About this event

Join other members of our queer community in a Queer Hike the Santa Cruz Mountains at Monte Bello Open Space Preserve!

Whether it is your first time backpacking or you are a seasoned expert, we will have a wonderful expedition in store! Explore the redwood forests and riparian corridors of our local redwood forests. Backpacking and camping equipment can be provided if indicated on the registration page.

Waivers/Registration: All participants must be registered individually and have approved the online waiver through this page.

Meeting Location: Monte Bello Open Space Preserve, Main Parking Lot

Carpooling: Carpooling is a great way to make friends and do better for the environment. Participants are encouraged to carpool and will be provided a carpool sign up list for those interested.

Accessibility:

There is little to no cell service in the preserve or the roads leading to it. Please visit the preserve website for detailed information on what amenities are available within the campground.

Participating will require hiking approximately 3 miles with 500 feet of elevation gain on dirt trails that may be uneven. The trail is on an exposed slope, so we suggest sun protection. Visit this link to see more detail on our exact route. It will also require being without power or cell reception for the duration of the program.

What to Bring:

We understand that not all participants may not have everything listed below and that is not a problem whatsoever! Our community has extra supplies, access to gear libraries, and are willing to share with one another. Please include what you may need to borrow in your registration.

Water bottle, filled with water.
Clothes and shoes that you feel comfortable hiking in
Hat/sunscreen or rain gear/boots
Plan for potential exposure to sun, poison oak, ticks, prickly plantsf

Cancellations:

In the event that we must cancel an adventure due to extreme weather conditions or poor air quality, the team will reach out via email no later than 5:00 PM, 2 days prior to this event.

Branching Out Adventures encourages people from all identities and backgrounds to participate in our programs. Many of our programs are outdoors and involve moving in a variety of landscapes. If you have accessibility concerns (e.g. allergies, limited mobility, learning differences), our projects are flexible and we are happy to work with you. Please contact us at admin@branchingoutadv.org