
What we’re about
## Who Are We
We are an active social club where members have a variety of activities, events, and trips to choose from.
The Urban Diversion team consists of staff and hosts dedicated to creating a community where people can come together in a fun, adventurous, and respectful environment of like-minded people. The UD team doesn't just organize and plan events - we participate and have fun right alongside you, so it always feels like a group of friends and friends of friends!
We welcome members of all ages and have members aged 20-50+ though the majority of our members are young professionals.
## Our Mission
"To inspire lifelong connections and community through unforgettable experiences and adventures."
## Why a Membership?
We operate on a membership model to cultivate a close-knit community of friends, ensuring you'll consistently see familiar faces at every event. Prior to forming UD, we attended several meetups but found many to be fairly transient. This led us to meet many people but not form deep friendships. Urban Diversion was formed with the intent to building lasting relationships. Many of our members have been attending events for years.
Membership involves a monthly fee that sustains our vibrant community and facilitates the formation of genuine, enduring friendships.
To become part of our community on MeetUp, please start by becoming a member at http://www.urbandiversion.com.
## Our Events
From waterfall hikes to sushi & sake classes; bungee jumping or a wild NYE party; backpacking Tahoe to wine tasting or even International travel... Urban Diversion has something for everyone.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Moonlit Adventure: Full Moon Hike in the Berkeley HillsSomewhere with a great view, , CA
### Full Moon Hike in the Berkeley Hills
#### Join Urban Diversion for a night hike under one of the first full moons of the year!
#### Hiking under the full moon, with awesome friends, yummy snacks, and the best views of the Bay Area from above!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
What to Expect:
This route has beautiful views both on the way up and down and is a good mix of hills and flat sections. At the top, there are amazing views of San Francisco's city lights/the Golden Gate Bridge on one side and the San Pablo Reservoir on the other.
Together, we'll mingle, share stories, and soak in the peaceful ambiance while nature works its magic. Lace up your sneakers, and join us for an adventure to remember. This event will last around an hour and a half and is marked as a moderate 3 mile hike with an elevation gain of only 610ft.What's included:
- A great spot to watch the full moon light up the sky
- Logistics for a full moon hike with a fun group
- Snacks to enjoy at the top - (feel free to bring some of your own if you wish or hot cocoa if that's your kind of thing!)
- The selection of a perfect hiking trail - this is 2 hour hiking trail and is labeled as moderately difficult.
- Your fun Urban Diversion host as always
What to bring:
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Dress warm... it will be night-time
- Water bottle to hydrate
- This is dog friendly trail so feel free to bring you fury friend!!
- Attire: Casual & comfortable. Definitely wear hiking shoes if you have them or sneakers you don't mind getting dusty! Please wear layers!!! There will be no sympathy if you don't!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
- Yosemite FirefallSomewhere with a great view, , CA
Yosemite's Once-in-a-Lifetime
Firefall Adventure!
Cabin WeekendLet's experience the gorgeous natural phenomenon known as Firefall; when Horsetail Falls are illuminated by the winter sunset, and glow an intense bright neon orange! Yes... the pictures you've seen are real, it really is that bright! With an expert UD guide showing you the ropes, this will be the best Firefall experience ever! After years spent exploring Yosemite, we know the ultimate spot for viewing and will have the best seats in the house!
What is Firefall?
