7 Reasons to Join a Hiking Meetup Group

I first debated joining a hiking meetup group in 2009: fresh out of college, single, but still afraid of the unknown. I’d gone on plenty of local hikes, some more than a few times, but was interested in exploring hikes that were further away and required more effort to plan. I wanted to do those further hikes but couldn’t bring myself to do it. To be fully transparent: I was scared of going on a hike that was an hour away with just me and a girlfriend. I envisioned us getting lost on the trail and having to spend the night lost in some desolate part of the desert.

Finally one Monday, with the encouragement of my roommate, I signed up for a hiking meetup group. The next Saturday we went on a hike in Lake Arrowhead that we never would have experienced had we not joined the group and ended up having the time of our lives. Thus my love for hiking grew even deeper and has only spiraled since.

Here I am six years later, more than 50 hikes completed and I can look back and reminisce on all the experiences and memories I’ve gained thanks to the hiking meetup group I joined years ago as well as advocate for why I think everyone should join one.

7 Reasons To Join A Hiking Meetup Group:

1. Socializing – A hiking meetup group not only allows for socializing but forces socializing. You are immediately thrown into a new circle of people – likely people who share the same passion for hiking as you do or might develop after you take your first hike – that are accustomed to newcomers. They will make you feel welcome and it will be an opportunity to forge new friendships. Even for introverts, such as myself, it was nice to have someone else make the effort in making me feel welcome, and meetup groups do just that.
   
2. Planning – Perhaps the best part of joining a hiking meetup group is the lack of planning and preparation on your end. Hiking meetup groups schedule the time, location, number of people who can attend, and generally even transportation needs. All you need to do is simply click the sign up button and show up on time. Minimal effort exerted and limited stress – what more could you ask for?
3. Safety – Hiking in numbers is always recommended and encouraged. Hiking with people who are familiar with a trail is even better. In a good hiking group, the leader/s will already be very familiar with the trail they are taking you on. They’ve likely hiked it multiple times before and know the easiest/best routes to take. They know what to expect and can help you be adequately prepared beforehand.
4. New Friendships – Maybe you are new to an area and are looking for a group of friends. What better place to find new friends than with a group of people that share similar interests with you? A hiking meetup group is comprised of people who are passionate about hiking and fitness in general. If you are also passionate about fitness your interests with others in the group will form a common thread in what could eventually become a lifelong friendship.
   
5. Discovery – A hiking meetup group will open the doors to new hikes you have likely never heard of. Unchartered territory is the best type of territory to venture for new experiences, discoveries, and memories. You may end up finding a hike that you’d never heard of before or maybe a hike you’ve always wanted to try but were too scared to embark on on your own. You can then share those experiences with other friends once you become familiar with the trail.
6. Minimal Cost – Joining a hiking group is typically free of charge! The only costs that are associated with the hike are the gas it takes to get there, food, or if you stick around after for a group happy hour. Hiking is an extremely affordable hobby compared to other sports that doesn’t require many expenses.
7. Adventure – Take the plunge. It doesn’t hurt to step outside of your comfort zone once to test the waters to see if it is something you will like. The worst that can happen is you find the group isn’t for you. There is far more to be gained and the advantages may be lifelong gains.