*Every Trail* : Bay Area Hiking and Outdoor Activities Group

Every Trail is a Bay Area outdoors activities group. Our focus is on hiking, but we also want to branch out to other activities like backpacking, kayaking, river rafting, etc. from time to time.

This is a social group: our goal is to build a community of kind, generous people who share their love of the outdoors with each other.

We are an inclusive group and we welcome members of all ages from multiple races and ethnicities, different countries of origin, and varied gender and sexual identities.

Every Trail is a volunteer organization: the event hosts and organizers all donate their time without expectation of compensation.

Code of Conduct

Note: you can also read the Code of Conduct here.

Be kind to everyone. This includes other Every Trail members, event hosts and organizers, park personnel, and other hikers you encounter on the trail. 

Every Trail events are a good way to make new friends and strengthen existing friendships;  please, avoid inflammatory and divisive subjects of conversation at events. 

Join hikes that you can safely complete while maintaining a reasonable pace (~ 2.5 miles an hour, usually). You are the best judge of your hiking abilities. Never expect event hosts or other hikers to walk slower than their natural pace to keep you company.

Familiarize yourself with hike routes and use apps like AllTrails to guide you on the trail. Remember, it is your responsibility - not the responsibility of the event host or other hikers - to ensure that you stay on the trail and don’t get lost.

Treat the trails with respect and follow Leave no Trace principles. Dispose of waste properly (“pack it in, pack it out”), and leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.

Follow all park rules and respect posted signs; respect private property and hike only in permissible areas.

When on the trails, let nature do all the talking. Silence all electronic devices. Avoid yelling, and keep your voices at a reasonable level. Your fellow hikers - and the wildlife around you - will appreciate this. 

Stay on the trail. Going off trail can damage or kill certain plant or animal species, and it can hurt the ecosystems that surround the trail.

Bring dogs only on trails that explicitly allow them (service dogs are generally permitted on most trails). The presence of dogs must never diminish the experience for other hikers or for wildlife. Dogs must always be on a leash.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER:

The hosts of Every Trail events are not hiking professionals; we have no wilderness expertise and we are not trained medical professionals. When you join this group,  you assume full responsibility for your own personal safety.

We are only responsible for organizing hiking events; we cannot know what hike will be appropriate for your fitness level.  Please understand your own physical ability and join hikes that you can comfortably and safely undertake. If you have medical issues that could affect your ability to participate in any Every Trail event, please consult with your doctor.

By signing up for any event organized by Every Trail, you acknowledge that you are aware of the risks and dangers associated with any organized activity and you assume all such risks and dangers. Further, you agree to release and discharge the Administrators, Event Hosts, Organizers or any other Every Trail members from all liability.

For safety reasons, you must have a recent profile photo clearly showing your face.