What we’re about
Fitness-first, SoCal-based, community-focused, and challenging by design.
From canyon climbs to rugged ridgelines, we treat Southern California’s parks as our gym. Our hikes are long, challenging, and purposeful—built to complement strength training, running, and other fitness routines. We don’t just cover miles—we train, grow, and build grit together.
We’re a community of fitness-minded hikers who thrive on effort and camaraderie. Most of our routes range 9–13 miles with 1,500–2,000+ ft of elevation, moving at a moderate-to-fast pace. What began as “Casual Hikes” shifted after the Big Fat Incline—since then, we’ve leaned into the grind and never looked back.
Who Should Join
- Intermediate to advanced hikers seeking a workout-level pace
- Strength trainers, runners, and endurance athletes who see hiking as part of their training
- Fit beginners ready to test their limits
- Anyone who values camaraderie, consistency, and the outdoors as much as fitness
What to Expect
- Strenuous hikes averaging 9–13 miles
- 1,500–2,000+ ft elevation gain
- Moderate to fast pace (we move with purpose, not for picnics)
- Sub-groups by pace—find your stride, or hike solo if needed
- Optional shorter, less intense routes led by co-organizers
- High energy, encouragement, and shared progress
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Mustard–Vista Lookout–Billy Goat (~10 mi) / Red Rock Alt (~8 mi, Moderate Pace)Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park Main Entrance, Foothill Ranch. 92610, CA
Join us for a rewarding morning on the trails! We’ll take on a loop that blends challenge with scenery, offering open views and rugged terrain. Our route begins in Borrego Canyon, follows Mustard Trail all the way to the gate, then turns back to connect with Vista Lookout before continuing through rugged stretches of trail. At ~10 miles with about 1,800 ft of elevation gain, this hike combines long climbs, uneven footing, and steady pacing — a great workout for stamina, leg strength, and trail fitness. Expect variety, effort, and the satisfaction of a solid morning well spent.
For those looking for a shorter option (~7–8 miles), there’s also the possibility to cut distance and include a detour to Red Rock, a striking highlight for anyone who hasn’t experienced it yet.
Here are links to a few of our previous hike videos in this area:
Vista–Billy Goat–Red Rock Canyon (via Facebook)
Borrego–Mustard–Billy Goat
Vista–Red RockDisclaimer: Not So Casual Hikes are moderate to fast-paced, challenging outings designed for hikers in great shape who know their limits and show up prepared. Our organizers are volunteers—not guides—and cannot be responsible for your pace, navigation, or safety. We don’t provide sweepers, and the group may not wait if you fall behind. You might finish with new friends or on your own — and either way, it's part of the journey. By signing up, you take full responsibility for your fitness, gear, hydration, and navigation — and in return, you’ll find a supportive, like-minded community that thrives on grit, respect, and pushing the edge together. If that speaks to you — we’re glad you found us. Let’s move.
Details:
• Meeting Place: By the big sundial statue near the Borrego trailhead (adjacent to Ralphs and the gas station, and across from McDonald’s).
• Parking: Small lot at the trailhead ($5 fee or OC Parks Pass). Free lot across the street between McDonald’s and the nearby shops.
🚫 Do NOT park at Ralphs — security patrols and actively tickets cars.
• Difficulty: Moderate – based on distance, elevation, and pace.
• Distance / Elevation / Duration: ~10 miles, ~1,800 ft gain, estimated 3.5–4 hours at a moderate pace. Shorter option ~7–8 miles with Red Rock.
• Map: Whiting Ranch Trail Map (OC Parks)Note on Punctuality & RSVP: Please be on time — we’ll wait up to 5 minutes past the start. If you’re running late, you can post your ETA in the event discussion, but the group may still begin without you. If your plans change, please update your RSVP — it helps us know who to expect on the trail.
Essentials:
• Traction hiking shoes
• Plenty of water (at least 2L; electrolytes recommended)
• Quick snacks
• Sunglasses & sunscreen
• Hat or sun protectionRoute:
We’ll begin on Borrego Canyon Trail and follow Mustard Trail all the way to the gate before turning back. On the return, we’ll take the spur to Vista Lookout, then head back toward Cactus Pond.- Long Route (~10 miles / 1,800 ft): From Vista, continue to Billy Goat Trail, loop through 4 Corners, and return via Mustard to Borrego.
- Shorter Route (~7–8 miles): From Vista, turn toward Red Rock (optional) before reconnecting with Borrego for the return.
