Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sail.
Explore. Dream. Discover. —Mark Twain
There’s no better way to welcome warmer temps and longer days than by getting outdoors for your next workout. And while we applaud any form of fitness, there’s no question that summiting a picturesque California peak tops scrolling through Instagram on the Stairmaster.
So we’re thrilled to introduce our Bay Club Hiking Program, led by trail enthusiast Sunita Goldstein and her team. We’ll be offering a day hike a couple times a month, covering some of California’s most celebrated trails in areas like Pt. Reyes, Hollister Ranch, Big Sur, Mt. Lassen, and more. Plus, you’re guaranteed a great workout along the way!
To give you a taste of what’s in store out in the wild, Sunita sat down with us to discuss her favorite parts of some of the upcoming hikes she’ll be leading.
Big Sur + Carmel Coastal
“Once you’ve been to Big Sur, you’ll know why it’s described as ‘the greatest meeting of land and sea,'” she says. With the Santa Lucia Mountains jutting up from the Pacific Ocean, this trek is one of the longest and most scenic coastlines in the world. You’ll ramble along coastal hiking trails, marvel at towering redwoods and purple sandy beaches, and be amazed by the famous Pfeiffer Falls plunging into the gray-blue waters of the Pacific.
And the best part? “Yoga and meditation with me!” Sunita laughs. “In fact, I’ve specially crafted this hike to infuse your soul with the energy of Big Sur. On the beach, while you’re listening to the waves wash up on the sandy shore, I’ll guide your body through gentle twists and stretches, leaving you feeling tranquil, toned and rejuvenated for the busy week ahead!”
What Sunita loves most about this hike is its magic. “The energy of the place is very spiritual to me,” she says. “My favorite place to visit is Rocky Point, where I have an awesome meditation spot. A delightful lunch at Rocky Point Restaurant makes a wonderful experience and then we will relax on rocky cliffs as we watch cows graze in green pastures and whales dancing in the blue waters of the Pacific.”
Pinnacles National Park
The Park’s name comes from eroded leftovers of the western half of an extinct volcano that had moved 150 miles from its original location on the San Andreas Fault, Sunita explains. Spring is the best time to visit Pinnacles National Monument when the scent of the wild sage is enticingly aromatic along the trail and when the afternoon sun casts a colorful hue on the volcanic rocks. The volcanic rock formation is something you don’t see on a daily basis.
“The park is a prime habitat for prairie flacons and California condors that have been hatched in captivity,” Sunita says. The hike winds through flat trails, ridges, steep rock formations, and gorgeous views of the vast canyons and high peaks. “Visiting the bat caves will be an added bonus!”
Tomales Point + Point Reyes
Point Reyes National Seashore remains the only National Park where Tule Elk can be found. Henry Miller, a conservationist cattle rancher, had the foresight to preserve this last isolated group discovered on his ranch in 1874. Opportunities for wildlife viewing have been greatly enhanced by the presence of these herds, and visitors can expect to view and photograph the elk at Point Reyes. “This is a great hike to view the California poppies and the wild iris that will be seen along the hike,” Sunita says. And while the natural beauty is stunning, Sunita says the Tule Elk are the highlight for her. “They are amazing animals that graze the vast green hills of Tomales Point.”
After the hike, you’ll head to the old town of Point Reyes for wine and appetizers. Point Reyes is a quaint town that looks right out of a western with horses and saloons. You may also stop at the western-style Point Reyes Saloon for a beer.
You can find the full calendar of upcoming hikes, as well as all the details, on our registration page. Happy hiking!