Skip to content

Beginner Hiking San Francisco

Start your hiking journey in San Francisco

Beginner Hike to West Point Inn

Beginner Hike to West Point Inn

Sat, Oct 10, 4:00 PM
From Official Mt. Tamalpais State Park Docent Led Hiking Group
4.9

Join Docent Debra Hoitomt, for this slower paced guided hike. For beginning hikers, senior hikers, and in-betweeners, though there is some tricky footing over rocky areas. No one left behind. Sign up is required HIKE ROUTE Start at Bootjack Parking Lot; Old Mine Trail to Mountain Theater; Rock Spring Trail to West Point Inn; Nora trail to Matt Davis to Bootjack Parking Lot Distance: 4.5 miles, Elevation Gain: 500 feet, slower paced hike ( <2 mph), depending in terrain and the group CANCELLATIONS: Rain, red flag days, winds above 30 mph, and unforeseen circumstances will cancel. Check the Friends of Mt Tam Facebook for updates: [https://www.facebook.com/FriendsOfMtTam](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsOfMtTam) PARKING: There is a $8 parking fee at Bootjack. Options for paying: (1) Exact change at Bootjack, (2) Use QR code (requires cellular reception) to pay with credit card, (3) Ranger station at Pantoll has both change and wifi. WATER: Bring at least two bottles of water on hot days. FOOD: There will not be a formal lunch stop, but a short snack / bio break at West Point Inn. Bring your own snacks. PROTECTION: Ticks, mosquitoes, horse flies and yellow jackets are present, but not abundant. STURDY BOOTS / POLES: Trails are uneven, rocky and can be very steep in places. Sandals, sneakers and running shoes are not recommended. Poles can prove useful in some terrain. HIKE DOCENTS have been trained under the California State Parks Volunteers In the Park Program (VIPP). This hike is part of the "The Pantoll Quad", which is four epic hikes that start/end at the Pantoll Campground. Together they are 21 miles with 4,300 feet of elevation. Individually they are 4.5 – 6.5 miles long with 500 – 1,500 of elevation. [https://www.friendsofmttam.org/wp-content/uploads/PanToll-Quad-Brochure-03022021.pdf](https://www.friendsofmttam.org/wp-content/uploads/PanToll-Quad-Brochure-03022021.pdf)

  • Photo of the user
  • Photo of the user
  • Photo of the user
14 attendees
Hike/Walk - Crissy Field

Hike/Walk - Crissy Field

Tue, Oct 6, 1:00 AM
From LGBTQ+ SF- Women's Fitness 30's and 40's

This will be a hike/walk over at Crissy Field. The AllTrails map is below. I am flexible on the time if anyone wants me to start earlier (like 4pm/5pm). Just let me know. [Crissy Field and the Palace of Fine Arts, California - 2,053 Reviews, Map | AllTrails](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/crissy-field-and-the-palace-of-fine-arts) 3.6 miles 22ft Elevation gain 1–1.5hr Estimated time Loop Dog friendly According to Access Northern California ([http://accessnca.org/access-northern-california/explore/explore-detail-view/?site_id=129](http://accessnca.org/access-northern-california/explore/explore-detail-view/?site_id=129)): With 100 acres of bayside open space, Crissy Field is a delight for strollers, joggers, windsurfers, cyclists, dog walkers, and people looking to spot birds and even sea lions or dolphins. Spring is a good time to see many native wildflowers in bloom. You can mosey along the Golden Gate Promenade while admiring spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Strait. Check out the marsh, lagoon, and dune scrub, picnic, or sunbathe at the beach.

  • Photo of the user
  • Photo of the user
2 attendees

Joaquin Redwood Old Spike Loop (Hard) -12.2mi 2372ft EG w/8.7mi opt @ 9:30am

Sat, Oct 3, 3:00 PM
From US Hiking - Bay Area
4.9
8 attendees
No Hurry, No Worry Weekly Wednesday Hikes at Redwood Regional Park 4:30 pm