About Whiting Ranch:
Whiting Ranch spans 4,300 acres of rugged canyons, ridges, and oak woodlands, with the striking Red Rock Canyon as its highlight. Once cattle ranching land and later scarred by the 2007 Santiago Fire, today it’s a landscape of resilience and natural beauty.Important Safety Notice: Hiking carries risks, including trip/fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak, ticks, snakes, coyotes, or mountain lions.
By joining, you accept full responsibility for your safety and agree to hold harmless the Organizer, Co-Organizer, Assistant Organizers, and fellow participants for any incidents or injuries. Participation also means you agree to Meetup’s Terms of Service, which include a liability release for organizers.
- Boat Road Lookout via Willow Route | ~13–14 mi (~8 mi shorter option)Pacific Ridge Trailhead, Newport Beach, CA
Join us for a challenging day on the trails, climbing toward one of the most rewarding viewpoints in Crystal Cove and Laguna Coast Wilderness. We’ll start from Pacific Ridge Trailhead and make our way to Boat Road Lookout on a route that covers ~13–14 miles with ~2,600 ft of gain. Expect long climbs, technical footing, and big payoff views for those ready to put in the effort.
Watch our last Boat Road Lookout hike video for a preview of the views — the route was slightly different, but the lookout payoff is the same: Boat Road Lookout Hike Video
Full Route (Willow Route — Endurance Grind):
Lizard → Laurel → Willow climb → Bommer → descend Boat Road to the lookout and climb back up. We’ll take a break at the lookout to enjoy the views before making the push back up. Afterward, we’ll return via Bommer Ridge back to Pacific Ridge Trailhead. This route stacks a long, steady fire road climb (Willow) with the steep Boat Road climb — all about stamina and mental toughness.Shorter Option (~8 miles): The shorter route follows the same start as the long hike — Lizard → Laurel → Willow climb → Bommer. Instead of descending Boat Road to the lookout, you’ll stay on Bommer Ridge and return to the trailhead. This way you still get the big Willow climb without committing to the full 13–14 miles.
Disclaimer: Not So Casual Hikes are moderate to fast-paced, challenging outings designed for hikers in great shape who know their limits and show up prepared. Our organizers are volunteers — not guides — and cannot be responsible for your pace, navigation, or safety. We don’t provide sweepers, and the group may not wait if you fall behind. You might finish with new friends or on your own — and either way, it's part of the journey. By signing up, you take full responsibility for your fitness, gear, hydration, and navigation — and in return, you’ll find a supportive, like-minded community that thrives on grit, respect, and pushing the edge together. If that speaks to you — we’re glad you found us. Let’s move.
Meeting Details:
• Location: Pacific Ridge Trailhead, Ridge Park Road, Newport Beach, CA 92657
• Meeting Point: Ridge Park entrance (dead end of Ridge Park Road near the trailhead sign)
• Parking: Free street parking available
• Facilities: Restrooms available at the Willow Staging AreaHike Details:
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
• Distance / Elevation Gain:
– Full Loop: ~13–14 miles, ~2,600 ft cumulative gain
– Shorter Route: ~8 miles, returning on Bommer Ridge (skipping Boat Road descent)
• Duration: 4.5–5 hours for the full loop, 3–3.5 hours for the shorter route
• Map: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park Trail Map (CA Parks)Note on Punctuality & RSVP: Please be on time — we’ll wait up to 5 minutes past the start. If you’re running late, you can post your ETA in the event discussion, but the group may still begin without you. If your plans change, please update your RSVP — it helps us know who to expect on the trail.
Essentials:
• Traction hiking shoes
• Plenty of water (at least 2–3L; electrolytes recommended)
• Quick snacks / fuel
• Sunglasses & sunscreen
• Hat or sun protectionAbout Crystal Cove / Laguna Coast:
These connected wilderness areas offer some of the most rugged climbs and stunning ocean views in Orange County. The Boat Road Lookout in particular is one of the most rewarding high points in the park, with sweeping coastal and canyon vistas.Important Safety Notice: Hiking carries risks, including trip/fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak, ticks, snakes, coyotes, or mountain lions.
By joining, you accept full responsibility for your safety and agree to hold harmless the Organizer, Co-Organizer, Assistant Organizers, and fellow participants for any incidents or injuries. Participation also means you agree to Meetup’s Terms of Service, which include a liability release for organizers.
