Backpacking San Francisco

Wildflower Field Trips on Ring Mountain, Tiburon

**Leader: Alison Pence or Karen Madsen** Join Ring Mountain Docents Alison Pence and Karen Madsen for short wildflower forays 10 am to 12:30. See schedule below. Each few weeks different wildflowers become showy. There are two possible meeting locations off Paradise Road in Tiburon. **Please check which trailhead to meet at for the date you plan to go.** See map below. · **Taylor Road Trailhead** **off** Paradise Dr. From Taylor Road Trailhead, the group will walk out and back about 2 miles. · **Phyllis Ellman Trailhead** **on** Paradise Dr. The Phyllis Ellman/Loop trail hike is about 2.5 miles, with about 600 feet of elevation gain and drop. | | **Date** | **Time** | **Name/location** | **Leader** | | --- | ---- | ---- | ------------- | ------ | | Sun. | 4/5/26 | 10-12:30 | Taylor Rd Trailhead | Alison Pence | | Thurs. | 4/23/26 | 10-12:30 | Paradise Dr. - Phyllis Ellman Trailhead | Karen Madsen | | Sun. | 5/24/26 | 10-12:30 | Taylor Rd Trailhead | Alison Pence | | Tues. | 5/26/26 | 10-12:30 | Paradise Dr. - Phyllis Ellman Trailhead | Karen Madsen | | Sun. | 6/7/26 | 10-12:30 | Taylor Rd Trailhead | Alison Pence | **Bring:** Water, lunch/snack, rain gear, and hiking poles if desired. **If you have not done so already, please sign the** [CNPS Marin 2026 Waiver](https://app.waiversign.com/e/605434825bd9a600198d4bcc/doc/605436925bd9a600198d4c79,6791226ab8771f0012d5789c?eventName=CNPS%20Marin%202026%20Waiver) **Note**: Destructive invasive plant pathogens and weed seeds can be transported to sensitive plant habitats when contaminated soil or plant material is shed from footwear, equipment (such as hiking poles), and other personal items. See these 2 brochures for how you can minimize your impact. [Pocket Guide - Every Step Counts](https://cc.cnps.org/phytophthora/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/PROTECT-OUR-NATURAL-AREAS-011525.pdf) and [Cleanliness Tips for Hikers](https://cc.cnps.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/CC-06/Trail-user-start-clean-stay-clean-ver5-16-23.pdf)

JOURNEY: Walk the Camino de Santiago (Portuguese Way) 2026

***\*\*This trip is SOLD OUT. Please see the Sept. 2026 tour option.*** Walk the ancient Camino de Santiago in Spain/Portugal (Portuguese Way trail). Let us help you step into your pilgrim boots and take on the Camino in Spain! **Camino "Need to Know":** For a thousand years, pilgrims have traversed The Camino de Santiago. Follow in their footsteps as you **spend nine days walking** along the ancient trails that cut across the landscape of Portugal and Northern Spain. * See all the details here: [Portuguese Camino 2026](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/journeys-1/camino-santiago-portuguese-2026) **Your Journey on the Camino in Portugal/Spain:** This is not a race. This is a slower-paced Camino experience where we average about 17 kilometers (10.5 miles) per day and cover a total of 113 kilometers (70 miles). Completing this tour will make you eligible to receive the **Compostela**, the official certificate of completion issued by the Cathedral in Santiago. Join expert Camino guides who will be with you every step of the way to share facts about the history of this sacred trail and tips on how to make the most of the trip. **What is it like to hike the Camino with Bold Spirit Travel?:** * This trip starts in Porto, Portugal. * A local, bilingual guide will be on the trip to help you along on your journey. * Additionally, a support van will assist with your luggage, freeing you up to travel light during the day. You will carry a day pack. * All hotels, breakfasts, and delicious dinners with wine are included in the tour price. * We do not stay in hostels. We stay in inns and hotels with en suite bathrooms and hot showers! * You can choose to share a room with a new friend or upgrade to your own private room. * This is a small group adventure. This means no more than 15 people. * There will be a private Zoom call before this trip so that you can meet the other guests on the journey. **How to get in touch and learn more about the Camino:** * Want to learn more and dive deeper? We are glad that you are curious. * Contact us to set up a phone call about planning your time on the trail. * Or, attend a live Camino Info Session ([ask us](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/contact) for dates on those). **More:** * Are you ready to embark on **your** Camino? Leave the details to us and get ready to be impressed by this magical experience. * **See all the details here: [Portuguese Camino 2026](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/journeys-1/camino-santiago-portuguese-2026)** * [This is a paid event. ](https://www.wetravel.com/trips/portuguese-way-camino-2026-bold-spirit-travel-llc-52968211)