No Hurry, No Worry Weekly Wednesday Hikes at Redwood Regional Park 4:30 pm

Wed, Sep 30, 11:30 PM
From Weekly Hikes at Redwood Regional Park and more
4.9

Join us for a weekly easy/moderate no hurry no worry afternoon hike in the redwood regional park. Enter from Redwood Gate https://goo.gl/maps/PrGuttC8dEnxN1KC9 Park and meet at canyon meadow parking lot (the last one). Please make sure no valuables are left or visible in the car to prevent break-in. At 4:30 pm we will start with meet and greet; and each person gets to share 2-3 things that made them happy this week. Please be on time and get to know your new friends during the hike. Depending on the group we will go fast or slow, 4-5 miles. Route to be determined on day of the hike. The hike is scheduled for 2 hours and I will try to get us back by then though occasionally and depending on the group we may be back a little later. Please make sure to bring enough water and clothes and respect for everyone and nature. Doggie friends are not currently part of the hike. Please be considerate when RSVP’ing and update in advance if you cannot make it so others in the waitlist can join if given enough notice! No shows will be marked if there’s no valid reason, and more than 2 no shows will have you removed from the group. Thank you for your understanding. Participants assume responsibility for their own safety. https://www.relive.cc/view/vXOnngZk55O?hl=en courtesy of Bob on the hike from 5/31/2024 If you enjoy the hike and are able to, please consider donating for meetup organizers subscription fee.

  • Photo of the user
  • Photo of the user
  • Photo of the user
16 attendees
Smoky Mountain Boots and Roots Hiking

Smoky Mountain Boots and Roots Hiking

Thu, Oct 8, 2:00 PM
From Explorer Chicks of San Francisco
4.8

**OVERVIEW** Are you into endless views? Old-growth forests? Mist bouncing off a 100-foot waterfall hitting your face? Then spend a long weekend with a small group of women hiking the best trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (including parts of the Appalachian Trail). Channel your inner goat girl as you stroll through iconic scenery and listen to stories of the women who helped shape the Smokies. Take a brief break from the trail living out your pottery fantasies throwing clay on the wheel and sculpting your very own mug. Then kick back like a queen with nightly glamping near Gatlinburg, TN. **BOOTS = HIKING** Get your blues and greens in on three stunning hikes that don’t even look real. The views from Charlies Bunion and Ramsay Cascades are complete madness. Wind your way through pine trees and over classic creek crossings that make you momentarily consider a coonskin hat. (But not really, because animals ♥️) **ROOTS = HER-STORY** Did you know a woman was the first settler to move to the Smoky Mountains? You didn’t? That’s because Martha Jane Huskey Ogle’s husband called dibs on the fame. Learn about the deliciously woman-heavy history of a wilderness that man tried real hard to claim as his own. Your Explorer Chick guide will drop all the juicy gossip, connecting you to the goosebumpy sisterhood who walked before you. Deep dive into Appalachian crafts straddling a wheel and molding a coffee mug with your very own hands. Local artists will guide you through the entire pottery process and only help when needed. After 10 weeks of drying, firing, and glazing, your mug will show up at your doorstep. Surprise! Relive the SHE-nanigans of your Smokies trip. **YOU FEELING MAX COMFY WHILE GLAMPING** Put your feet up in total Insta-worthy digs at our adorable glamping site minutes from Gatlinburg. You will sleep in a tent that has been tastefully decorated and luxuriously appointed with WiFi and temperature control – with meals freshly prepared at camp by your Explorer Chick guides. You only have one task after hiking: RELAX. **ADVENTURE HIGHLIGHTS:** * Hike the Appalachian Trail to the sweeping panaromic views from Charlies Bunion * Get up close and personal with the Smokies tallest waterfall, Ramsey Cascades * Learn how to work clay on a wheel as you create your one of a kind glazed coffee mug * Kick back at camp with breakfasts and dinners cooked by your Explorer Chick guides. * Sleep easy at our Glamping site with canvas tents outfitted with all the creature comforts. * Relax with a comprehensive itinerary that makes the logistics, transportation, navigation, meal planning, lodging, and everything between easy. * Geek out with supportive and encouraging Explorer Chicks on a private, women-only, small group adventure tour. **See the website for full details and to book.** [https://explorerchick.com/adventures/womens-smoky-mountain-boots-and-roots-hiking-trip/](https://explorerchick.com/adventures/womens-smoky-mountain-boots-and-roots-hiking-trip/) **Say Hello 👋** 💻 Website: [https://explorerchick.com/](https://explorerchick.com/) 📧 Email: [hello@explorerchick.com](http://hello@explorerchick.com/) 📸 Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/explorerchickadventureco/](https://www.instagram.com/explorerchickadventureco/) ❤️ Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/ExplorerChickAdventureCo/](https://www.facebook.com/ExplorerChickAdventureCo/) 👯‍♀️ Facebook Group: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/weareexplorerchick](https://www.facebook.com/groups/weareexplorerchick) 🎥 TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@explorerchick](https://www.tiktok.com/@explorerchick)

