Skip to content

Outdoor activities groups near Cotati, CA

NorCal Active

Rohnert Park, CA

NorCal Active
Northern California is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts: mountains, beaches, trails, rivers, lakes and vineyards. Let's take advantage of all it has to offer! This group is for active people who enjoy exploring and meeting fellow adventurers. Hiking will be the primary focus. Other events may include fitness walking, paddling, ice skating, snow sports, camping, or cycling. As a bonus, we may enjoy a picnic or restaurant visit after. The goal is to create a fun, social experience in nature for members to enjoy, including some time to snap some pics. Event times and lengths will vary, weekdays and weekends - whenever my schedule permits. I try to host a few each month. After work hikes are seasonal, contingent on daylight. During the rainy season, I don't schedule far in advance to maximize opportunities for waterfalls, snow, and springtime wildflowers. I volunteer for both California State Parks and Napa Open Space District and might mix in some trail work days - it's rewarding to give back. :) **GROUP GUIDELINES:** 1) I prefer to use a smaller group setting for events; I find it's more enjoyable for everyone this way. There will often be waitlists, and I don't allow +1s, unless you message me directly with a request. 2) I give priority to waitlisted members who have consistently attended events. 3) If you need to cancel, please update the RSVP on the event page or contact me. Even last-minute cancellations are okay as long as you follow this. I will remove members who have 4 no shows. 4) These are group events and the group is expected to stay together. If we get separated, the protocol is to wait at trail junctions. 5) For safety, please ensure you are fit enough for the event hosted. 6) Cost is free! There are no member dues for this group. If you love the outdoors, please join us in enjoying the beauty of Northern California!
1194 members · Private

"SONOMA COUNTY OUTDOORS"

Petaluma, CA

"SONOMA COUNTY OUTDOORS"

Sonoma County Outdoors is an adult group for Hiking, Walking, and Social Activities.

    Want to hike or walk for fitness and fun?

    Would regularly meeting with a committed group of like minded people help keep you accountable to exercise?

    Just want to get out of the house and have some fun?

If you said yes to any of these questions, then take a look at Sonoma County Outdoors!

There are a lot of great hiking Meetup groups out there and some of us belong to multiple groups. This group is intended to supplement those groups for shorter weekday hikes, and longer local hikes that are a little closer to home in Sonoma County and surrounding areas. 

What's it all about?

WEDNESDAY NIGHT WALK (4 miles after work): An 80 minute brisk walk in Downtown Petaluma to get a few miles in before the weekend hike. This urban walk is a little slower pace than our Tuesday Night Fitness Hike, but a good bit of exercise nonetheless. You'll feel it the next day. For a cardio workout, see our Tuesday Night Fitness Hike.

TUESDAY NIGHT FITNESS NIGHT HIKE (5 miles after work): A FAST 80 minute Fitness Hike in Downtown Petaluma to get a few miles in before the weekend hike. This is a cardio hike that is sure to get your blood moving. We move fast and generally don't wait for slower members in the hike. If you're having trouble keeping up with the pace of the Fitness Hike, please instead join us on the Wednesday Night Walk.

WEEKEND HIKES, 6-12 miles: Weekend hikes are usually within an hour drive of central Sonoma County. The hikes are anywhere from Easy/Moderate to Moderate to Moderately/Strenuous, and on rare occasions, Strenuous. We usually pack a light lunch and stop to eat about half way thru the hike. We might even stop in for a quick social gathering after the hike to wet our whistle, or to grab something a little more substantial to eat. We hike at a brisk pace, this is not a stroll or sightseeing adventure - it's a hike.

THE PACE, WEDNESDAY NIGHT WALKS: The Wednesday Night Walks are a brisk pace. We do 4 miles in the same time as we do 5 on the Tuesday Night Fitness Hike. We do about 2-1/2 mph (23-24 minute miles). Tjis is the place to start if you are new to the group.

THE PACE, TUESDAY NIGHT FITNESS: The Tuesday Night Hikes are a cardio workout. Not quite power walking, but we do go about 3-1/2 mph (16-18 minute miles). If you are new to the group, I strongly recommend you try the Wednesday Night Walk before attempting the Tuesday Night Fitness Hike.

THE PACE, WEEKEND HIKES: Weekend hikes are about the same brisk pace as the Wednesday Night Walks. We're not strolling by any means, and we are usually covering a lot of ground without a lot of stopping.

