Last month, Project MORE highlighted Pattie Gonia, an environmental advocate and drag queen, as the Shout Out exclusive Club MORE monthly Feature for January. Now that California is back in the purple tier for COVID-19 restrictions, Project MORE is taking the opportunity to follow her work and promote diversity in the great outdoors.
With the loosened COVID-19 restrictions, it means that residents have the opportunity to stretch their quarantining legs beyond the confines of their home. While many indoor spaces are still restricted to limited capacities, open air spaces are seemingly limitless. They’re perfect destinations for those who are craving more movement and a safe space to see friends and family. The Bay Area may not be Yosemite, but it still offers plenty of opportunities for hiking for a wide range of fitness levels.
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If you are interested in exploring, here are some general tips for getting out on the trails.
- Pick a trail that is right for your fitness level.
- Make sure you look at a map before you go. The app Maps.me is available in the App Store and on Google Play, and allows users to download the local area map to use offline. It will ensure that even without signal, you can still find your path.
- Check the parking situation before arriving. Sometimes parking is limited or it’s pay to park.
- Be careful of overcrowding and social distancing. When possible, pick a time when there aren’t a lot of people on the trail.
- Dress in layers. It’s always easy to shed or add a few depending on the weather.
- Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and if you’re hiking for a long time, bring backup socks and bandaids in case of blisters.
- Bring plenty of water. You should always have approximately 1/2 liter of water (or 16.9 oz) for every mile hiked at a moderate pace in moderate weather.
- Remember to pack snacks. Granola bars and trail mix are great for carbohydrates and protein along the trail.
- Make sure you check the weather before setting out. It’s important to note that the weather is always in charge and hiking in poor conditions is never a good idea. Use proper judgement on when it’s time to turn around.
- Respect those on the trail around you. Don’t assume others’ skill-level or know-how based on size, race, gender identity, or ability.
- Practice Leave No Trace ethics. Everything you bring in should always be brought out. Stay on curated trails to prevent any disruption of the natural space.
To find the perfect hiking trails, you can use apps like Outdoor Active and All Trails. They give information such as level of difficulty, length, and provide helpful reviews from other hikers. Here’s a couple local routes from All Trails to help you get you started.
Easy
- Ecology Trail and Lover’s Lane Loop (San Francisco County)*
- Pelican Nature Trail (San Joaquin County)*
- San Bruno Mountain (San Mateo County)
- The Quarry Trail, Auburn State Recreation Area (Placer County)*
Medium
- Graham Hill and Powder Mill Trail Loop (Santa Cruz County)
- Martin Canyon Creek Trail (Alameda County)*
- Stevens Canyon Trail (Santa Clara County)
Hard
- Whittemore Gulch and Harkins Ridge Loop Trail (San Mateo County)
- Corduroy Hills (Contra Costa )*
*Dog friendly with a leash
And, if you live in or near Santa Clara County, take part in the 2021 #PixinParks Challenge. Hike 7 beautiful trails (all rated moderate and take & post a photo to social media of each of them to win a commemorative t-shirt. Learn more here.
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