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Challenging Hikes San Francisco

Your next challenging hike in San Francisco awaits

Montara Mountain State Park Hike

Sat, Aug 29, 5:30 PM
From San Francisco Bay Area Outings
4.9
79 attendees
💚Green Exercise 🌊Ocean Hike 🥾Lands End San Francisco

💚Green Exercise 🌊Ocean Hike 🥾Lands End San Francisco

Sat, Oct 3, 8:30 PM
From Bay Area Hiking, Walking, Wellness Club
4.8

**Hello Ocean Lovers,** Let's meet up go for a Green Exercise Wellness Hike at Lands End Trail, meet new friends and get a good workout together. Enjoy Ocean air and Healing Sea for our physical Health and Mental well-being Lands End Trail is a favorite among both locals and visitors alike! This trail explores the historic Sutro Baths and offers great views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific Ocean. A must see for any visitor to San Francisco. **Lands End San Francisco** The Coastal Trail at Lands End in San Francisco is a gorgeous spot for hiking, but most visitors to the city don't know it's there. Early History San Francisco was originally inhabited by the Ohlone Indians. An archeological site at Lands End was dated at 150 A.D., but there is evidence that Indians had been living in San Francisco for around 3,000 years. They had seasonal camps where the Sutro Baths ruins are now, eating seafood and hunting seals; archeologists found their garbage dumps, more politely known as middens. Hiking the Lands End Trail The Lands End Coastal Trail is walkway that starts just above the Cliff House, then winds in and out of the woods and along the edge of the bluffs, and ends in a ritzy residential area (Sea Cliff) near China Beach. Lands End Trail The way down is quite steep, but there is a stairway to follow. It's a small, rocky beach, good for relaxing and watching the breaking waves, but too rough (and cold) for swimming. Mile Rock Beach Another branch of the same path will take you down to the mini-beach, Mile Rock Beach, at the foot of Lands End Point. Mile Rock Beach-Tiny, but cool! It secluded the beach at the entrance to San Francisco Bay, a scene of many shipwrecks, but a pretty detour off the gorgeous. **Meet at 1:30pm** and **Hike time: 2pm** Great Highway & John F Kennedy Drive, San Francisco, CA 94121 GPS: https://goo.gl/maps/YYgxvPfbS9h6bfX9A across from the Beach Chalet Brewery at beach side parking lot We'll be at the beach side parking lot Parking: Free Level: Level: Moderate Challenging! Length: 4.5miles- 5miles Elevation gain: 700 ft Route type: Out & Back +Loop Dog: No! **\*Encouraging carpooling** if you know each other well for everyone's safety. Please contact each other in a private message not in the message board. Thank you! https://www.groupcarpool.com/t/cdzost **Bring Smiles for Miles!** Hiking poles, Water, Snacks.. Wear Hiking shoes, sunscreens Near Ocean can be windy and/or foggy, so wear layers After Hike social dinner optional near by ocean beach We may go to Chinese or Thai food for dinner??? We'll decide after our hike... 💚 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. 🌿 ⚠️ 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. Most importantly, come with an open heart, positive energy, and kindness. Let’s enjoy what we can control — good company, fresh air, and meaningful connections. \*We are an intermediate hike group. Please be ready to keep up Hiking and walking with us 5 miles without any health issues. **\*DO NOT ATTEND** if you're experiencing any cold or flu symptoms, have a compromised immune system. **\*LIABILITY WAIVER**: By signing up for the Wellness walking 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 walking 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. It is advisable to consult your doctor before you participate in any physical event, walking and hiking activity. **\*WALK/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. \*If anyone wishes to join our hike team, please answer the RSVP question every time 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 miles without health issues we CANNOT approve you come to this walking event. \*Please don't just walk in. Thank you for your cooperation! I'm looking forward to meeting, walking 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.

