What we’re about
The Monterey Bay Area Hiking Group is for people who enjoy hiking, being outdoors and socializing. We explore many areas throughout the Monterey Peninsula, BigSur/ Ventana Wilderness, and Santa Cruz Mountains. On occasion, we will offer events out of the area. Hikes are generally for most levels; from 4 mile hikes with minimal elevation gain to 20 mile expeditions with significant elevation gain. Hikes may be scheduled on any day of the week and usually last between 3-5 hours. For those interested in multi-day activities, there will be some car camping or backpacking trips.
Please be advised that we are not a walking group and therefore do not expect to see many short hikes (less than 3 miles) over level terrain . Please match the hike to your skill level.
Please join us for our next hike!
Disclaimer: The Organizers are not professional guides and do not have certified training nor insurance. As you are aware, inherent hazards and risks are associated with hiking and all other physical activity. You are responsible for your own safety and health. The individual hike Organizer is not in charge of this hike, but simply going on a hike and inviting others to join.
As you join, please read the "About" information under the heading "Pages" on the menu at the top of the Home page.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Broom Bash at Ishxenta State Park with CA State ParksNeeds location
Be part of one of our longest running volunteer projects! Join us at Ishxenta State Park (across HWY 1 from Point Lobos) for a morning of pulling invasive French Broom from the beautiful Monterey Pine forest.
Volunteers must be comfortable walking and working in difficult terrain, off-trail, and in areas with poison oak, steep slopes, and ticks.
WHAT WE ARE DOING: Since 1998, volunteers have been working to control invasive French Broom in the area now known as Ishxenta State Park. Since the seeds of this plant can last in the ground for over 30 years, it takes a dedicated and consistent effort to remove these shrubs from a landscape. Together, we'll be continuing these efforts by pulling French Broom from a beautiful Monterey Pine forest, rarely visited by the general public.
To reach the site, we'll hike through the forest over difficult, poison oak-filled terrain. Volunteers must be comfortable hiking and working in this difficult terrain.
WHERE TO MEET: Look for the State Parks van at the south end of the large pullout between Monastery Beach and the entrance to Point Lobos. We'll shuttle to the work site from there!
WHAT TO BRING: Water, closed-toe hiking shoes, pants, long sleeved shirt, sunscreen, hat. Gloves and snacks will be provided.
Please email [email protected] with any questions!
- Big Sur Volunteer Day with CA State ParksNeeds location
With the road back open, we're back to volunteering in the Big Sur River Valley! Each month, we'll be visiting either Pfeiffer Big Sur or Andrew Molera State Park for a morning of volunteer activities. Afterwards, treat yourself to a beautiful hike nearby.
This event is sponsored by the Monterey District of CA State Parks
WHAT WE ARE DOING: Each month we'll visit either Andrew Molera or Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park for a morning of volunteer work. Projects vary seasonally, but may include: weeding invasive species, planting native plants, fixing fences, etc.
Visit our volunteer events page for this month's project!WHERE TO MEET: Check our upcoming volunteer event page for this month's meeting location.
WHAT TO BRING: Water, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, hat, and snacks. Gloves, tools, and training will be provided.
Please email [email protected] with any questions!
- Volunteer at Carmel River State Beach with CA State ParksRibera Road, California, CA
Come on out to our volunteer day at Carmel River State Beach!
Afterwards, take a beautiful hike along the coast to Monastery Beach or out to the Carmel River mouth. This event is sponsored by the Monterey District of California State Parks.
WHAT WE ARE DOING:
Join us as we continue our efforts to restore the bluffs at Middle Beach! Project vary seasonally but may involve weeding invasive plants, planting and watering native plants, moving piles of desiccated ice plant, or seed collection. Visit our Upcoming Volunteer Events page for this month's project details.WHERE TO MEET: Usually, the Ribera Trailhead, located at the corner of Ribera Rd and Cuesta Way in the Carmel Meadows neighborhood. Google Maps Link. Double check the Upcoming Volunteer Events page, because we do occasionally meet at Monastery Beach.
WHAT TO BRING: Water, sunscreen, snacks, and hat. Gloves, tools, and some snacks provided.
Please email [email protected] with any questions!
- CNPS Sunday Broom Bash: Ishxenta State ParkPoint Lobos State Natural Reserve, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA
Be part of one of our program's longest running volunteer projects! Join us at Ishxenta State Park (across HWY 1 from Point Lobos) for a morning of pulling invasive French Broom from the beautiful Monterey Pine forest. This event is sponsored by the California Native Plant Society - Monterey Bay Chapter and the Monterey District of California State Parks.
Volunteers must be comfortable walking and working in difficult terrain, off-trail, and in areas with poison oak, steep slopes, and ticks.
WHAT WE ARE DOING: Since 1998, volunteers have been working to control invasive French Broom in the area now known as Ishxenta State Park. Since the seeds of this plant can last in the ground for over 30 years, it takes a dedicated and consistent effort to remove these shrubs from a landscape. Together, we'll be continuing these efforts by pulling French Broom from a beautiful Monterey Pine forest, rarely visited by the general public.
To reach the site, we'll hike through the forest over difficult, poison oak-filled terrain. Volunteers must be comfortable hiking and working in this difficult environment.
WHERE TO MEET: Big pullout on the west side of HWY 1, 0.5 miles south of the Point Lobos SNR entrance and just before the Gibson Creek bridge.
WHAT TO BRING: Water, closed-toe hiking shoes, pants, long sleeved shirt, sunscreen, hat, gloves, and tools.
*Friendly reminder*: Restrooms are not easily accessible from this meeting location.
For more information, please contact: [email protected]
NOTE: This event will be cancelled in the event of high winds!
