What we’re about
Welcome to our Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Jose hiking and friendship group. Make friends and sweat 💦😅😋😊👍.
We offer an array of outdoor activities, with a focus on moderate to challenging hikes. Our hikes are also a place to learn some of the natural history of our area. Some hikes will go slowly enough to identify and photograph plants and mushrooms, and the occasional newt or bird (or mammal, of course). Other hikes are more focused on getting a good workout in a beautiful environment, in the company of other pleasant people. Most of our hikes are a mix of the two. Please be compassionate and mindful of everyone during our hikes.
We also sponsor a smaller number of indoor activities, be it (optionally) getting together at a pub or restaurant after a hike, or our monthly, roving trivia night. We sometimes refer to these events, affectionately and mirthfully, as "Connect Indoors".
Please join us!
Upcoming events (1)
See all- Windy Hill Hamms Gulch Lost Trail Loop with Bonus: 11 Miles - 1800 TEGWillowbrook Drive and Alpine Road, Portola Valley, CA
Let's explore Windy Hill via the Hamms Gulch and Lost Trail Loop. This will be my first time at Windy Hill Open Space and I'm told that this is one of the more beautiful hikes in the area. Take a look at our route on AllTrails here. Weather can vary - the bottom can be warm and pleasant with the top being damp, windy and cold. So plan accordingly. There is one creek crossing towards the beginning of the hike. Since it's been dry, there should be no problem crossing. There are no restrooms at the beginning of the hike but there are restrooms and picnic tables at the top where we will stop for 10-15 minutes. Sorry, no dogs on this hike.
Start location: We will meet near the intersection of Alpine Road and Willowbrook Drive. https://tinyurl.com/2226nas5
Park in the small pull out in the road on Alpine or down Willowbrook Drive. Carpooling is advised. There are no restrooms at the start of this hike.
Duration, Distance and Pace: This hike is estimated around 11 miles including a bonus out and back on Lost Trail before continuing the loop back on Razorback Ridge Trail. We'll keep a brisk pace around 2.8mph, depending on the terrain. Please allow up to 5 hours.What to bring/wear: Layered clothing; plenty of water; snacks/lunch; hat; sunglasses; sunscreen; sturdy hiking shoes/boots; hiking poles (optional).
We leave promptly at the start time even if people are missing. Cell service is spotty and can make last minute communication difficult.
Restrooms: At the halfway point in the hike.
Exposure: This is mostly a shady hike, but there is a completely exposed short section at the top.
Lunch/snacks: We will stop at the restrooms and picnic tables at the halfway point.Sorry, no dogs on these trails.
Legal Disclaimer: The organizers and hosts in this group are not professional guides, and each person who signs up for a trip/meetup/ or 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 and have made your guests 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 and against any and all liability arising from your and your guest's participation in the group activities. These are always “Hike at your Own Risk” events.
