Details

• Happens 1st Saturday of every month

• Choose from 3 different hiking levels below

• Each hike will have 2 or more leaders

• Newcomers have priority (potential waitlist)

• Everyone asked to bring own packs and/or water bottles

Minor policy  

• Ages 16 and up - parental/guardian consent needed

• Ages 15 and under - parent/guardian attendance necessary

Leaders

• Will have information available in case of emergency

• Will bring 1st aid kit and emergency supplies carried by at least one leader

Hiking Levels:

• Level 1 | If you have never hiked, this is the hike for you. 
  Distance- Less than 3 miles 
  Elevation Gain- Less than 400 ft 
  Terrain- Trail with mild uneven and/or flat ground. 
  Examples:  

  • Painted Hills Trailhead

  • Gordon Hirabayashi

  • Campground Trailhead - shorter distance

• Level 2 | If you have gotten your feet wet hiking and are ready for a bit more of a challenge, you might want to try out this level 
  Distance- Less than 5 miles 
  Elevation Gain- Less than 800 ft 
  Terrain- Trail with potential large steps down boulders for part of the trail 
  Examples: 

  • Camino De Oeste Trailhead

  • Douglass Spring Trailhead

  • Wild Horse Trail

  • Ventana Canyon Trailhead

  • Gordon Hirabayashi Campground Trailhead - longer distance

  • Linda Vista Trailhead

• Level 3 | If you are a regular hiker and are looking to take it to the next level, check out one of these hikes. We will move faster and cover more ground. 
  Distance- Less than 7 Miles 
  Elevation Gain- Less than 1,200 ft 
  Terrain- Trail with potential large steps down boulders for part of the trail 
  Speed- We will move at a quicker pace on Level 3 hikes 
  Examples: 

  • Madera Canyon Nature Trail

• Arrive at trailhead

• Everyone check in

• Introduction/hike briefing

• Rule number #1: “Hike Safely” talk

• There will always be a leader in front and guide in back

• We will make lots of water stops, but let us know if you need more

• If you feel unwell or need anything let guides know

• Let leaders know if you need to use the “Lou with a View”

• Rule number# 2: “Respect Nature” talk

• No texting/calling/social media PICTURES OK

• Don’t mess with wildlife or plant life

• Leaders will follow all the above procedures

• Leaders will get to know guests and talk about the dessert

• If someone gets hurt or physically can’t do the hike, the tail leader can walk them back to the car

• Healthy Snacks provided by Beyond

• Group Connection Activity/Discussion

• Encourage one another to hike on their own - refer to hiking map here on website

• Announce Continuing Education Hike

• Challenge Hikes!

• Level 4 - Held quarterly

• A more difficult hike where attendees can put the skills they learned into practice

• Must have been through the Learn to Hike/Beginner Program