FRIDAY FIVE
There are two guarantees when you live in the Bay Area: There will be fog, and there will be hikes. Sometimes, if you’re lucky, the two intertwine.
Getting outside, no matter the weather, is a way of life here—but sometimes, it’s helpful to have someone to guide you along a trail, whether you’re a newbie to hiking or not. In the Bay Area, it’s no surprise there are a ton of clubs with the sole purpose of bring people together to experience the outdoors. These hiking groups are a great way to explore the region, from urban strolls in the city to trails in Yosemite three hours south, and meet new people.
We’ve rounded up the best clubs that will give you a good adventure but not be such a serious affair that you’ll be overwhelmed.
1. Sierra Club
This grassroots environmental organization, which has chapters across the country, was started by legendary outdoorsman John Muir here in San Francisco back in 1892. Today, in addition to defending the planet by campaigning against policies that would harm our dear Mother Earth, the organization’s Bay Area chapter hosts between 25 and 35 hikes each month. The best part: these hikes are open to everyone, not just members, and are free (unless stated otherwise). You can find everything from beginner day hikes in Oakland to backpacking trips in Yosemite. There are even specific hikes for singles, if you’re looking to meet someone on a trail.
2. Trail Mavens
Marketed to urban women who love the outdoors, Trail Mavens is a great club for those looking to learn outdoor skills and meet new friends who also love nature. The club is perfect if you’ve ever felt like you can’t go backpacking because you don’t know how to pitch a tent — that won’t be an issue after a weekend with Trail Mavens, which will teach you everything from how to build a tent to how to start a campfire. Overnight trips to places such as the Trinity Alps cost a couple of hundred dollars, but food, shelter, and guides are included. Sometime they offer free day hikes around the city too.
3. NorCal Hikers (20s and 30s)
Another group that helps you learn how to hike, survive in nature, and make friends, this meet-up group often holds diverse, accessible, and completely free hikes, from day hikes in Regional Redwood Park to overnight backpacking trips in Yosemite. Overall, the meet-up has a cool and casual vibe, so there will nearly always be someone to linger behind with you if you’re a slow hiker. They also have happy-hour events around the Bay Area to keep the group connected outside of the nature activities too.
4. East Bay Casual Hikers
This relaxed group is a great way to start if you’re looking to jump-start your outdoor life with day hikes around the East Bay. What started in 2003 as an informal group of locals who met regularly to go hiking has turned into one of the Bay Area’s most beloved hiking clubs. Adventures with this group, typically a couple each month, usually range from three to nine miles and primarily take place in Contra Costa Country. There is no per-hike or yearly-membership fee, and the group attracts people of all ages.
5. Saturday Sunset Hike & Wine
Hiking, sunsets, and wine: is there a better combination? This meet-up group is a great option for those who enjoy the great outdoors and a good glass of vino. The hikes usually begin around the mid-afternoon, often on moderate coastal trails, like around Muir Beach, with wine and cheese served as the sun sets. The group requests a donation of $20 per person. If you’re looking to get your foot out in nature, this sounds like a pretty marvelous way to begin.
