Hikers Find Support Through San Diego Hiking Society

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For some outdoor enthusiasts, hiking is about finding your own path. But for others, it’s about community. The San Diego Hiking Society is a Facebook group dedicated to providing just that—a sense of belonging among hikers across the region.

The 30,000-plus group was founded in July 2015, and is a great resource for newbie hikers wishing to learn the basics and more experienced folks looking for trails to conquer. You’ll also find fresh intel about safety information and the best gear and equipment needed to set out on the trails.

With such a wide following and significant online presence, there are a few rules potential San Diego Hiking Society members need to follow.  Members can only post legal hikes, and must not encourage trespassing. Hikers in the group may only share photos of on-leash dogs in locations where pups are allowed on the trail. Members must follow Leave No Trace guidelines when on the trails. And most of all, members must respect each other.

Nick Gee, an administrator of the popular Facebook group, recently told San Diego Community News that it is important to be smart with heading to the trails. 

“Hiking is a great opportunity to get out and explore the outdoors, but it is also important to be prepared and educated about the trail that you are hiking in order to have a safe and great experience,” Gee said.

Hikers Come Together in Times of Need

Though this online group is home to many great tales from the trails, one recent story stands out. The group came together in an attempt to rescue a missing 21-year-old hiker and climber who disappeared in Mission Trails in Santee.

The San Diego Diego Hiking Society headed to the hills of the 7,200 acre Mission Trails Regional Park in search of the missing young man. A search team was assembled. While the story doesn’t have a happy ending, as the missing hiker and climber was found drowned, the sense of community and desire to help follow hikers stands. A bridge has since been named after the missing hiker.

San Diego is a great place for hiking and the outdoors because the area is one of the most biodiverse in the United States. The array of species you’ll see here is awe-inspiring, as are the region’s trees and other native plants.

The group has a few recommended hikes for those heading to hike near San Diego. A few can’t-miss and popular hikes near the coast include:

  • Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, La Jolla
  • Ho Chi Minh Trail, La Jolla
  • Tecolote Canyon Natural Park, Bay Park
  • Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, Ocean Beach
  • Annie’s Canyon Trail, Solana Beach  

No matter whether you’re local to San Diego or just enjoying a visit to the California coast, consider joining the San Diego Hiking Society on Facebook. Join in on the discussion and learn more online. The group has all the information you’ll need to write your own tale from the trail.