Summer Hikes 2015
Fun 'n Free AFBA Local Bay Area Summer Outings
Join us for some fun hikes, walks and beach days with our special needs kids, featuring easygoing mini-adventures in Woodside, Los Altos, Marin, Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay. Walking pace is slow and forgiving, but great for families with special kids who like to get outside and move.
Join us for some fun hikes, walks and beach days with our special needs kids, featuring easygoing mini-adventures in Woodside, Los Altos, Marin, Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay. Walking pace is slow and forgiving, but great for families with special kids who like to get outside and move.
JUNE 2015
Sunday, June 14, 11am-1pm, Wunderlich County Park, Woodside
What: a 2-hour (slow-pace) 3.2-ish mile hike with a moderate climb and lots of shade, at Wunderlich Park, 4040 Woodside Rd, Woodside. No dogs allowed in this park.
When: 11am, we meet at the park's picnic tables by the parking lot. Arrive at 10:45am to allow time for parking. Hike leaves promptly at 11am.
To get there: Take Woodside Road west from Interstate 280 and continue about two miles from the town of Woodside. Watch for the park entrance on the right between Bear Gulch and La Honda roads. There are only two handicap parking space in the lot, so if full, you may need to park on Portola Road and walk into the park via the driveway.
Hiking route: Alambique trail, to Meadow trail to Salamander Flat. Then descend Madrone trail, to Loop trail, back to parking area. Elevation gain of about 500 feet, so there's some climbing.
See map: http://www.co.sanmateo.ca.us/Attachments/parks/Files/Park%20Maps%20in%20PDF/Wunderlich%20Park%20Map.pdf
Tips: Hiking boots not generally necessary. Porta-potty in parking area. Drinking fountain in parking area, but bring water. There are some tables so feel free to bring a post-hike lunch. FREE
What: a 2-hour (slow-pace) 3.2-ish mile hike with a moderate climb and lots of shade, at Wunderlich Park, 4040 Woodside Rd, Woodside. No dogs allowed in this park.
When: 11am, we meet at the park's picnic tables by the parking lot. Arrive at 10:45am to allow time for parking. Hike leaves promptly at 11am.
To get there: Take Woodside Road west from Interstate 280 and continue about two miles from the town of Woodside. Watch for the park entrance on the right between Bear Gulch and La Honda roads. There are only two handicap parking space in the lot, so if full, you may need to park on Portola Road and walk into the park via the driveway.
Hiking route: Alambique trail, to Meadow trail to Salamander Flat. Then descend Madrone trail, to Loop trail, back to parking area. Elevation gain of about 500 feet, so there's some climbing.
See map: http://www.co.sanmateo.ca.us/Attachments/parks/Files/Park%20Maps%20in%20PDF/Wunderlich%20Park%20Map.pdf
Tips: Hiking boots not generally necessary. Porta-potty in parking area. Drinking fountain in parking area, but bring water. There are some tables so feel free to bring a post-hike lunch. FREE
Wednesday, June 24, 10am-noon, Tennessee Valley, Marin County
What: a gentle 3.4-mile roundtrip hike that pauses at Tennessee Beach. Will last max of 2 hours. Maybe some coffee or lunch afterwards. No dogs allowed on this trail.
To get there: From highway 101, take the Mill Valley / Stinson Beach / Hwy. 1 exit. Follow Shoreline Hwy. until you see the Tennessee Valley Road sign; the turn off will be on the left. The road dead-ends into the parking lot. If the lots are full (there are a few handicap spots), park on the entry road and walk in.
When: We will start gathering at 9:45am in the main parking lot by the trail gate, but the hike leaves at 10am.
What: a gentle 3.4-mile roundtrip hike that pauses at Tennessee Beach. Will last max of 2 hours. Maybe some coffee or lunch afterwards. No dogs allowed on this trail.
To get there: From highway 101, take the Mill Valley / Stinson Beach / Hwy. 1 exit. Follow Shoreline Hwy. until you see the Tennessee Valley Road sign; the turn off will be on the left. The road dead-ends into the parking lot. If the lots are full (there are a few handicap spots), park on the entry road and walk in.