1 attendee
💚Green Exercise Hike 🥾Beautiful Mori Point🌷Ocean View 🌊Social Dinner 🍽️

💚Green Exercise Hike 🥾Beautiful Mori Point🌷Ocean View 🌊Social Dinner 🍽️

Sun, Oct 18, 8:00 PM
From Bay Area Hiking, Walking, Wellness Club
4.8

**Hello Ocean Lovers!** Ready to trade the treadmill for ocean breezes? 🌊 Let’s gather for a 💚“green exercise” wellness Hike, Rock climbing/hiking/walking at the Rockaway Beach🏖️ to the scenic Mori Point Trail! Fresh sea air, breathtaking views, and the soothing sounds of the waves await.🌞 Come make new friends, recharge your body, and let the healing magic of the ocean lift your spirit. Because nothing beats a little seaside therapy for our physical health and mental well-being! 😇 Rockaway Beach is located Pacifica, CA that offers scenic views. "This is a great place to hike and to enjoy the great views of the Pacifica coastline. There are trails that hug the coastline climb up to the hilltop for panoramic views." MORI POINT Spectacular 360 degrees ocean view. This place has a lot of that here. And most of all, it also has an impeccable view of the sunset. Take advantage of the free sunset show only at Mori Point. ROCKAWAY BEACH Watch the sun drop below the horizon at Rockaway Beach. This hidden gem in the Pacifica is a sight to behold. You can learn surfing while waiting for the sun to set or enjoy your afternoon snack at a nearby restaurant while waiting for the sun to KISS the OCEAN. 💚 Support Our Group! Thanks for joining our wellness club event, it does take time and money to make it happen. Thank you for being prepared and supportive 🌿 Our hikes, dinners, and events run thanks to member support. A small contribution is appreciated to help keep our wellness community active and fun! Thank you for helping us make every event special! **\*Requested contribution** suggested amount $5-$20 to keep the club going! **​Dr. Heidi will ask for the contribution during event check-in.** Accepted in person. Your support helps cover the many behind-the-scenes efforts that make these events possible, including route scouting, Meetup platform fees, permits, communication with park staff and members, and planning hikes, dinners, and road trips... This community exists because of the support and kindness of its members. **The organizer reserves the right to ask a participant to depart!** If they refuse to contribute or follow event guidelines. This ensures our community remains a positive and respectful space for everyone. Thank you for helping keep our wellness community positive, respectful, and active. 🌿 Our meetup events have a very positive impact on people's lives, people meet, fall in love💘 meet new friends, HAPPY, better health, less stress, anxiety, depression, isolate being alone and got extra bonus for LOVE ​💞 ⚠️ Please Read Before Joining: These hikes and group dinners are hosted voluntarily and with love for the outdoors and community. Participation is completely voluntary, and everyone joins at their own risk and responsibility. 👉 We kindly ask you to review the event details carefully — including directions, trail descriptions, and dinner spots — before joining. Trails are part of nature and may not match everyone’s preferences. Dinner venues are selected based on group size, availability, and location. We do our best but can’t guarantee personal favorites. 🧡 Most importantly, come with an open heart, positive energy, and kindness. Let’s enjoy what we can control — good company, fresh Ocean air, and meaningful connections. ⏰**Meet time: 1pm** 🥾**Hike time** ⏰**1:30pm** Meet by beach parking lot near the big rocks 📍GPS: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fJnCgTYjDQadaEzo7 📍Address: Parking lot, 651 San Marlo Way, Pacifica, CA 94044 Level: Moderate + Challenging! **Steep and Rocky trails!** Several Steep Hills climbs... Total Distance: 5-6 miles Hiking Time: 2.5-3 hours Elevation: 800 ft Route: Loop Parking: Free Dogs: No! Exposure: Sun Views: Amazingly Beautiful 🎒 *Bring good vibes*🌿 ✅**Smiles for miles**😊 ✅Water, Snacks, ​Sunscreens, Hiking Poles ✅ **Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes** Near Ocean can be windy and/or foggy, so wear layers ✅​Your camera/phone for some incredible photos ✅​A fantastic, positive attitude! 🚗**Encouraging carpooling** if you know each other well for everyone's safety. Please contact each other in a private message not on the message board. Thank you! https://www.groupcarpool.com/t/ebwmr6 Optional: Sunset time hanging out After hiking the social dinner place TBD... \*We are an intermediate hiking group. Please be ready to keep up hiking with us from 5-6 miles without any health issues. If you don't workout, afraid high, steepest hill climbs mountains, unable to hiking minimum 5 miles regularly, this event is not a good fit for you. **\*LIABILITY WAIVER**: By signing up for the wellness hiking event, you hereby release its organizers, hosts, and participants from any and all liability, claims, demands or causes of action that you now have, or may have in the future, for illness, injuries, damages, and/or economic loss of any kind or nature, arising in whole or in part out of the activities, advice, or information contained herein. You agree to full responsibility for your own health issues. **\*DISCLAIMER:** By participating in this wellness hiking event, you understand that Meetup event Host/Organizer assumes ABSOLUTELY NO responsibility and you have to assume all at your own risk of injury, damage, and economic loss, without limitation, and release host/Organizer of all liability. **\*Hike at YOUR OWN RISK**. Open trails aren't necessarily free of hazards--by entering the wilderness, you assume responsibility for your safety and must use good judgment. **\*Participation in this event is strictly voluntary!** The event host/organizer assumes no responsibility for any injury, damage, or loss you may incur. You join and hike entirely at your own risk. **\*DO NOT ATTEND** if you're experiencing any cold or flu symptoms, have a compromised immune system. If anyone wishes to join our hike team, please answer the RSVP question every time when you sign up for our event. For everyone's safety in the group. If you are unable to send me a message confirming that you are in good health and you are able to hike 5-6 miles without health issues we CANNOT approve you come to this hiking event. \*Please don't just walk in. Thank you for your cooperation! I'm looking forward to meeting, hiking with you and making good memories together. Yours in good health! Dr. Heidi💝 ❤️American Heart Association BLS-CPR, Heartsaver CPR, First Aid Courses -Learn and Live!❤️ \*Three courses available upon request: [https://visibook.com/ahacprfirstaid](https://visibook.com/ahacprfirstaid) \*By taking this course, you're contributing to the safety and well-being of those around you. \*These skills are crucial for everyone to know, as they can help save the lives of loved ones, friends, or even strangers in the community.

