Weekly Walker: Here's Where to Hit the Trail in 2014

[Editor's Note: Watch for this column each week Patch by local hiking enthusiast Tom Davids. Below are two hikes scheduled for 2014.]

By Tom Davids

Greetings Hikers:

The new year is almost here and the compelling question is "Where will we be hiking in 2014?"  So here you have it. Some are old favorites and others are brand new to this hiking group but all of them satisfy the urge to enjoy the great out of doors.

Below is the list of hikes for the year. At this point the dates and locations look good but there may be some changes along the way. Watch for my monthly email around the first of each month when you will receive detailed information.

PATHFINDER HIKES are scheduled on Wednesdays.  We leave from the Adult Community Center (car pool) at 9am and usually return by 1pm. These hikes are 4 to 5 miles long and are rated easy to moderate...although a few are strenuous. My monthly email will give you full details.  There is no fee for Pathfinder hikes.

Jan. 8           Wunderlich County Park - Moderate

Feb.5           Coal Mine Ridge - Moderate

Mar. 5          Windy Hill OSP - Easy/Moderate

Apr. 9           Russian Ridge OSP - Moderate

May 7           Edgewood County Park - Moderate

June 11        Palo Alto Baylands - Easy

July 8           Wunderlich County Park - Moderate

Aug. 13        Purisma OSP - Strenuous  

Sept. 10       Monte Bello OSP - Moderate

Oct. 9          San Bruno Mtn.County Park - Moderate

Nov. 12       Skyline Ridge OSP - Moderate

Dec. 10       SF Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Easy

CHALLENGE HIKES are scheduled on Saturdays.  These hikes leave from the SamTrans garage (car pool) at 8am and return mid to late afternoon.  Challenge hikes are usually 8 to 10 miles..some shorter...some longer..and are rated moderate to strenuous.  Most hike locations are within an hour of San Carlos. My beginning of the month email will give you details for each hike. There is a $5 fee for Challenge hikes which goes to the San Carlos Park and Rec. Department...our sponsor.

Jan. 11        Huddart County Park - Moderate

Feb. 8          Butano State Park - Strenuous

Mar. 8          Pescadero County Park - Strenuous

Apr. 12         San Francisco to Sausalito - Easy but long

May 10         Edgewood County Park - Moderate

June 14        San Bruno Mtn. - Strenuous

July  12        Angel Island State Park - Moderate

Aug. 30        Kings Mtn. Art Fair - Strenuous

Sept. 13       Wilder Ranch State Park - Moderate

Oct. 11         Big Basin State Park - Strenuous

Nov. 15        Marin Headlands - Strenuous

Dec. 13        Portola Redwoods State Park - Strenuous 

Please share this schedule with your friends.  Watch for my email around the first of each month which will describe the hikes (and trail conditions) for the month. Remember that this schedule is subject to change.  Let me know if you have any questions or hike requests.

For more information, email Tom at tomdavids@comcast.net

See you on the trail,

Tom Davids