Upcoming GLS Outings
All participants on Sierra Club outings are required to sign a standard liability waiver. For more information about any of the following outings, contact the listed leader or our Outings Chair. You can check back on this page for any last minute updates, and join our electronic listserv. Hikes are rated for elevation gain, distance and terrain. The Wild Side newsletter lists full contact information for all events. We do not list phone numbers or addresses online.
April 2012 | May 2012 | June 2012
April 2012
Saturday, April 28th, 9:00 am - 4 pm
Monterey Bay Kayak Adventure
Rating: No rating. (Since this event involves water, it cannot be an official Sierra Club event. The fun, however, will be official.)
Eric and Dave have planned another great kayak adventure, this time at Monterey Bay. We'll rent kayaks and put in in the heart of Monterey. Access to the Bay is very easy at the beach as jetties protect the area from waves. We will paddle to the Aquarium area then back to Heritage Beach on Cannery Row for lunch, then back to the rental place. Total paddle distance is approximately 7mi (3hr). Heritage Beach is a small beach with tide pools and scuba divers that is right on Cannery Row surrounded by restaurants and other shopping. We will certainly see many seals, otters, sea birds and other wildlife both in and out of the water. We may even see some seal or otter pups. We will rent at Monterey Bay Kayaks in Monterey http://www.montereybaykayaks.com $30/person for open deck, $40/person closed Spray skirt & PFD are included, but we'll have to rent other gear such as wetsuits, paddle jacket, etc. Meet at the Tamien Park and Ride in San Jose at 9:00, or at Monterey Bay Kayaks at 10:00. Bring lunch (or money to buy food at beach), hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, layered clothing and a smile. Rain cancels everything but the smile.
Leaders:
May 2012
Saturday, May 5th, 9 am - 4:30 pm
Sunol Regional Wilderness: Maguire Peak
Rating: 2B2 (9 miles, 2,200 ft elevation)
Sunol Regional Wilderness, part of the East Bay Regional Park District, is a jewel, providing a sense of true wilderness despite its proximity to I-680 and Livermore. We'll meander up Hayfield Road to High Valley, lunch atop the peak at 1688 feet, and savor the panorama that includes Mount Diablo, San Antonio Reservoir, and Mission Peak. We'll return via Welch Creek Road and the Hidden Trail. (All on the hike will be sworn to solemn secrecy.) We can expect abundant wildflowers, soaring turkey vultures and red-tailed hawks, and, of course, breath-taking vistas. We'll meet at the Tamien Park and Ride at 9 a.m. Dress warmly with layers, wind breaker and a hat. Don't forget lunch, liquid, sturdy boots and a smile. Rain cancels everything but the smile.
Leader:
Sunday May 6, 2012 10:00am to 2:00pm
PT LOBOS SEAL PUP HIKE
Rating: 1A2 (4 miles)
This is the time of year to catch the Harbor Seal pups playing in the waves along the shores of Pt Lobos State Reserve located in Monterey. We'll start our hike at Piney Woods and follow the coast North past the information station. From there we'll follow the North shore trail to Whaler's Cove. Trail conditions are variable, at times completely smooth, other times it can be rough with some scrambling over tree roots and rocks along the path. This trail winds through shrub and forested areas along the coast offering frequent and spectacular views of the rugged coastline. Overlooks of small, protected beaches offer excellent opportunities for viewing sea mammals, including the chance to see the young Harbor Seal pups. After reaching Whaler's cove we'll return along the same trail back to the information station. Then we'll take the short ' mile Sea Lion Point Trail loop and follow it back to our starting point by exploring the tide pools along this stretch. Afterwards we'll enjoy lunch at the picnic area back where we started.