SOCIAL MEETUPS: We occasionally organize Social Events to get out of the house and enjoy ourselves. These might be a show, a meetup for dinner, wine tasting, a Crawl, etc... Bring your spouse, friends and significant others to these fun events. Note: Most of these are adult oriented events and are not appropriate for children, unless it specifically says so. If you have any doubt, please ask.

WHAT DOES IT COST? Nothing to you. Meetup charges a monthly fee for hosting this group. We pay that for you. If you'd like to contribute something to offset those costs, we take contributions in the form of Red Wine!

GROUP GUIDELINES: (To participate in hikes you must agree to the following)

1. Apply to join the group. you will be notified of events when you join and be able to see the location where events are being held.

2. When applying, please use a profile picture that shows your face. Our hike leaders pride themselves on not losing anyone and knowing who you are is important.

3. Events start on time. Please be on time. We won't wait for you, so please don't ask.

4. Introduce yourself and check-in with the event organizer when you arrive at the event.

5. Don't sign up for an event that you are not committed to attend. No-shows might be dropped from the group after 2 no-shows.

6. Be fun! Meanies and disruptors will be banned.

7. Be kind in your review and opinion of us. We do this for the fun and love of hiking, and want to share it with others.

DOGS: Well behaved dogs on-leash are allowed on Weeknight Hikes and Weeknight Walks, but only at the hike leaders discretion. If your dog is aggressive or disruptive, the hike leader might ask you to leave the hike. Please come back next week without the dog. Most dogs are welcome though.

Dogs are not allowed on Weekend Hikes. The trails are often narrow, and the hikes are very crowded. Plus, more than half the places we hike don't allow dogs on trails. Please don't ask to bring your dog on a weekend hike. They will not be allowed to participate.

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS: Invite your friends and sign up today to receive your invitation to our next event!


SCO IN THE NEWS...

PETALUMA MAGAZINE, SUMMER 2011
Walking Together, The Original Social Network
(an article on walking groups in Petaluma, page 44)
http://zoominlocal.co...

PETALUMA PATCH
The Neighborhood Files
by Rayne Wolfe
http://petaluma.patch...

PRESS DEMOCRAT
Trailhead Blog (4 articles)
by Greg Retsinas
(Greg's trailhead Blog is a great resource for local and Bay Area hiking. Look to it for hikes and useful information, and for his personal experiences in hiking our local outdoors)

LAKE TO LAKE TO LAKE IN MARIN 

http://trailhead.blogs.pressdemocrat.com/12116/lake-to-lake-to-lake-in-marin/


FULL MOON HIKE TO ARCH ROCK
http://trailhead.blog...

ON THE RIDGE INSIDE ANNADEL
http://trailhead.blog...

A NEW TRAIL AT POINT REYES
http://trailhead.blog...

Let's go!

2712 members · Public

Open Bay Area -- North Bay

Petaluma, CA

Open Bay Area -- North Bay
Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Bay Area. A Healthy Lifestyle Social Club Open Bay Area seeks to connect people who are interested in personal growth and awareness though fun and engaging events and activities. Our mission is to provide meaningful opportunities to deeply engage with yourself and others to: * create a supportive community of friends * allow space for people to explore and be their authentic self * engage in activities that connect the mind, body, emotions, and spirit * focus on being conscious and loving * heal ourselves and the planet. Activities will include: * outdoor activities (hiking, beach days, etc.) * food (dining out, potlucks, tea tastings, etc.) * dating and intimacy * movement and dance * discussion groups * whatever the community wants! The group is for people who wish to go beyond small talk to have transformative personal and group experiences and deeply connect with themselves and others. People of all genders, sexual orientations, ethnicities, relationship styles, countries of origin, disability, and dietary needs are welcome. Let us know how we can best serve you and accommodate your needs. Group activities will sometimes be for everyone and sometimes they will be focused on a specific personal identity or group affiliation (i.e. polyamorous / ENM, singles -- straight and queer discussions and events, BIPOC focused discussions or activities, gender focused groups, diet-specific potlucks, etc.) The unifying theme is the desire to be loving, conscious, and to create friendships across differences to unite in our common humanity for the good of all people and the planet. Events are geared toward health and wellness. We kindly ask that you refrain from wearing strong scents (i.e. perfume or cologne), drinking alcohol, smoking / vaping (nicotine or weed), or using other mind / mood altering substances at events. Thank you!
130 members · Public

Let's Go, Golden Girls! Fun & Friendship for Women 50+

Santa Rosa, CA

Let's Go, Golden Girls! Fun & Friendship for Women 50+
**We'd love to have you join our group, but please read the entire description and be sure you want to be an active participant in this type of group before you sign up.** For Sonoma County women 50+ to enjoy social activities in small groups, make new friends, and have fun! Join others for events and activities and organize your own adventures. Connect with others who share your interests and enjoy new experiences. Whether you enjoy gallery browsing, jazz concerts, bird watching, action films, kayaking, trying new brunch spots, tide pooling, visiting the DeYoung, or exploring shops in Sonoma, you'll find others who want to join you. Everyone should have access to post an event - If you have any problem, contact Deborah, the group organizer. ***As a condition of membership, each member agrees to organize at least one event every six months,*** *to ensure that* * *activities include things YOU want to do,* * *we have a vibrant group with lots of activities to choose from,* If being an active, contributing member of the group in this way is not what you're looking for, *please look for another group.* We require that all members live in Sonoma County. When requesting to join this group, please be sure your profile includes your picture. Also, this group is not a good place to promote classes, workshops, coaching, consulting, services, etc. that you offer. Ready to have some fun and make new friends?
235 members · Public

Spirit of Adventure

Santa Rosa, CA

Spirit of Adventure

Welcome to Spirit of Adventure. We are a group of outdoor enthusiasts in Northern California and the San Francisco Bay Area who enjoy things like rock climbing, cave exploring, hiking, backpacking, whitewater rafting and kayaking, ice climbing, mountaineering, skiing and hang gliding/paragliding. If it's in the outdoors and adventurous, we enjoy it. We enjoy frequent trips, great friendships and lots of laughter. We welcome everyone from beginners to the experienced. Our trips are generally planned to introduce people to the outdoors as well as giving experienced adventurists a place to gather.  If our trips do not specify that they are for experienced people, everyone is invited.  If you are a beginner, you are welcome to participate.  Furthermore, we welcome new leaders and people whose experience allows them to teach their skills to others.  

Note that we are not professionals or guides so everyone must be personally responsible for their safety and well-being. Yet it is our goal to combine knowledge of the activity, proper equipment and enough planning to make safety our highest goal. Nevertheless, accidents can happen. Personal responsibility is mandatory. By participating in our events, you agree not hold the leaders or members responsible for your safety. You don't have to be in great physical shape to participate. However, you should not have any health issues that would prevent you from enjoying physical exertion. As you enjoy various adventures with us, you will enjoy the feeling of getting in shape.

Please sign up with your full name.  Our sign up process is partly a legal release form.  

 Among our goals is to enjoy a group where we can have good adventures friends. We operate on consensus and democratically, rather than around a single leader. We value positive communications among members and avoid gossip. We welcome your participation and your outdoor gifts. 

3525 members · Public

North Bay's 20s and 30s social adventurers

Santa Rosa, CA

North Bay's 20s and 30s social adventurers
Welcome to North Bay's 20s and 30s Social Adventurers. This group is where adventure meets socializing. Join us for scenic hikes, leisurely walks, bar hopping, movies, games, trivia nights and other fun activities where you can connect with like minded people, make new friends and enjoy the best of the North bays outdoors and social scene. There is no fee to join this group, we only ask that you are in your 20s or 30s, you have a good attitude and are looking to meet others and enjoy yourself. Our goal is to have some kind of event every other week at a minimum (hopefully more). Some events could be free, and some may need you to pay your way (like renting a kayak, taking the smart train or your food at a restaurant or bar) ... nothing expensive is our goal. While this group is free to join any donations to help keep the group running are much appreciated. Group rules 1\. This is not a hookup or singles group\. Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated and will result in removal from the group\. If there are issues\, please reach out to me or any admin so that we can assist\. 2\. If you plan to attend an event\, please be respectful and show up on time\. We will wait only 5 to 10 min before beginning without you\. 3\. If you RSVP for an event please show up\. Too many no\-shows could result in removal from the group\. 4\. If the event is some sort of place where splitting a bill is required \(such as a restaurant\) please be prepared with cash or be able to venmo/zelle\. 5\. Your profile picture on meetup must be a clear photo of yourself to not have confusion on who will be attending group events\. 6\. Come prepared for the event such as bringing the correct footwear on a hike or a bathing suit to the beach\.
291 members · Public

