About us
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
1
Pinnacles Grand Tour!
Parking lot, 2011 Chaparral Drive, Soledad, CA, US**IMPORTANT**
**PLEASE READ ALL INFORMATION**Pinnacles National Park!!!! Yay!!! The spectacular remains of an ancient volcanic field! Heat, frost, water and wind wearing away rock. Fault action and earthquakes adding to its creation. Rock spires, ramparts, crags and caves. Massive monoliths, sheer-walled canyons and boulder covered caverns. Several species of bats, the California red-legged frog (largest frog in the western United States), California Condors and turkey vultures and stunning views.
Our route: Chaparral Parking Area>Juniper Canyon Trail>Tunnel Trail>High Peaks Trail>Rim Trail>Reservoir>Bear Gulch Cave Trail>Moses Spring Trail>Bear Gulch Trail>Bench Trail>Old Pinnacles Trail>Balconies Trail (Cliffs Trail or Cave Trail)>Chaparral Parking Area
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/high-peaks-balconies-cave-loop-d60743aThis route includes Pinnacles two cave systems: Bear Gulch Caves (Upper and Lower) and Balconies Cave. The caves are frequently subject to closure as is needed to protect the bat population. Here is the Cave Status link (which changes day to day and hour to hour): https://www.nps.gov/pinn/planyourvisit/cavestatus.htm
At time of this posting the forecasted weather for Pinnacles National Park is sunny with temperatures in the mid-50s to mid-60s. Ideal!
This will be a very strenuous hike. Not at all for the casual hiker. Multiple steep climbs, narrow ledges, uneven rocky terrain, relentless exposure to the elements and extensive mileage. Refer to my Difficulty Rating Chart in Photos below.
Intensity: Difficult Length: 11+ miles Time: 5+ hours
Elevation gain: 2100 feet Route type: LoopI recommend carpooling. There is a $30 per car entrance fee if you don't have a National Park pass.
Please wear hiking shoes/boots with good tread. Bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, headlamp (in case the caves are open) and your adventurous spirit!
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 :)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.
7 attendees
Past events
128