This hike is 4 miles with some rock scrambling along tide pool area. Hike and picnic is from 10:00 to 2:00 not including travel time. For more info on the park, go to http://pt-lobos.parks.state.ca.us/ Bring: Wind proof jacket and layers of clothing, sturdy walking shoes, sunscreen, water, snacks, lunch (you don't have to take lunch on the hike), optional: camera, binoculars
Rain in Monterey cancels
This park does not allow dogs
Carpool option: Santa Cruz government buildings parking lot at the corner of Ocean and Water at 8:30
or Carmel & Monterey meet @ the intersection of Rio Road and Highway 1 in Carmel in front of the old Black Bear Diner (next to Bank of America) 9:30
Note: The Big Sur marathon does not conflict with this hike
Leader:
Saturday, May 12, 2012, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Pinnacles High Peaks-Balconies Cave Loop or Fall Creek Hike
Rating: 2B2 (8.4 miles, 1540 feet elevation gain)
If its not too hot (less than 80F), join us for a rugged hike at the Pinnacles National Monument (http://www.nps.gov/pinn/index.htm) about 100 miles south of San Jose. We will start our hike at the Western Entrance of the park. Most of the elevation gain is on the beautiful Juniper Canyon trail. We'll eat lunch on top of the high peaks with marvelous views of the park and of the Pinnacles. After lunch we'll descend off of the high peaks and hike to the Balconies cave where if its not too wet we will go through the caves (if it is too wet, we'll do a small hill climb and descent on a trail around the caves). Bring a lunch, lots of water, sun protection, layers in case it is cold, and a flashlight (don't forget to check your batteries) for the caves. Meet at 8 a.m. at the Cottle Park-n-Ride lot for car pooling to Pinnacles. Contact Cathy for information on meeting at the trail head. In the event temperatures are forecast to be hotter than 79F, meet at the Tamien Park-n-Ride lot at 10 a.m. and we'll go to Fall Creek park, near Felton, instead for a hike of about 8 miles and 1400 feet through the shaded second growth redwoods, next to Fall creek, and passing by the remnants of Lime mining operations.
Leader:
Sunday, May, 20, 2012, 10 AM to noon (approximately)
Palo Alto Baylands Walk
Rating: 1A1 (2-4+ miles, flat)
The following description is taken from the on line web site of the Palo Alto Baylands: 'Despite being surrounded by development, the Baylands is one of the most important natural environments in the Bay Area, and is particularly rich in bird life. It has a large resident population of birds as well as being a major migratory stopover on the Pacific Flyway. Over 150 species of birds can be seen here, including the endangered clapper rail.' The type and number of birds viewed varies with the season and time of day.
We will begin on The Marsh Loop Bay Trail, which runs around and through the middle of Baylands. The trailhead is just off Terminal Blvd. near the end of San Antonio Road (north) in Palo Alto. Depending on the weather, we will walk from 2- 4 or more miles total, possibly passing Byxbee Park, an interesting outdoor abstract art project of telephone poles of varying heights. The trail we will take is relatively easy to walk on, as it has few hills and tends to remain in good condition. We will turn around and retrace our steps when we decide as a group to do so. This should be an ideal 'leg-stretcher' kind of walk.
Bring plenty of water, a snack or lunch. Please wear weather appropriate clothing, including a hat and sunscreen. Boots are always recommended when walking on trails for safety and support. Meet at 10 AM at the trail head on Terminal Blvd. There is usually plenty of parking along the road in marked spots. To get to Terminal Blvd, take San Antonio Road north from highway 101 in Palo Alto.
Leader:
Sunday May 27, 9:30am-noon
Pogonip Hike
Rating 2A1
If you feel like getting out and stretching your legs on a pretty little hike, please join me for the jaunt through Pogonip near UC Santa Cruz. We work our way around about a 5 mile loop up through Pogonip. Bring water and clothing layers. Meet at the Santa Cruz government buildings parking lot at the corner of Ocean and Water Street in Santa Cruz at 9:30am. Light rain is ok but heavy rain cancels this hike.
Leaders:
June 2012
Saturday June 2, 2012
GLS Castle Rock Newcomers hike
Rating 2B2 (5 miles, 1000 feet elevation)
Join the Gay and Lesbian Sierra Loma Prieta section for a new comers hike at Castle Rock State Park. Castle Rock has always been a GLS favorite, offering bizarre rock formations, a waterfall, rock climbers, forests of Madrone, panoramic vistas... It has a little of everything in a relatively short, fun hike. We'll make a loop, heading out the Ridge Trail and returning along the Saratoga Gap Trail.
Meet at the Tamien Park and Ride in San Jose at 9 a.m.; or at the trailhead at 9:50 a.m. (Approximately 2.5 miles south of Rt. 9 on Skyline, Rt. 35). But, be sure to contact a leader to let them know you'll meet them there. Bring lunch, liquids, jacket, hat, and a smile. Gay friendly supporters are welcome to come on this hike!