Wildflower Field Trips on Ring Mountain, Tiburon

**Leader: Alison Pence or Karen Madsen** Join Ring Mountain Docents Alison Pence and Karen Madsen for short wildflower forays 10 am to 12:30. See schedule below. Each few weeks different wildflowers become showy. There are two possible meeting locations off Paradise Road in Tiburon. **Please check which trailhead to meet at for the date you plan to go.** See map below. · **Taylor Road Trailhead** **off** Paradise Dr. From Taylor Road Trailhead, the group will walk out and back about 2 miles. · **Phyllis Ellman Trailhead** **on** Paradise Dr. The Phyllis Ellman/Loop trail hike is about 2.5 miles, with about 600 feet of elevation gain and drop. | | **Date** | **Time** | **Name/location** | **Leader** | | --- | ---- | ---- | ------------- | ------ | | Sun. | 4/5/26 | 10-12:30 | Taylor Rd Trailhead | Alison Pence | | Thurs. | 4/23/26 | 10-12:30 | Paradise Dr. - Phyllis Ellman Trailhead | Karen Madsen | | Sun. | 5/24/26 | 10-12:30 | Taylor Rd Trailhead | Alison Pence | | Tues. | 5/26/26 | 10-12:30 | Paradise Dr. - Phyllis Ellman Trailhead | Karen Madsen | | Sun. | 6/7/26 | 10-12:30 | Taylor Rd Trailhead | Alison Pence | **Bring:** Water, lunch/snack, rain gear, and hiking poles if desired. **If you have not done so already, please sign the** [CNPS Marin 2026 Waiver](https://app.waiversign.com/e/605434825bd9a600198d4bcc/doc/605436925bd9a600198d4c79,6791226ab8771f0012d5789c?eventName=CNPS%20Marin%202026%20Waiver) **Note**: Destructive invasive plant pathogens and weed seeds can be transported to sensitive plant habitats when contaminated soil or plant material is shed from footwear, equipment (such as hiking poles), and other personal items. See these 2 brochures for how you can minimize your impact. [Pocket Guide - Every Step Counts](https://cc.cnps.org/phytophthora/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/PROTECT-OUR-NATURAL-AREAS-011525.pdf) and [Cleanliness Tips for Hikers](https://cc.cnps.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/CC-06/Trail-user-start-clean-stay-clean-ver5-16-23.pdf)

Glacier Point, Clark Range and Red Peak Pass Trail Backpacking

Lassen Volcanic National Park Backpacking

Bull Run--Heiser Lake Loop Trip

Great Migration Photo Safari & Zanzibar Extension-a Journey of a Lifetime .