When: We will start gathering at 9:45am in the main parking lot by the trail gate, but the hike leaves at 10am.
Sunday, June 28, 10:30am-1pm, Beach Day in Half Moon Bay
What: A combo easy stroll (less than 2 miles roundtrip) and beach hangout in Half Moon Bay. We'll meet at the Poplar Beach parking lot, walk north on the Coastal Trail a mile or so to the end of the trail at the closed bridge, hang out at the beach, and trek back.
To get there: From Highway 1 at the signal at Poplar, turn west toward the beach. Take Poplar all the way to the end, and the lot is on your left. It's my understanding that if you have a handicap placard you do not need to pay at the machine.
Note there are porta-potties at the Poplar lot and real bathrooms at the state beach just up the path, our walk will pass by them. Bring an easy-to-carry beach bag/backpack with towels, hats, jackets, water, snacks, and feel free to bring dogs, scooters, friends. Outing may be followed by a feast at New Leaf market.
When: The walkers will depart the Poplar parking area promptly at 10:30am, so try to arrive around 10:15am.
What: A combo easy stroll (less than 2 miles roundtrip) and beach hangout in Half Moon Bay. We'll meet at the Poplar Beach parking lot, walk north on the Coastal Trail a mile or so to the end of the trail at the closed bridge, hang out at the beach, and trek back.
To get there: From Highway 1 at the signal at Poplar, turn west toward the beach. Take Poplar all the way to the end, and the lot is on your left. It's my understanding that if you have a handicap placard you do not need to pay at the machine.
Note there are porta-potties at the Poplar lot and real bathrooms at the state beach just up the path, our walk will pass by them. Bring an easy-to-carry beach bag/backpack with towels, hats, jackets, water, snacks, and feel free to bring dogs, scooters, friends. Outing may be followed by a feast at New Leaf market.
When: The walkers will depart the Poplar parking area promptly at 10:30am, so try to arrive around 10:15am.
Sunday, June 28, 3-5pm, Wunderlich County Park, Woodside
What: a 2-hour (slow-pace) 3.2-ish mile hike with a moderate climb and lots of shade, at Wunderlich Park, 4040 Woodside Rd, Woodside. No dogs allowed in this park.
When: 3pm, we meet at the park's picnic tables by the parking lot. Arrive at 245pm to allow time for parking. Hike leaves promptly at 3pm.
To get there: Take Woodside Road west from Interstate 280 and continue about two miles from the town of Woodside. Watch for the park entrance on the right between Bear Gulch and La Honda roads. Two handicap spots in the lot.
Hiking route: Alambique trail, to Meadow trail to Salamander Flat. Then descend Madrone trail, to Loop trail, back to parking area. Elevation gain of about 500 feet, so there's some climbing.
See map: http://www.co.sanmateo.ca.us/Attachments/parks/Files/Park%20Maps%20in%20PDF/Wunderlich%20Park%20Map.pdf
Tips: Hiking boots not generally necessary. Porta-potty in parking area. Drinking fountain in parking area, but bring water. There are some tables so feel free to bring a post-hike snack. FREE
RSVP to j
What: a 2-hour (slow-pace) 3.2-ish mile hike with a moderate climb and lots of shade, at Wunderlich Park, 4040 Woodside Rd, Woodside. No dogs allowed in this park.
When: 3pm, we meet at the park's picnic tables by the parking lot. Arrive at 245pm to allow time for parking. Hike leaves promptly at 3pm.
To get there: Take Woodside Road west from Interstate 280 and continue about two miles from the town of Woodside. Watch for the park entrance on the right between Bear Gulch and La Honda roads. Two handicap spots in the lot.
Hiking route: Alambique trail, to Meadow trail to Salamander Flat. Then descend Madrone trail, to Loop trail, back to parking area. Elevation gain of about 500 feet, so there's some climbing.