Leaders:
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Pescadero County Park Tarwater/Canyon/Bear Ridge Loop
Rating: 2B2 (6 miles, 1000 feet elevation)
Pescadero County park sits in the middle of Portola State park, Sam MacDonald County Park and Memorial Park in San Mateo county. We'll do roughly a six mile loop with roughly 1000 feet of elevation gain on the Tarwater, Canyon, and Bear Ridge Trails. We'll start at the Tarwater trailhead off of Pomponio road, take Tarwater Trail to Canyon trail to Bear Ridge trail to Pomponio Trail, and then take the other loop of the Tarwater Trail back to the parking lot. Its a completely shaded hike through wonderful woods. We will see a bit of tar in Tarwater creek on the Canyon trail. Bring a lunch, plenty of water, and warm layers in case its foggy and cool. Meet at the park-n-ride lot at the northwest corner of El Camino Real and Page Mill Road in Palo Alto at 9:30 a.m. for car pooling. Note that this is NOT the Page Mill Park-n-ride lot off of highway 280 (which is often full by 9 a.m.) . Email the hike leader for info on meeting at the trail head.
Leaders:
Saturday June 16, 2012
Berry Creek Falls Big Basin Hike
Rating: 3C2
Big Basin State park is located near Boulder Creek in the Santa Cruz mountains. We'll be doing a 12 mile hike to Berry Creek falls, Silver Falls, and Golden Falls. We'll start at the headquarters and hike on the Sunset trail to the falls and return on the Skyline-to-the-Sea trail. The trail goes up and down for a total of 2500 feet of elevation mostly through lovely redwood forests. Water flow at the falls should be good and provide for some great scenery. Bring a lunch, dress in layers as it will be cold in the shade of the redwoods, sun protection for the small section of exposed hiking, plenty of water, and money for the state park entrance fee. Meet at 8:45 a.m. at the Tamien Park-n-Ride lot for car pooling. Contact the leaders for the trailhead meeting time and place.
Leaders:
Sunday, June 17, 10:30am to 2:30pm
Picchetti Ranch and Winery Open Space Preserve
Rating: 1A1 (4-5 miles, 500 feet)
Wine tasting, picnicking, and light hiking make for a perfect combination for a leisurely Sunday outing. Upon arrival at this ranch and winery that date back to the 1870s, we will enjoy some wine tasting to select the perfect picnic wine. With our wine in hand, we will enjoy a lovely picnic in this rustic setting. After lunch, we will ramble in the ranch area for several miles, taking in the views of Stevens Creek Reservoir in this oak-studded ranchland of meadows, wooded slopes, and old orchards. Come with your picnic foods, water, and sunscreen, hat, and sturdy walking shoes. Meet at the park by the winery at 10:30am. Exit at Foothill Boulevard south off Highway 280 in Cupertino. Foothill Blvd. becomes Stevens Creek Road, which leads to Stevens Creek County Park. Continue for 3 miles past the park entrance to Monte Bello Road, just beyond a quarry on the right. Drive uphill for .5 miles to Picchetti Ranch. Or, to carpool from San Jose, meet at the Tamien Park and Ride off Alma Street at 10 am.
Leaders:
Saturday, June 23, 9:00am to 3:30pm
Black Mountain/Horseshoe Lake Hike
Rating: 2B2 (8.5 miles, 1000 feet)
Join us as we ramble through the lovely woods and grasslands of the Monte Bello Open Preserve to walk up some 840 feet to Black Mountain, which is 2, 800 feet tall. Starting at the parking lot on Page Mill Road, we will take the White Oak Trail, from which we will cross Skyline Boulevard into the Skyline Ridge Open Preserve to Horseshoe Lake for a brief stop. From the lake, we will hike to the Indian Creek Trail and walk up till we reach Black Mountain on Monte Bello Road. We will lunch nearby in the backpack camp atop the mountain and take in all the views, including Mount Hamilton and Mount Umunhum. Our return will take us on the Old Ranch Trail and the Bella Vista Trail back to the parking area. Bring sunscreen and a hat for the many exposed areas, and water, lunch, and sturdy boots. To carpool from San Jose, meet at the Tamien Park and Ride at 9am. To carpool from Palo Alto, meet at the Park and Ride just off the Page Mill Road exit of Highway 280 at 9:20. Otherwise, meet at the trailhead, which is up Page Mill Road in the parking lot for the Monte Bello Open Preserve by 9:50.
Leaders: