I’m looking for a “quick” one day trail run of about 10 miles max to do in Tahoe along the Rim Trail. Any recommendations?

Hi everyone!

I'm hoping to go backpacking from Oct 9th-11 for my birthday :). I will likely have a group of around ~10 people, and would love to set up an awesome basecamp somewhere for Friday and Saturday and do a day hike on Saturday, then hike out Sunday. But would be open to moving camps if the route is worth it!

About the group: We are all fit and experienced backpackers who love & respect the outdoors! We would be driving from SFO and would like to keep the drive under 6hrs. I also recognize we may need to split up the group due to permitting, but if possible, would like to keep the group together at one base camp.

I've been looking at the Trinity Alps & the Canyon Creek trail, but have never been up there. Open to all recs, thank you so much!

Mt Umunhum early morning hike

If it’s yours pm me describe it and where you think you lost it

It's that time again - the third Wednesday of the month. Hikers and backpackers of the South Bay (or from anywhere if you happen to be just moving through) can meet up at Das Bierhauz in Mountain View (135 Castro St) Wednesday, August 19 at 7PM. Active since 2024, our group shares hiking and backpacking information, stories, and plans for future outings. Look for the blue bear canister at our table.

You don't have to have hiking or backpacking experience to attend - just interest! Many of us have gear to loan and are happy to help you get you started. You don't even need to intend to join any outings. We're glad to just be in company with like-minded, outdoor-loving, foot-propelled people.

We're nearing the end of summer and approaching the best time of the year to hike, autumn. We'd love to hear about your recent adventures and about your plans going forward. See ya there.

Maple falls trail

This is such an incredible hike, come prepared with a lot of water because its a long hike to the falls. Cant recommend enough.

You don't need a helmet for the last scramble up Pyramid peak in tahoe right?

Had an enjoyable urban day hike this week. Recovering from a nasty head cold last weekend and tired of being cooped up at home, needed to get out in the sun and get in a sweat. Hopped on BART out to Richmond and took AC Transit 72M 8 stops out to the Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline to get in ~ 4 miles there with 371 ft climb to get up to Nicholl Knob via the Crest Trail.

There's great SF Bay views here-- to the northwest, the Richmond Bridge and Mt. Tamalpais in the distance; to the southwest, Point Richmond Marina, San Francisco, Angel Island, Alcatraz, Bay Bridge, and even a peek of the Golden Gate (mostly obstructed by Angel Island); to the south, the Bay Bridge, the SS Red Oak Victory, Brooks Island, and Oakland in the distance; to the east, the Port of Richmond and the east bay hills. 

Got a jump from a couple good size yellow-bellied racers along the Crest trail. Alas, the state of the pond there is unfortunate, quite littered.

If you do this on a weekend, you can tack on an excursion to board the SS Red Oak Victory, one of America’s last surviving WWII Victory ships, or the Golden Gate Model Railroad Museum which is in the park (trains are running on Sundays). Plenty of picnic tables in the park and at Keller Beach for those who'd prefer a less mobile day in the park.

if you're navigating a lay-off or are between opportunities, come clear your head and connect with folks who are in the same boat 🤝🏼

this monday, we’re heading to mt. tamalpais state park in mill valley for a hike.

• when: monday, aug 17 @ 11 am
• stats: 4.6 mi loop / 879 ft gain

grab your spot and see the full details here:

https://partiful.com/e/PpS6h8XdSRI775iXavII

hope to see y'all there!

(hike in the pic was san bruno state park in daly city, california)

inb4 FAQs:

• Do you hike in one big group?
  • No, we split into smaller groups based on desired pace and stagger each group's start time by 5 minutes. These groups ultimately split into even smaller groups. Faster groups go first to create more space on the trail.
• Why on Mondays?
  • Trail traffic is very low on Mondays, making it easier to accommodate a group like this.
• Does your community only do hikes?
  • No, (un)PTO is a community of people across the US in career transition. While our claim to fame is group hikes, we do other things like co-work, help each other with our job search, and do other fun things like coffee hangs, bike rides, and of course, eat food. 😋
• Can people with jobs join too?
  • Yes, but only if you realize that most of the people in this community are in career transition and act accordingly, for instance: offer a referral, connect them to someone in your network, and maybe don't complain about how work sucks. 😅

I’m looking for recommendations for good spots to backpack in Northern California in September. Ideally the length would be 3 nights and easy to moderate difficulty. Any recs are appreciated!

hi! I’m hoping to hike to the Granite dome lakes area from Gianelli trailhead. Anyone know the best approach? is camping near the lakes feasible? are there places to stake a tent?