See map: http://www.co.sanmateo.ca.us/Attachments/parks/Files/Park%20Maps%20in%20PDF/Wunderlich%20Park%20Map.pdf
Tips: Hiking boots not generally necessary. Porta-potty in parking area. Drinking fountain in parking area, but bring water. There are some tables so feel free to bring a post-hike snack. FREE
RSVP to j
JULY 2015
Sunday, July 12, 4-8pm, Evening hike in Rancho San Antonio, Los Altos
What: A long (6 mile-ish), slow evening stroll that tackles some of the preserve's most scenic trails. You are free to join us for the first mile or two, and then take a shorter alternative, many options are available.
To get there: From Interstate 280 , exit #13 Foothill Expressway. Drive south on Foothill Boulevard and take the first right on Cristo Rey Drive. Drive about 1 mile and turn left into the park. Bear right and drive to the last parking lot, at the end of the park road.
We will meet by the bathrooms in the parking lot. Handicap spaces are usually available even when lots are full (Rancho is wildly popular, allow time for parking). Arrive by 3:45pm for a 4pm hike start time.
Our route: We'll walk 1 mile to Deer Hollow Farm. Then left onto Wildcat Canyon Loop, to top of Upper Wildcat Loop. Then descending along the Upper Rouge Valley Trail, u-turning it at Lower Rogue Valley Trail. Then back past the Farm and to the parking lot (tired... and just as it gets scary dark.). Depending on who shows up, we may try a shorter route instead.
Bring backpack with water, snacks, hats, sunscreen. No dogs are allowed at Rancho.
What: A long (6 mile-ish), slow evening stroll that tackles some of the preserve's most scenic trails. You are free to join us for the first mile or two, and then take a shorter alternative, many options are available.
To get there: From Interstate 280 , exit #13 Foothill Expressway. Drive south on Foothill Boulevard and take the first right on Cristo Rey Drive. Drive about 1 mile and turn left into the park. Bear right and drive to the last parking lot, at the end of the park road.
We will meet by the bathrooms in the parking lot. Handicap spaces are usually available even when lots are full (Rancho is wildly popular, allow time for parking). Arrive by 3:45pm for a 4pm hike start time.
Our route: We'll walk 1 mile to Deer Hollow Farm. Then left onto Wildcat Canyon Loop, to top of Upper Wildcat Loop. Then descending along the Upper Rouge Valley Trail, u-turning it at Lower Rogue Valley Trail. Then back past the Farm and to the parking lot (tired... and just as it gets scary dark.). Depending on who shows up, we may try a shorter route instead.
Bring backpack with water, snacks, hats, sunscreen. No dogs are allowed at Rancho.
Saturday, July 18, 10:30am-2pm Santa Cruz Harbor Trek and Beach Outing
What: A fun mix of walking and beaching, with a brief boat interlude. Or just join us at the Harbor beach (in front of the Crow's Nest, by the jetty) at 11:30am.
To get there: Take 17 South, exit Ocean Street. Take Ocean Street to Broadway, turn left at Broadway, continue straight to 1506 Broadway, meet us at Unit C at 10:30am. (we can use the bathroom there).
Walking route: Half a block from the Broadway starting point, we'll take the new Arana Gulch trail down to the Harbor, walk along the Crow's Nest (East) side of the Harbor to the dock where we may board the free water taxi that will convey us to the end of the harbor. We'll hang out at the beach by the jetty and then walk back (about a mile), maybe with a stop at Frederick Street Park.
Bring: Backpack with hats, sunscreen, towel, stuff for beach stopover, scooters, things on wheels, water, dogs on leash. Snacks and/or lunch can be purchased at Harbor Beach or the Crows Nest Cafe.
What: A fun mix of walking and beaching, with a brief boat interlude. Or just join us at the Harbor beach (in front of the Crow's Nest, by the jetty) at 11:30am.
To get there: Take 17 South, exit Ocean Street. Take Ocean Street to Broadway, turn left at Broadway, continue straight to 1506 Broadway, meet us at Unit C at 10:30am. (we can use the bathroom there).
Walking route: Half a block from the Broadway starting point, we'll take the new Arana Gulch trail down to the Harbor, walk along the Crow's Nest (East) side of the Harbor to the dock where we may board the free water taxi that will convey us to the end of the harbor. We'll hang out at the beach by the jetty and then walk back (about a mile), maybe with a stop at Frederick Street Park.
Bring: Backpack with hats, sunscreen, towel, stuff for beach stopover, scooters, things on wheels, water, dogs on leash. Snacks and/or lunch can be purchased at Harbor Beach or the Crows Nest Cafe.
AUGUST 2015
Sunday, August 2, 10:30am-2pm, Santa Cruz Harbor Trek and Beach Outing
What: A fun mix of walking and beaching, with a brief boat interlude. Or just join us at the Harbor beach (in front of the Crow's Nest, by the jetty) at 11:30am.
To get there: Take 17 South, exit Ocean Street. Take Ocean Street to Broadway, turn left at Broadway, continue straight to 1506 Broadway, meet us at Unit C at 10:30am. (we can use the bathroom there).
Walking route: Half a block from the Broadway starting point, we'll take the new Arana Gulch trail down to the Harbor, walk along the Crow's Nest (East) side of the Harbor to the dock where we may board the free water taxi that will convey us to the end of the harbor. We'll hang out at the beach by the jetty and then walk back (about a mile), maybe with a stop at Frederick Street Park. Total walking distance is a bit more than 2 miles.
Bring: Backpack with hats, sunscreen, towel, stuff for beach stopover, scooters, things on wheels, water, dogs on leash. Snacks and/or lunch can be purchased at Harbor Beach or the Crows Nest Cafe.
RSVP:
What: A fun mix of walking and beaching, with a brief boat interlude. Or just join us at the Harbor beach (in front of the Crow's Nest, by the jetty) at 11:30am.
To get there: Take 17 South, exit Ocean Street. Take Ocean Street to Broadway, turn left at Broadway, continue straight to 1506 Broadway, meet us at Unit C at 10:30am. (we can use the bathroom there).
Walking route: Half a block from the Broadway starting point, we'll take the new Arana Gulch trail down to the Harbor, walk along the Crow's Nest (East) side of the Harbor to the dock where we may board the free water taxi that will convey us to the end of the harbor. We'll hang out at the beach by the jetty and then walk back (about a mile), maybe with a stop at Frederick Street Park. Total walking distance is a bit more than 2 miles.
Bring: Backpack with hats, sunscreen, towel, stuff for beach stopover, scooters, things on wheels, water, dogs on leash. Snacks and/or lunch can be purchased at Harbor Beach or the Crows Nest Cafe.
RSVP:
Sunday, August 9, 10:30am-2pm, Stroll to Fort Point, San Francisco
What: We meet in front of Crissy Field's Beach Hut Cafe, walk along the bay to Fort Point, maybe walk up the GG Bridge if we're not too tired, and head on back. Beach Hut Cafe address is 1199 E Beach, San Francisco, CA 94129. It's a pretty long walk, and it's just fine it you don't want to trek all the way to the Point.
Bring: Backpack with hats, sunscreen, water, dogs on leash, snacks and/or lunch, layers if windy.
What: We meet in front of Crissy Field's Beach Hut Cafe, walk along the bay to Fort Point, maybe walk up the GG Bridge if we're not too tired, and head on back. Beach Hut Cafe address is 1199 E Beach, San Francisco, CA 94129. It's a pretty long walk, and it's just fine it you don't want to trek all the way to the Point.
Bring: Backpack with hats, sunscreen, water, dogs on leash, snacks and/or lunch, layers if windy.
Friday, August 21, 10am-noon, Tennessee Valley, Marin County
What: a gentle 3.4-mile roundtrip hike through beautiful Tennessee Valley that pauses at Tennessee Beach. Will last max of 2 hours. Maybe some coffee or lunch afterwards. No dogs allowed on this trail.
To get there: From highway 101, take the Mill Valley / Stinson Beach / Hwy. 1 exit. Follow Shoreline Hwy. until you see the Tennessee Valley Road sign; the turn off will be on the left. The road dead-ends into the parking lot. If the lots are full (there are a few handicap spots), park on the entry road and walk in.
When: We will start gathering at 9:45am in the main parking lot by the trail gate, but the hike leaves at 10am.