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26 attendees

Sunset Hike: Sibley Volcanic Park ~3.5 miles, ~500 ft, Moderate +

Fri, Aug 28, 12:45 AM
From Bay Area Women's Hiking Group
4.9
12 attendees

West Point Inn Pancake Breakfast Loop -9.6mi 1962ft EG (Hard)

Sun, Sep 13, 3:30 PM
From US Hiking - Bay Area
4.9
10 attendees
Yosemite Half Dome Backpacking

Yosemite Half Dome Backpacking

Sat, Sep 5, 2:00 PM
From Explorer Chicks of San Francisco
4.8

Hit your bucket list with all the feels on this women’s guided hiking and backpacking weekend! During your Yosemite Half Dome Hike adventure, tour Yosemite National Park as you climb the famous cables of Half Dome with ladies who do their own stunts. Live out every last one of those John Muir nature quotes in the backcountry of Yosemite National Park. Mountains calling? Check. Between two pines? Check. Walk with nature? Double-check. **GUIDED BACKPACKING IN YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK BACKCOUNTRY** Romp through the backcountry on a demanding, yet epic backpacking trip. Meet your new woman crushes in the Yosemite Valley as the landscape gives way to mountains, waterfalls, and a piney perfume that’ll make Yankee Candle totally jelly. Mother Nature swiped ALL THE WAY right. Leave the phone on airplane mode to immerse yourself in stunning national park backcountry over the course of four epic days. Climb steep, challenging trails to look down upon the Valley with a panoramic view that includes Mt. Starr King, Half Dome, Nevada Falls, Illilouette Falls, and plenty of ant-sized tourists with tiny selfie sticks. **HALF DOME: HIKING TO THE TOP** Fuel up for the real MVP—the famous cables of Half Dome! Blast that hiker booty (and bring plenty of water) while ascending 500 feet up a .5 mile of steps carved into the rock. Then, the real fun begins. It’s a 400-foot gain up the top of Half Dome with some points at 70%+ grades. Pace your footwork on wooden slabs spaced out on the climb as you get the upper body workout of a lifetime. Worth it? HELL YES! **BACKPACKING EQUIPMENT PROVIDED** Don’t have backpacking equipment, but can Beastmaster the stairs? Perfect. Explorer Chick has you covered with: * a backpack * sleeping bag * sleeping pad * shared tent All you need to do is show up for this Yosemite Half Dome Hike to backpack like a boss and get that National Parks bucket list checked. **See the website for full itinerary, details and to book.** [https://explorerchick.com/adventures/yosemite-half-dome-hike-backpacking](https://explorerchick.com/adventures/yosemite-half-dome-hike-backpacking/) **Say Hello 👋** **💻** Website: [https://explorerchick.com/](https://explorerchick.com/) 📧 Email: 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
Ocean Beach - GG Park - Ferry Bldg Hike - 8.3 miles, 800 ft elev

Ocean Beach - GG Park - Ferry Bldg Hike - 8.3 miles, 800 ft elev

Sat, Aug 29, 5:00 PM
From Ted's Hikes San Francisco/Marin Counties 6-9 miles
4.9

We will be doing an intermediate level, one-way urban hike in San Francisco from the Java Beach Cafe at Ocean Beach to the Ferry Building. **This hike is for INTERMEDIATE HIKERS only**. The route will ascend 800 feet over 8.3 miles as we pass through Golden Gate Park, the Panhandle and Alamo Square Park on the way to the Ferry Building. We will stop at Hahdough Bakery on Fell Street along the way for some treats. Also, anyone interested is welcome to come for drinks and food at a location near the end of the hike (most likely, Irish Times)**.** **THIS EVENT HAS A WAITLIST. DO NOT SHOW UP FOR IT UNLESS YOU HAVE RECEIVED AN EMAIL SAYING YOU CAN ATTEND. NO PLUS ONES ARE PERMITTED ON THIS HIKE.** We **meet at 10:00 am** at the Java Beach Cafe at La Playa and Judah Streets and **depart promptly at 10:15 am**. We begin the trek by heading along the southern part of Golden Gate Park, then up around Blue heron lake, traveling along MLK Drive and Pelosi Drive before exiting the park at the Panhandle. We pass through the Panhandle onto Fell St, where we will stop at Hahdough Bakery for some treats before continuing east to Alamo Square Park for a lunch and restroom stop. Next we head north up Steiner St, turning east onto Sacramento St which we will follow to our destination at the Ferry Building. Bring plenty of water, snacks and lunch if you plan to eat at Alamo Square Park. A tarp to sit on may also come in handy during lunch. **Information** AllTrails Route: [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/ob-gg-ph-fb-a8abb4b](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/ob-gg-ph-fb-a8abb4b) Level: Intermediate level. You will be expected to hike an average of 2.5 to 3.0 miles per hour. Total Distance: 8.3 miles. Elevation Gain: 800 feet. Hiking Time: 3.5 hours plus stops. Pets: Dogs are welcome to come along. Restrooms: Near Java Beach Cafe (mile 0.0), Golden Gate Park (mile 3.1), Alamo Square Park (mile 5.1), and Ferry Building (mile 8.3) **Directions** The meeting spot is outside the Java Beach Cafe along Ocean Beach at La Playa and Judah Streets. To Java Beach Cafe: Take the N Muni toward Ocean Beach, exiting at the Judah/La Playa/Ocean Beach stop. Or take the 7 Muni toward Ocean Beach, exiting at the Noriega St & 48th Ave stop. Then walk 10 minutes (4 blocks) north. Return to Java Beach Cafe: Take the N Muni toward Ocean Beach from Embarcadero Station. Or take the 7 Muni toward Ocean Beach from the stop at Fremont and Market Streets. **Liability Disclaimer** The organizers of this event are unpaid volunteers and not expert hiking guides. By signing up for this event you agree to assume all responsibility for your own safety, health consequences, conduct and well-being, and 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 are also acknowledging that you are aware and have made your guests aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with this type of outdoor activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards.