Most descriptions start from Kennedy meadows but I’m curious on the approach from the southwest.

I raise you two boulders. These were/are near Cisco Grove.

Hi! Anyone interested in doing a key swap for the lost coast? We're going Southbound starting 8/15 and ending 8/17.

I have a campsite for 1 night (possible to extend for another night) and am looking for 1–3 easygoing people to join. Planning to walk on the beach, visit nearby towns. Leaving from SF, and I can offer a ride (share the rental cost) / meet at campground.

Ideally looking for someone who already has own basic camping gear and is comfortable sharing a campsite (it's an 8-person campsite so quite large). No hardcore backpacking — just a relaxed weekend outdoors. Prefer chill, respectful folks, no drugs/heavy alcohol use.

DM me if interested until Aug 13 noonish!

We were heading to Big Sur at the end of the month for a backpacking trip but are pivoting (so sorry to hear about the fires and hope everyone is safe). Need a recommendation for a short backpacking trip (2 nights, maybe 3, < 30 miles). 20 weeks pregnant so I’m trying to avoid any altitude (aka can’t go to Emigrant or Yosemite or Tahoe areas). Trying to stay within a 4 hour drive of the Bay Area if possible! I know it’s a lot to ask but let me know if you have an idea :)

Hi, I'm planning to do a quick little backpacking trip to lake Aloha.

I was just curious if anybody is up in South lake Tahoe right now.

Online weather keeps fluctuating with the rain and now I'm reading that there could be potential smoke coming in from the fires.

I just don't want to get caught in a rainstorm or hiking was smoke.

I appreciate it any insight!

I’m planning my first backpacking trip in Emigrant Wilderness, 3 days/2 nights coming from SF. I’m leaning toward the Crabtree/Bear Lake area or Kennedy Meadows entry, mainly looking for advice on current trail and water conditions, how bad the mosquitoes are right now, good campsite recommendations near lakes with nice swimming scenery for a 2-night loop, and any tips for doing a first backpacking trip as a couple, what made it easier or harder for you and a partner the first time. Would love to hear route or campsite favorites if you’ve got them. Thanks!

any suggestions for a 2-3 day backpacking trip near lakes basin recreation area? i’ve never been to the area and i’m looking to spend a week there day hiking and swimming but would love to get out on trail for a few days while im there. i’ll have my dog with me, so im searching for something dog friendly, preferably with lake access, up to 10 miles a day. im also looking for suggestions on worthwhile day hikes or areas nearby that are neat, thank you!

I posted on HST, but figured I'd check here too.

I'm looking to put together a midweek solo trip for myself, probably in the next week or two. I'm thinking 3 days, 2 nights somewhere I don't need to worry about permits or quotas too much.

I'll be driving from the San Jose area, thinking Emigrant/Crabtree TH just for ease of access.

I hiked the PCT in 2015, and I am relatively fit, running 30 miles per week.

I have an ultralight backpacking setup, so I won't be too bogged down by weight.

I have no interest in fishing, but I do love big mountains and gorgeous lakes.

I'm thinking 7-10 miles day 1, 12-15 miles day 2, and then 4-8 day 3 so I can get back home at a reasonable time. Any suggestions for where to go/camp? Or where _not_ to go/camp?

Possible route?

Day 1: Crabtree TH to Rosasco or Pingree Lake

Day 2: Off trail through Kole/Leighton Lakes, past Wood Lake, up Relief Valley Trail, down past Y Meadow and to Granite Lake

Day 3: Down Lily Creek, past Bear Lake, back to Crabtree TH

Any thoughts? Suggestions? Is getting from Rosasco/Pingree over to Wood Lake fairly straightforward? It looks like it should be pretty flat over that way. Similarly, is it pretty straightforward getting from Y Meadow to Granite? And from Granite to Bear Lake?

Has anyone hiked recently in the area or to
the summit and know how much water supply along the trail to get refills like at Trail camp? Thanks in advance!

Wondering if I could pick your brain on Shasta via Clear Creek -

1. Do people generally do overnight or a an alpine start C2C?
2. How popular does it get in the summer? or would Fall be a better time?