RSVP:
What: a gentle 3.4-mile roundtrip hike through beautiful Tennessee Valley that pauses at Tennessee Beach. Will last max of 2 hours. Maybe some coffee or lunch afterwards. No dogs allowed on this trail.
To get there: From highway 101, take the Mill Valley / Stinson Beach / Hwy. 1 exit. Follow Shoreline Hwy. until you see the Tennessee Valley Road sign; the turn off will be on the left. The road dead-ends into the parking lot. If the lots are full (there are a few handicap spots), park on the entry road and walk in.
When: We will start gathering at 9:45am in the main parking lot by the trail gate, but the hike leaves at 10am.
RSVP:
Sunday, August 23, 10:30am-1pm, Walk n' Beach in Half Moon Bay
What: A combo easy stroll (a little more than 2 miles roundtrip) and beach hangout in Half Moon Bay. We'll meet at the Poplar Beach parking lot, walk north on the Coastal Trail a mile or so to the end of the trail at the closed bridge, hang out at the beach, and trek back. Intrepid folks can continue on the the Miramar Restaurant, for a longer walk and longer outing.
To get there: From Highway 1 at the signal at Poplar, turn west toward the beach. Take Poplar all the way to the end, and the lot is on your left. It's my understanding that if you have a handicap placard you do not need to pay at the machine.
Note there are porta-potties at the Poplar lot and real bathrooms at the state beach just up the path, our walk will pass by them. Bring an easy-to-carry beach bag/backpack with towels, hats, jackets, water, snacks, and feel free to bring dogs, scooters, friends. Outing may be followed by a feast at New Leaf market.
When: The walkers will depart the Poplar parking area promptly at 10:30am, so try to arrive around 10:15am.
RSVP:
What: A combo easy stroll (a little more than 2 miles roundtrip) and beach hangout in Half Moon Bay. We'll meet at the Poplar Beach parking lot, walk north on the Coastal Trail a mile or so to the end of the trail at the closed bridge, hang out at the beach, and trek back. Intrepid folks can continue on the the Miramar Restaurant, for a longer walk and longer outing.
To get there: From Highway 1 at the signal at Poplar, turn west toward the beach. Take Poplar all the way to the end, and the lot is on your left. It's my understanding that if you have a handicap placard you do not need to pay at the machine.
Note there are porta-potties at the Poplar lot and real bathrooms at the state beach just up the path, our walk will pass by them. Bring an easy-to-carry beach bag/backpack with towels, hats, jackets, water, snacks, and feel free to bring dogs, scooters, friends. Outing may be followed by a feast at New Leaf market.
When: The walkers will depart the Poplar parking area promptly at 10:30am, so try to arrive around 10:15am.
RSVP:
Sunday, August 23, 4-6pm, Wunderlich County Park, Woodside
What: a 2-hour (slow-pace) 3.2-ish mile hike with a moderate climb and lots of shade, at Wunderlich Park, 4040 Woodside Rd, Woodside. No dogs allowed in this park.
When: 4pm, we meet at the park's picnic tables by the parking lot.
To get there: Take Woodside Road west from Interstate 280 and continue about two miles from the town of Woodside. Watch for the park entrance on the right between Bear Gulch and La Honda roads. There are only two handicap parking space in the lot, so if full, you may need to park on Portola Road and walk into the park via the driveway.
Hiking route: Alambique trail, to Meadow trail to Salamander Flat. Then descend Madrone trail, to Loop trail, back to parking area. Elevation gain of about 500 feet, so there's some climbing.
See map: http://www.co.sanmateo.ca.us/Attachments/parks/Files/Park%20Maps%20in%20PDF/Wunderlich%20Park%20Map.pdf
Tips: Hiking boots not generally necessary. Porta-potty in parking area. Drinking fountain in parking area, but bring water. Handicap parking spots available. There are some tables so feel free to bring a post-hike lunch. FREE
RSVP:
What: a 2-hour (slow-pace) 3.2-ish mile hike with a moderate climb and lots of shade, at Wunderlich Park, 4040 Woodside Rd, Woodside. No dogs allowed in this park.