We all have seen Lion King in one form or another . . . It's now time to go to the source. Our meetup is off to Africa for The Great Migration Photo Safari! We did this amazing trip in the summer of 2024 and everybody had a blast! (see photos in the link below) Encounter the exotic wildlife of the Serengeti! Marvel at the lions, zebras, elephants and so many majestic animals we have only seen in the zoo or in movies. On Serengeti's vast, treeless plains tens of thousands of hoofed animals are constantly on the move in search of fresh grassland. This is a once-in-a-life-time opportunity to experience the best game viewing in Africa! **Like every trip we do with Meetup, this one is personally crafted to offer the best places and best use of time.** ***The itinerary is:*** **July 5** Arrival Kilimanjaro Intl Airport and transfer to Arusha **July 6** Arusha to Tarangire National Park **July 7** Ngorongoro Crater full day game drive **July 8** Ngorongoro to Serengeti National Park (Central Seronera area) **July 9** Serengeti (Central) **July 10** Northern Serengeti (Kogatende) **July 11** Northern Serengeti (Kogatende) **July 12** Northern Serengeti (Kogatende) to Lake Natron **July 13** Lake Natron to Arusha **July 14** Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport All of these locations don't mean much to you at the moment, but after the trip you will remember them forever as some of the best places you have ever visited! *How much does this cost?* **African Migration Safari $4998 per person, double occupancy.** **Single supplement $750. I.e. price for a solo accommodation $5748** We offer roommate matching for those, wishing to share and save. \*\*\*Airfare is not included.\*\*\* *RSVP to this event shows your interest, but does not hold your space.* ***The only way to secure your spot for this trip is a $350 deposit:*** **[CLICK HERE FOR SECURE DEPOSIT LINK](https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/WWNZ7X2FKQNDA)** *IF you need an airfare quote,* **[Click here to message Anna](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062)**[ ](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062) **Land Cost includes:** \- 9 nights accommodation \- 3 meals every day \- All park fees to Tarangire\, Manyara\, Serengeti and Ngorongoro\. \- All concession fees to Tarangire and Serengeti\. \- Crater service fees\. \- Professional driver guide \- Open roof land cruiser vehicles \- Drinking water during the safari **We offer an Optional Extension 5-day to Zanzibar:** **Price per person, Double occupancy $870.** **Solo room - $1285** **\*\*Airfare from Arusha (Kilimanjaro Airport) to Zanzibar is not included\*\*** **To sign up for Zanzibar, pay the [$200 deposit through this secure link](https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/32XB7TRQ46TNW)** For more information about this or any of our other international events, fill out this form: **[INTERNATIONAL MEETUPS INFO REQUEST](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8)** Have more questions? [Click here to message Anna ](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062) [Click here to message Marc](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=273063881) AND/OR We do a monthly Q & A Zoom: Meet others attending, be social, or come and get any questions answered. [Click Here to RSVP to our Zoom](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/297487010/) Come to the zoom and ask any questions. Great way to get the info you want without all the other fluff. As well as meet other attendees. To see pictures from our Photo Safari adventure in 2024 [CLICK HERE](https://photos.app.goo.gl/kjwDb2nQn8oKTv557) We believe in good decent social. We have a set of sister group we post our local free, local/reginal camping, and our overseas events too. [Click Here ](https://www.meetup.com/CulturalArts/Events)for our other events: Live the adventure instead of only dreaming it! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SOT 200318-10

Wildflower Field Trips on Ring Mountain, Tiburon

**Leader: Alison Pence or Karen Madsen** Join Ring Mountain Docents Alison Pence and Karen Madsen for short wildflower forays 10 am to 12:30. See schedule below. Each few weeks different wildflowers become showy. There are two possible meeting locations off Paradise Road in Tiburon. **Please check which trailhead to meet at for the date you plan to go.** See map below. · **Taylor Road Trailhead** **off** Paradise Dr. From Taylor Road Trailhead, the group will walk out and back about 2 miles. · **Phyllis Ellman Trailhead** **on** Paradise Dr. The Phyllis Ellman/Loop trail hike is about 2.5 miles, with about 600 feet of elevation gain and drop. | | **Date** | **Time** | **Name/location** | **Leader** | | --- | ---- | ---- | ------------- | ------ | | Sun. | 4/5/26 | 10-12:30 | Taylor Rd Trailhead | Alison Pence | | Thurs. | 4/23/26 | 10-12:30 | Paradise Dr. - Phyllis Ellman Trailhead | Karen Madsen | | Sun. | 5/24/26 | 10-12:30 | Taylor Rd Trailhead | Alison Pence | | Tues. | 5/26/26 | 10-12:30 | Paradise Dr. - Phyllis Ellman Trailhead | Karen Madsen | | Sun. | 6/7/26 | 10-12:30 | Taylor Rd Trailhead | Alison Pence | **Bring:** Water, lunch/snack, rain gear, and hiking poles if desired. **If you have not done so already, please sign the** [CNPS Marin 2026 Waiver](https://app.waiversign.com/e/605434825bd9a600198d4bcc/doc/605436925bd9a600198d4c79,6791226ab8771f0012d5789c?eventName=CNPS%20Marin%202026%20Waiver) **Note**: Destructive invasive plant pathogens and weed seeds can be transported to sensitive plant habitats when contaminated soil or plant material is shed from footwear, equipment (such as hiking poles), and other personal items. See these 2 brochures for how you can minimize your impact. [Pocket Guide - Every Step Counts](https://cc.cnps.org/phytophthora/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/PROTECT-OUR-NATURAL-AREAS-011525.pdf) and [Cleanliness Tips for Hikers](https://cc.cnps.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/CC-06/Trail-user-start-clean-stay-clean-ver5-16-23.pdf)