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34 attendees
430kMonthly events
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60mMembers
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4.5App store rating
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200kGroups
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Frequently asked questions

To find challenging hikes in San Francisco, use Meetup's search feature. Simply input your interest in hiking and specify San Francisco as your location. You'll be able to explore exciting hiking events and groups in the area and discover events that match your hiking skill level and endurance.

Yes, you can join as many hiking groups as you like on Meetup. This allows you to experience a variety of trails and meet different hiking enthusiasts. It's a great way to explore diverse trails around San Francisco and to challenge yourself with varying levels of difficulty.

Check Meetup's events calendar to find hiking events happening in San Francisco this weekend. Many groups regularly organize weekend hikes, making it a perfect opportunity to connect with other outdoor enthusiasts and embark on a new adventure.

The cost to join hiking groups on Meetup can vary. Many groups are free or require a small fee for organized events, which helps cover logistics. Always check each group's event page for any specific cost details before joining.

Difficulty levels for hikes are often listed in the event descriptions. Look for information about the terrain and distance to ensure you choose a hike that matches your experience and physical ability. Challenging hikes will often have more rigorous terrain and longer distances.

For challenging hikes, some level of hiking experience is usually recommended. Difficult trails require good stamina and familiarity with hiking in diverse terrains. However, there are typically groups for all levels, so you're encouraged to check the event details and RSVP accordingly.

Yes, many enthusiasts form friendships through Meetup, enabling them to organize hikes with new friends. Meeting like-minded people who share your passion for challenging hikes can enhance your San Francisco hiking experience.

If a hike becomes too challenging, it’s important to communicate with the group and safely turn back if needed. Safety is a priority, and organizers often prepare for various scenarios to ensure participants have support if challenges arise.

Yes, San Francisco offers hiking events for all skill levels on Meetup. While this page focuses on challenging hikes, you can search for groups and events specifically tailored to beginners if you wish to start slow and gradually take on more demanding trails.

Joining Meetup groups for challenging hikes in San Francisco is a great way to meet other hiking enthusiasts. These groups organize frequent events where you can easily mingle and build connections with fellow hikers.

No, Meetup hosts a wide range of interests beyond hiking, including activities like tech meetups, book clubs, and arts. It’s a versatile platform for discovering diverse events and connecting with people sharing various interests.

Absolutely, Meetup offers hiking opportunities in many locations. If you’re traveling outside San Francisco or curious about other areas, adjust your search to find challenging hikes wherever you might be.

No, you're not obligated to attend every hike after joining a group. RSVP to events you're interested in and available to attend, ensuring your schedule and preferences align with the event's details.

Not necessarily. Most hikes are organized by fellow enthusiasts rather than professionals, although some groups might hire experienced leaders. It’s important to review event details and leader experience to ensure safety and preparedness.

If current hikes don’t fit your interests, try expanding your search criteria or exploring new groups. Availability may vary, and new events are regularly added to suit different preferences and abilities.