When: 4pm, we meet at the park's picnic tables by the parking lot.
To get there: Take Woodside Road west from Interstate 280 and continue about two miles from the town of Woodside. Watch for the park entrance on the right between Bear Gulch and La Honda roads. There are only two handicap parking space in the lot, so if full, you may need to park on Portola Road and walk into the park via the driveway.
Hiking route: Alambique trail, to Meadow trail to Salamander Flat. Then descend Madrone trail, to Loop trail, back to parking area. Elevation gain of about 500 feet, so there's some climbing.
See map: http://www.co.sanmateo.ca.us/Attachments/parks/Files/Park%20Maps%20in%20PDF/Wunderlich%20Park%20Map.pdf
Tips: Hiking boots not generally necessary. Porta-potty in parking area. Drinking fountain in parking area, but bring water. Handicap parking spots available. There are some tables so feel free to bring a post-hike lunch. FREE
RSVP:
Saturday, August 29, 10:30am-1pm, Beach Day in Half Moon Bay
What: A combo easy stroll (a little more than 2 miles roundtrip) and beach hangout in Half Moon Bay. We'll meet at the Poplar Beach parking lot, walk north on the Coastal Trail a mile or so to the end of the trail at the closed bridge, hang out at the beach, and trek back.
To get there: From Highway 1 at the signal at Poplar, turn west toward the beach. Take Poplar all the way to the end, and the lot is on your left. It's my understanding that if you have a handicap placard you do not need to pay at the machine.
Note there are porta-potties at the Poplar lot and real bathrooms at the state beach just up the path, our walk will pass by them. Bring an easy-to-carry beach bag/backpack with towels, hats, jackets, water, snacks, and feel free to bring dogs, scooters, friends. Outing may be followed by a feast at New Leaf market.
When: The walkers will depart the Poplar parking area promptly at 10:30am, so try to arrive around 10:15am.
RSVP:
What: A combo easy stroll (a little more than 2 miles roundtrip) and beach hangout in Half Moon Bay. We'll meet at the Poplar Beach parking lot, walk north on the Coastal Trail a mile or so to the end of the trail at the closed bridge, hang out at the beach, and trek back.
To get there: From Highway 1 at the signal at Poplar, turn west toward the beach. Take Poplar all the way to the end, and the lot is on your left. It's my understanding that if you have a handicap placard you do not need to pay at the machine.
Note there are porta-potties at the Poplar lot and real bathrooms at the state beach just up the path, our walk will pass by them. Bring an easy-to-carry beach bag/backpack with towels, hats, jackets, water, snacks, and feel free to bring dogs, scooters, friends. Outing may be followed by a feast at New Leaf market.
When: The walkers will depart the Poplar parking area promptly at 10:30am, so try to arrive around 10:15am.
RSVP:
Sunday, September 20, 10:30am-2pm, Stroll to Fort Point, San Francisco
What: We meet in front of Crissy Field's Beach Hut Cafe, walk along the bay to Fort Point, maybe walk up the GG Bridge if we're not too tired, and head on back. Beach Hut Cafe address is 1199 E Beach, San Francisco, CA 94129. It's a pretty long walk, and it's just fine it you don't want to trek all the way to the Point.
Bring: Backpack with hats, sunscreen, water, dogs on leash, snacks and/or lunch, layers if windy.
What: We meet in front of Crissy Field's Beach Hut Cafe, walk along the bay to Fort Point, maybe walk up the GG Bridge if we're not too tired, and head on back. Beach Hut Cafe address is 1199 E Beach, San Francisco, CA 94129. It's a pretty long walk, and it's just fine it you don't want to trek all the way to the Point.
Bring: Backpack with hats, sunscreen, water, dogs on leash, snacks and/or lunch, layers if windy.
About the walk: bahiker.com/sfhikes/crissy. It's flat and easy. To get there, from San Francisco, drive west on Marina Boulevard. At the intersection with Lyon Street, where Doyle Drive diverges left to the Golden Gate Bridge, continue straight onto Mason. Look for the East Beach entrance on the right. Handicap parking spots available.
RSVP:
RSVP: