Outdoor activities groups near Novato, CA

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...

Calling all women who love getting out in nature and want an experienced guide and small group of like minded women to motivate them to make it happen! 

Is this you...?

~You feel really alive and happy when you're outdoors and wish you'd make it more of a priority to get out there? 

~You wish you could hit the pause button on your daily demands so you can feel more grounded and centered? You have a hunch that the peace and quiet of being outside is just the thing you need.

~You want deeper meaning, clarity and connection but are at a loss at how to find it? Being supported and guided could make all the difference. 

~You are feeling overwhelmed, angered or saddened by world events? You need solace and perspective nature can provide?

Let me and the Earth be your guide! On this special daylong just for women, all you have to do is receive and let yourself be nourished. Let the support of a small group of like-hearted women and the luxury of time alone in a beautiful place outdoors fill you up.

Through Earth honoring ritual and embodied mindfulness, you will be guided through simple, rich practices that will cultivate your personal relationship with wild nature and will deepen an intimate connection with your inner nature.

On This Women's Fall Nature Day You Will:
• Experience receiving the wisdom of the natural world and your essential nature.
• Experience the transformative, restorative and inspirational power of deeply connecting with the Earth.
• Learn practices that can serve as a ground and an inner compass in your life.
• Authentically connect with other women who share a desire for humanity to live to right relationship to our planet. 

The morning will be spent in circle, where you will take part in the practice of Council and Earth based and embodied rituals. Your guides will help you distill your intentions and questions for your solo time with the land. After the morning circle, you will have the precious opportunity to spend alone being guided by your body, heart and spirit as you listen and look deeply into the natural world. Once you return from solo, you will share your experience with the group. Guides will enhance your understanding and integration of your solo time. Your guides will help you have clear vision for your next steps in your life! 

This is an intimate workshop limited to 12 women. You will receive guidance that is just for you! Plus the daylong includes a one on one phone call before and after to support you with preparation and with integration, so your experience will have a deep impact on your life. 

"The location for our Nature Day was magical, it felt nourishing to be on such sacred and diverse land. My solo time in nature was the absolute highlight for me. It was EXACTLY what my heart had been yearning for. It was also incredibly inspiring to hear and be witnessed by others in such an honored way. I especially appreciated that at the end we were given tools to bring each of our experiences into our lives with practical next steps. I now want to do a Nature Day at least once a year! It's such a beautiful way to let go of what no longer serves and step boldly forward into the future. Amy is a fantastic guide. She holds a beautiful, safe space that is filled with a love for both people and nature." ~ Tracy Lee Jones

Amy Biesemeyer, LMFT has been Ecotherapy guide and trainer since 2004. Her deep love for the natural world was born in 1994 when she backpacked throughout California for eight weeks, studying Ecopsychology. She is especially passionate about working with groups of women and has deeply explored her own womanhood through participating in and leading women's groups, as well as earning a BA in Women's Studies. She trained with the School of Lost Borders, holds a Masters in Somatic Psychotherapy from CIIS and is a Wilderness First Responder. Amy draws upon her experiences from being a student of Jennifer Welwood and The Diamond Heart Approach, both of which are embodied psycho/spiritual paths to awakening. Nature is her teacher and sanctuary, and she is honored to guide others in the magical unfolding of their inner wilderness. 

Green Boot is a free outdoor hiking and walking club that explores the beautiful trails of Northern Marin County and surrounding area. We offer a variety of weekday and weekend hikes for all fitness levels. We aim to discover new trails, socialize, learn about the local landscape, and get healthy.  Hikes range from easy ¾ mile outings, to 9 mile weekend excursions.

Join today and let’s meet up. See you on the trails!

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