WOMEN'S CIRCLE OF FRIENDS

Santa Rosa, CA

WOMEN'S CIRCLE OF FRIENDS
**CIRCLE OF FRIENDS: WOMEN IN LIFE, LAUGHTER, AND CONVERSATION.**  This is a friendship group for those who want to build relationships with positive, conscientious women.  Our activities may include walks and hikes, movies, road trips, comedy, music, art, live theater, dining out, game nights, picnics. **Conversation:**  Most of our activities have time built in for socializing and getting acquainted. When the weather is good, we meet at local parks for picnics, walks, music, and conversation circles. Occasionally, we have house parties which are another fun and relaxing way to make new friends. **Who is this group for?** **This group is open to all positive minded, pro-active women.** We have noticed the average age of active participants is between 40-60. Younger, and older, ladies are more than welcome to join, however, depending on your preferences, you might feel more comfortable in a meetup specifically for your age range. If you are already retired, you might find this group lacking in M-F daytime activities. Regardless, we invite you to join and become an event host for activities that suit your interests and time preferences. **EVENT HOSTS: We are always on the lookout for new leaders who have different interests and schedules so we can offer a greater variety of activities and times. Message me, Becky, if you are interested in hosting an event. All that is required is good communication (I will need your phone number) and a positive, friendly attitude.** I hope to see you at an event soon! Becky
69 members · Private

Sonoma County Wanderers

Santa Rosa, CA

Sonoma County Wanderers

Welcome to The Wanderers! You have just discovered Sonoma County's most active hiking group! We love to hike...during the week, the afternoon, the weekend and even by the light of the full moon! If you love to hike, you have just found your new home! But the most important part of this message is to FIND A HIKE and sign up...NOW! I've found that the newcomers that jump right in and start hiking are the ones that become a strong part of our Wanderer hiking community.

We are about the journey as well as the destination.  We are striving to meet the hikers that fall into the middle zone...people that enjoy moderate mileage with moderate altitude gain with a challenge thrown in occasionally at a moderate pace!    We are a group that wants to explore and constantly include new hikes while doing our favorites on a regular basis.   Although we have members as young as 12, most of our members fall in the 45-70 year old range.

Our outings will normally be in the 5-14 mile range. We are looking for people that are looking to improve their fitness level or are maintaining their current level. If you are a moderate hiker that is hiking frequently you will find our hikes quite enjoyable. If you are a new hiker or have recently just got back to hiking then our pace might be challenging for you at first until you fully get back into wandering on the trails. We do average a speed of 2.5-3.0 mph and we keep going. We wait at trail junctions and those of you in the front will have to wait and those of you in the rear will find that the group starts off when you are safely within sight.  Oh and YES, there will be altitude gain included in almost every hike. You will need to be comfortable and happy with walking uphill.  You also will need to be steady on your feet for the down hills.  Once again, we stop briefly to keep the group together from time to time but we do keep going with the exception of our lunch/snack break.  

A word of caution-if you haven't been hiking regularly you will need to give yourself some time and consistent participation to be comfortable with the group's pace. Most people that start with us think our pace of 2.5-3.0 is fast until they have completed 4-5 hikes.  Don't get discouraged after one hike. A common comment I get from new hikers is that they didn't have time to enjoy the scenery. Trust me....as you continue with the group, you will find yourself being very comfortable with the pace and will fully enjoy the scenery.  

Our group size is limited so please DO NOT sign up for a hike unless you are 100% sure you will be there. If you cancel last minute (after 5pm the preceding day) or are a no-show then we will need to excuse you from the group. If you take a spot, that means that someone else is not able to hike. Make sure to show up!

We are about hiking. If you are into plant, mushroom, scat or bad mood studies then this group is not for you. Although we love pictures and encourage photographs, if you are having a hard time staying with the group, you will need to let others take the photos until you find yourself able to keep up.

I'm not a professional hiker or guide and I don't have specialized training in first aid so I need to hold everyone completely responsible for their own safety and well-being. What I do have is a love of the outdoors and a desire to be there..whenever possible. I also have knowledge of many local hikes and am ALWAYS exploring new ones! Come join me and we will simply enjoy this gorgeous area that we live in, find new adventures, laugh, talk and probably learn something new every hike while making new friends.

Please don't get discouraged if the first couple of hikes seem hard. Just keep on joining in. If there is one thing I know, the fun, health benefits and confidence arrive in spades, with repetition.

Happy Trails!

Leigh

P.S. We are hiking under covid conditions so bring a mask and be prepared to step off the trail to maintain a distance from others. You are responsible for your own health and safety during COVID conditions.

2976 members · Private