Solo or group hiking is a frequently debated argument within the hiking community. Both hiking styles have benefits and downsides to be explored. Over the years I have heard the following voices of fellow adventurers proclaim:
- I don’t know where the good spots are.
- I can’t navigate well and get lost.
- Trail safety is a concern for me.
- I’m not organized enough to do it on my own.
- I don’t have anyone to go with.
- My friends and family all say they’re going to go and then bail on me.
Montaña de Oro State Park is the perfect place to lead and be a part of group hikes. There are so many beautiful trails and beach areas to explore. The trails within the park vary greatly and offer a wide variety of hike routes.
Here are a few great recommendations for different skill levels:
Easy
Bluff Trail: 4.1 miles
Point Buchon Trail: 8 miles
Hazard Reef Trail: .9 miles
Moderate
Valencia Peak: 4.4 miles
Hazard Peak: 11.2 miles
Rattlesnake Flats Trail: 2.8 miles
Hard
Islay Creek Hazard Peak Loop: 8.6 miles
Alan Peak Trail: 11.6 miles
Valencia Peak via Rattlesnake Flats, Badger Trail: 5.4 miles
If you are craving adventure and would like to bond with like-minded individuals, I urge you to give group hikes a try. There is just something magical about experiencing nature together that creates lasting friendships. You bond over falling down, eating weird trail snacks, and laughing at each other’s silliness. There is a satisfaction when you all make it to your payoff destination, such as Valencia Peak, and look around with wonder at the beautiful Pacific Ocean greeting you in the distance. Seeing the pure joy on a hiker’s face when they experience a new sight, trail, or peak brings an overwhelming sense of peace as a leader of such hikes.
Often within group hikes there are different leadership styles. I have heard leaders say, “I will set the pace”, “You stay up with me”, or “Let me know if I’m going too fast.” In those scenarios I have seen many people get left behind because they don’t have the skill level of the leader or they’re too shy to speak up that they’re having difficulty at a brisk pace. Then the whole point of enjoying an experience together is lost. I always like to have a designated leader set a moderate pace if the group is large, and I stay at the back of the group to ensure all hikers are taken care of and stay on trail. When leading a large group, I try to be respectful of other hikers and have our group pull to the side and let others pass. I love to teach “Leave No Trace” principles in group hikes to those craving to learn how to respect nature and our natural resources.
When groups are smaller, I try to have everyone stay together, often walking single file when the trail is narrow or shoulder-to-shoulder if the path is wide. It is important to read cues from your fellow hikers. If someone is starting to slow, have the whole group pull off for a moment of rest and just enjoy the views. The most important thing about a group hike is for everyone enjoy their time together while exploring breathtaking parks like Montaña de Oro.
Organization is the key to a successful group hike. Hikers want to know the basics, and it’s your task as a leader to inform them. They will want to know:
- What’s the weather going to be?
- What do I wear?
- What food do I need to bring?
- How much water should I carry?
- Are we eating anywhere afterwards?
- How far is the drive?
- What time will we be back home?
- Do I need to bring any money?
- Can my dogs come?
- Is the hike easy or hard?
- Where’s parking?
- Do I need a pass?
There are many resources to find hiking groups in your areas. Facebook and Instagram have many group hikes offered along the Central Coast. If you like to try new things, add group hikes to your bucket list!