Lost Coast Backpacking

Backpack Gorgeous Yosemite

When your RSVP, text me at 530-450-5768 to set up a time to talk about your fitness level, details of the trip, etc. We will camp at May Lake on July 12th and hike Mt Hoffman on https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/mount-hoffman-trail at May lake on July 13th and camp at May Lake on July 13th On July 14th we will backpack to Sunrise Lakes from Tenya Lake, https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/sunrise-lakes--3 and camp On July 15th we will hike to Clouds Rest,https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/tenaya-lake-to-clouds-rest-to-yosemite-valley and camp at Sunrise lakes again. Only July 16th we will backpack to Cathedral Lakes, and camp there July 16 and 17. On July 18th we will backpack out. Deposit of $100 required via PayPal to reserve your spot. $75 will be refunded after the trip I Kathi Simonsen reserve the sole right to modify the trip itinerary as I deem necessary at any time. * PARTICIPATION IN THIS MEETUP AFFIRMS THAT YOU HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD, AND AGREED TO THE FULL LEGAL DISCLAIMER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY on [Meetup’s Backpackers of the American West's website](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/5vagycqs7imueqnm4foud/Backpackers-of-the-American-West-Rules-and-Regulations-3-9-25.pdf?rlkey=q84l4kchrawlfa0yyugvkhvjo&st=zm3zzw76&dl=0).

Yosemite North Rim Backpacking

Alameda County's highest point (20mi RT, 5500' gain)

This is a tough but moderate paced hike to the highest point(s) in Alameda County. Because there are three contenders for that title including Rose Peak, the stats will be about 20mi RT with 5500' of gain. I hike at a steady, reasonable pace: this isn't going to be a trail run. However, you have to have done something with similar stats recently. We'll all stick together. I'll have the map on two phones + a power brick + a SpotX. You'll need to have with you: \- a water filter \(sometimes mine gets clogged\) \- rain gear and a puffer \(even if it's 80F\) \- two headlamps \(I use USB & they're cheap and light\) \- lots of food \(a 6oz pouch of peanut butter has 1000 calories\) \- enough water to get to the first source \(I'll verify with the park\) \- a backup map and/or GPS Heavy rain or temps in the 90s cancels, but anything else is OK. I'm from L.A. but I'll be in the area for the Qatar vs Switzerland World Cup match in Santa Clara at noon on June 13. So, there's also the possibility of doing this as a backpack starting late Saturday afternoon. If you'd prefer that I'd need you to suggest an itinerary since I'm not familiar with the camps in those parks. Note that at least one of the possible highpoints is on private property. If you aren't keen on trespassing you can wait for me while I bag it. If you aren't chatty that's OK. I mainly want a group along in case I need to be bailed out if I get arrested for trespassing. Note that there's a waitlist. To go along you'll need to sign up \*and\* leave a comment or send me a DM. Otherwise I'll assume you're a bot. In the comment or DM, let me know a recent hike you did with similar stats to this. Bear in mind that I'm still researching this; we might only have to do "Challenger Peak" since it appears to be higher than "Discovery Peak".