety: Please keep in mind that you always hike at your own risk and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety.
Take a few moments and refer to the frequently updated Soquel SoleMates Hiking Group general description ("What We're About") for important information about this group. Soquel Soulmates Hiking Group
https://www.meetup.com/soquel-solemates-hiking-group/I hope to see you there!
Jill :) - Save the Date!: Volunteer Trail Work Day at Nisene Marks with Lunch to FollowPeets coffee , Aptos , CA
** IMPORTANT! **
**PLEASE READ ALL INFORMATION SO THAT YOU ARE ADEQUATELY PREPARED AND COMFORTABLE WITH THE STATED LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY**As the state budget cutbacks have severely hampered the ability of the California State Parks to upgrade and maintain the park, it is necessary for us active park users to pitch in and help. The Advocates for the Forest of Nisene Marks is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering and maintaining the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park for everyone to enjoy. Park users like ourselves can help maintain the trails we so often enjoy.
Every 3rd Sunday of the month (except December) the Advocates and volunteers meet in the park for trailwork days. I think this will be a fun and rewarding event to do as a group! I've done it and and found it to be a really enjoyable way to get in a good physical workout amongst the trees with new and old friends.
We'll meet at Peet's Coffee Aptos, Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center, at 8:50am and leave at 9am sharp to hike the short distance to the Nisene Marks Front Entrance Kiosk. Coffee, pastries, fruit and tools are all provided. We'll enjoy the provided free snacks and coffee (and bathroom break) until the 9:30am Trail Work Kick-Off.
If you choose to drive into the park instead, let the ranger know at the Entrance Kiosk that you are volunteering for the Trail Work Day. They will waive your parking fee. Meet the rest of us there by the banner and sign-up table.Volunteer Trail Work Time: 3 hours Total Event time: 5 hours (including lunch)
We will need to sign two waivers, one for State Parks and one for the Advocates for Nisene Marks State Park.
What to bring:
Wear comfortable clothing (long sleeves and pants recommended) and closed toe shoes. Bring yard work gloves (although they will probably have some available). Bring your own drinking water. All tools will be provided.We'll work until 12:30 then hike back to our cars. And then for those interested, we'll meet down the street at Aptos St BBQ for delicious food and refreshment.
Safety: Please keep in mind that you these events at your own risk and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety.
Take a few moments and refer to the frequently updated Soquel SoleMates Hiking Group general description ("What We're About") for important information about this group. Soquel Soulmates Hiking Group
https://www.meetup.com/soquel-solemates-hiking-group/I hope to see you there!
Jill :)