  • Photo of the user
  • Photo of the user
  • Photo of the user
35 attendees
430kMonthly events
calendar icon
60mMembers
people1 icon
4.5App store rating
appStore icon
200kGroups
people2 icon

Frequently asked questions

Meetup is a platform where people can find and join groups based on their interests, such as beginner hiking in San Francisco, to connect and engage with others.

You can search on Meetup for beginner hiking groups in San Francisco. Enter your interest and location to discover available hiking communities.

Yes, you can join multiple hiking groups if you are looking to explore different trails or meet various hiking enthusiasts in San Francisco.

Yes, there are many hiking trails near San Francisco. Meetup helps you find beginner-friendly groups that explore these beautiful local trails.

Meetup groups, including hiking ones, schedule events for members to attend. You can RSVP to events to confirm your participation and join the hike.

Beginner hikers usually need comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, water, and sometimes a small backpack, depending on the hike in San Francisco.

Usually, you can bring a friend to Meetup events, but it's best to check the specific event details or ask the organizer if you're unsure.

Not all hikes are easy. It's important to choose beginner hikes or check the event details for difficulty level to match your skills.

RSVP on the Meetup event page by clicking 'RSVP' to confirm your attendance and secure a spot in the beginner hiking group.

The quality and organization of Meetup events can vary depending on the group and the organizer, but feedback and reviews can help assess groups.

While Meetup can help you meet new people, it cannot guarantee friendships. Active participation and openness enhance the experience.

Different hikes cater to different skill levels, but availability of specific skill-level hikes, like beginner ones, depends on local groups and organizers.

Yes, many San Francisco hiking groups explore trails outside the city limits. Check the details for meetups venturing into wider Bay Area trails.

The Meetup app allows you to search for local events, RSVP to hikes, and connect with others looking for beginner hiking adventures.

For hiking groups, events are mostly outdoor. However, some activities or social gatherings might take place indoors, depending on the group.