About us
Not So Casual Hikes is a high-performance hiking community built around fitness, challenge, and real camaraderie. We train hard, move with intention, and hold each other to a standard — because the people next to you on the trail are part of what makes the effort worth it.
What started as "Casual Hikes" evolved after conquering the Big Fat Incline — the turning point where our group leaned into the grind and never looked back. Since then, "Not So Casual" has meant showing up with purpose, challenging limits, and building real grit together.
Two Ways to Train With Us
Sunday Hikes are our weekly staple — open to intermediate and advanced hikers ready for a workout-level effort. Expect 9–13 miles, 1,500–2,600+ ft of gain, and a fast-moving group that balances high energy with genuine encouragement. Sub-groups form organically — but the group moves at a steady, moderate-to-fast pace and may not wait if you fall behind. Know your limits and come prepared to hike at this level.
Saturday Altitude Series is a curated, small-group training track for hikers building toward high-altitude and expedition objectives — think Mount Whitney, international treks, and multi-day alpine routes. Sunday hikes are the natural entry point — selection is based on firsthand pace compatibility and demonstrated endurance. Hikers new to the group with comparable experience are welcome to reach out directly.
Who Belongs Here
- Intermediate and advanced hikers ready for workout-level pace
- Strength trainers, runners, and endurance athletes who see hiking as cross-training
- Anyone training toward a serious altitude or expedition objective
- People who value standards, consistency, and a group that shows up
-------------
Move with purpose. Connect with people. Leave stronger than you came.
We also publish a newsletter — training insights and life lessons from the trail, twice a month. Check it out and subscribe if it resonates: https://notsocasualhikes.beehiiv.com
Upcoming events
2
Dreaded Hill + Billy Goat (~7 Miles)
27412 Portola Pkwy, Lake Forest, CA, USJoin us for a challenging morning on the trails. This moderate-paced loop features the notorious climb up Dreaded Hill, followed by a rugged, uneven stretch through Billy Goat trail, both known for their difficulty and trail variety. Though the route isn’t long in distance, the sustained effort and terrain make it a highly effective workout for building stamina, leg strength, and trail fitness. The mix of elevation, uneven footing, and steady pacing provides a challenge that leaves you feeling stronger, mentally and physically.
Please Note: Not So Casual means our hikes double as a workout — brisk pace, solid climbs, and an endurance challenge paired with a friendly, supportive group vibe. Come prepared with gear, water, and your best effort, and you’ll fit right in. The group moves at a steady, moderate-to-fast pace and may not wait if you fall behind, so please know your limits and be ready to hike at this level, or plan to finish on your own, ideally by pairing up with someone at a similar pace.
Details:
Meeting Place: Parking lot adjacent to Wahoo’s.
Difficulty: Moderate (based on distance, elevation, and pace)
Distance / Elevation / Duration: ~7 miles, ~1,600 ft elevation gain, estimated time 2.5–3 hours at a moderate pace.Essentials:
• Traction hiking shoes
• Water (at least 1.5L; electrolytes recommended)
• Light snacks
• Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
• Hiking poles (recommended if you normally use them)Route:
We’ll start with ~1.5 miles of flat warm-up before climbing Dreaded Hill. From the ridge, we reach Four Corners, then ascend Billy Goat. We’ll return to Four Corners and head out via Cactus Hill → Sage → Serrano Cow back to the parking lot.From the Trail:
We share lessons from these hikes in a short newsletter on training, discipline, and consistency.Latest issue: Your Environment Is Your Training Plan
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.
Disclaimer & Safety Notice: Not So Casual Hikes are challenging outings designed for hikers in strong shape who know their limits and show up prepared. Organizers are volunteers—not guides—and cannot be responsible for your pace, navigation, or safety. We hike at a steady pace and the group may spread out. Please be prepared to navigate independently if you fall behind, though we’ll aim to check in at major junctions when possible. By signing up, you accept full responsibility for your fitness, gear, hydration, and navigation, 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. Hiking carries inherent risks, including trip/fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak, ticks, snakes, coyotes, or mountain lions. Be prepared for sun exposure, heat, or marine layer conditions depending on the day.
4 attendees
Past events
765