"The natural Firefall is one of Yosemite's most amazing spectacles. Around the second week of February, the setting sun hits Horsetail Fall at just the right angle to illuminate the upper reaches of the waterfall. And when conditions are perfect, Horsetail Fall glows orange and red at sunset. Although Horsetail Fall is visible from multiple viewpoints in Yosemite Valley, several factors must converge to trigger the Firefall." https://yosemitefirefall.com/yosemite-firefall-horsetail-fall/
***What to Expect:***Firefall is a must see natural wonder that happens once a year, and only happens for two weeks in February. When the conditions are right, the setting sun illuminates the famous Horsetail Fall's to a bright, neon orange glow! To view this gorgeous spectacle, it is important to know exactly where to view the falls for the best visibility, luckily our UD host is a Yosemite lover, and knows just where to go! We will have 4 days to explore the park, focusing our afternoons on viewing Firefall at sunset. We will have plenty of opportunities for sweet day-hikes around the valley, snowshoeing, and checking out all the best vistas!To top it all off, we booked a gorgeous vacation rental located inside the park, complete with a fully stocked kitchen for big group dinners, a game room with a pool table, and a fireplace with lots of space for mingling. This winter adventure is going to be incredible!CLICK HERE FOR ITINERARY AND TO REGISTER
Snowshoeing
If you are interested in our guided Snowshoeing activity, it is a great winter sport for those that love to hike, and is very easy to learn! It is best to bring/rent snowshoes from a shop in the Bay Area, as it is much easier to do this before you arrive. Urban Diversion also has one extra pair of snowshoes available to borrow. Ask host for details if interested.Accommodations
We have reserved a beautiful vacation rental cabin located within Yosemite NP, complete with a large kitchen perfect for big group meals, a pool table, fireplace and space for a large group of people. We will be sharing rooms with other members (unless you request a private room at an extra cost. Please OK this with the host ASAP).While we have an active itinerary for the weekend, there will still be plenty of time to relax, hang out with other Urban Diversion members, mingle around the fireplace and play pool!Whats Included
- 3 nights at a Airbnb Cabin located in Yosemite NP.
- Special entrance permit for Yosemite during Firefall.
- This is usually very hard to get, you can no longer just show up
- Meals: 2 dinners Friday & Saturday, 3 breakfasts, lunch on Saturday and Sunday
- Some drinks, snacks and water
- Awesome Urban Diversion group to explore the park with!
- A Yosemite loving host! Expect a Yosemite insider's guide of Firefall and the park in general
Not Included
- Please note, National Park entrance fee is not included. Its $35/Vehicle. Also covered by the National Parks Pass. We recommend carpool when possible.
- Lunch for Friday and Monday are not included.
- Dinner out on Sunday is not included
- Carpool recommended so you can save gas / park entrance fee!
- BYOB if that's your vibe :)
What to Bring
- Layers and warm winter clothing, with synthetic outdoor wear for both dry and wet/snowy weather. ** NO COTTON**
- Comfortable home clothes & shoes for at the house.
- Sturdy, comfortable hiking boots. **If you are coming with new boots, please be sure to have broken them in on previous excursions prior to coming to Yosemite.**
- Camera and tripod are a great idea. A small three legged tripod is also a great idea if using your iPhone to capture photos of Firefall.
- Water bottle and day back to carry all your goodies!
Weekend Highlights
- THE AMAZING DRIVE IN AND AROUND Yosemite! Just before we reach the Wawona tunnel, stop in the parking lot for classic picture-taking and a panoramic view of the Yosemite Valley. We will continue and see all its icons: El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall and Half Dome in one vista. If you have time at the end of the day, this is also a good place to return to at sunset.
- EXPERIENCE FIREFALL, UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL!!! Join our experienced Urban Diversion host for this extra special Firefall weekend, with the best seat in the house! This trip is going to be EPIC!
- MINI WINTER HIKES AND WINTER ACTIVITIES! We will be taking a couple 1-3 mile hikes, of course this depends on the weather. If Glacier Point Road is open with its panoramic vista point that overlooks the entire Yosemite Valley and majestic Mirror lake. If you are interested in Snowshoeing, we will have an activity for you! (Bring/rent snowshoes from shops in the Bay Area is cheap and easy, do this before you arrive. Ask host for details if interested!). We can also hit the ice rink for ice skating, rent out bikes in the village, and explore the winter wonderland!
- MEET SOME NEW FRIENDS FOR THE NEW YEAR: It is all about the club members and having a great time doing something EPIC with a great group of people!! Come join us for this incredible weekend!!
CLICK HERE FOR ITINERARY AND TO REGISTER
Come see why John Muir said;
"No temple made by hands can compare with Yosemite." - SF Valentine's Day PILLOW FIGHT!!Where all the out of stock pillows are, , CA
### Annual Valentine's Day
#### **Pillow Fight!!Roses are red, Violets are blueValentine's Day really bitesSo come join us at the pillow fight ;)
#### **CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Yes... we seriously get to have one of the worlds largest pillow fights.. right here in SF!! *How cool is that?!*Come join UD for the annual Valentine's Day pillow fight where you can take your anger out on love, and laugh all night long with the UD crew! This is a crazy fun event that is a MUST!
What to expect:
We will meet at the location mentioned for happy hour and then march into the battle as a group and begin to fight! Don't worry about getting hurt, or mean fighters...it's V-Day and we are all about the love...so bring a soft pillow, a soft heart, and lets get down to feather-flyin' business!!!Since this is a largely popular event and cell phone service will be spotty because hundreds of people are trying to reach one another, we will be meeting at a restaurant, near the pillow fight madness! Keep a look out for th Urban Diversion sign at our table!
What to Bring:
- a synthetic pillow!
- a mask or bandana to cover your mouth (as feathers WILL fly!)
- a garbage bag to assist in post-fight clean-up (by cleaning up after ourselves, we can help keep this event going every year!)
- comfy clothes and shoes to fight in!
- $$$ for food and happy hour!
Color Theme:
To make it more fun, we're going to color coordinate our outfits.
Post in the discussion board below what color you think we should all wear!The "Rules":
- Tell everyone about the Pillow Fight.
- Wait until the whistle/air horn signal to begin.
- Soft pillows only
- NEVER swing at people w/out pillows OR with cameras.
- Remove glasses beforehand
- Don't hit people with a pillow unless they want it.
- Swing lightly, many people will be swinging at once.
- This is not a little kids event.
- If you don't like it? just walk across the street
- TELL EVERYONE ABOUT THE PILLOW FIGHT
- HELP EVERYONE CLEANING UP AFTERWARD!
#### CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Can't wait to see you all there! <3
- Kayak with the OTTERS for Valentine's Day <3Where the otters are, , CA
### Kayaking with Sea Otters
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
One of our most popular events... and this one is going to be amazing!!We are in for a treat with this kayaking trip! We are headed to a California otter sancuary in a coastal town called Moss Landing. We will have the cutest otters to swoon over while kayaking, not to mention seals, the occasional pod of dolphins, and a plethora of sea birds! After paddling for a few hours, we'll head over for lunch at yummy beach-side eatery with an amazing view of the ocean. We wish that we could put into words how amazing this trip is and how adorable the otters are... but we can't. It's impossible to know how awesome this experience is until you experience it first hand. This is a MILD/EASY paddle and NO EXPERIENCE IS NEEDED.
What to expect:
We'll start our otter-tastic adventure with a quick orientation and water safety talk, as well as a brief history of the surrounding ecosystems. This includes why these cute little creatures are protected, why we need to stay 50 yards away, and why visiting the area helps fund the marine mammal protection area.
A professional will explain and demonstrate basic paddling techniques and security measures - there is no need to be nervous. No previous kayaking experience is necessary. After that, we'll set off to paddle into the placid waters of this slough. Our group will paddle in tandem kayaks, so nobody has to paddle alone - plus we should be going with the current, so paddling will be a bit easier one way.
After our day on the water, we'll go for a post-kayak, seafood lunch at one of the best places in Moss Landing where we can enjoy the freshest oysters, crab, and fish around! We'll be enjoying our lunch beach side, and may even see some whales breaching in the distance!About Moss Landing Wildlife Area:
Because there are no roads or power boats allowed, this nature ocean slough teems with tons of wildlife. Moss Landing Wildlife Area is 728 acres of wildlife preserve that holds California's largest unaltered salt marsh. January and February are the best months to see female otters floating in the remains of the kelp beds with babies on their stomachs, so this is bound to be an extra special trip! Not to mention, the baby otters from last season are becoming adolescent otters this season. You can also expect to see migrating birds, harbor seals, and sea lions.*note: we do not approach otters as this disturbs them... this guy had other ideas though
DO NOT APPROACH OR DISTURB RESTING OR FEEDING MARINE MAMMALS AND NESTING SEABIRDS
so closely that they must leave the area or change their behavior (such as waking up, alarmed or stressed behavior, diving or swimming away). Continual disruption can lead to stress which can cause illness/starvation/separation.
Event Includes:- Kayak and gear (including wet skirts)
- Experienced host
- Orientation session
- Pre-paddle snacks
- Great time with UD family during the paddling and at the restaurant after
*Please note that lunch is NOT included. So please bring $$ :)
Attire: Wear warm layers and clothing that you don't mind getting a little wet. NO COTTON (when cotton gets wet, it stays wet and cold much longer). Also remember to bring a change of clothes (including shoes) for lunch.
Add yourself to the watch list or register for PRO TIPS & EXTRA GEAR WE RECOMMEND!CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
See you on the water--otters!