Joining the hiking club was a leap outside my comfort zone, something I never really imagined doing. I used to wonder, “What’s the point of hiking?” So I decided to find out by joining one of their early hikes. Back then, around 16 to 20 people would go on each hike, and there was always room for a few more. These hikes turned out to be more than just outdoor treks; they became opportunities to connect, network, and share stories with other hikers. One of my most memorable experiences was hiking to a freezing lake, where I spontaneously jumped in with my friends, something I hadn’t planned on, but it made the day unforgettable.

Over time, the hiking club became one of the best communities I’ve ever been part of, with a culture that drew more and more people in. Eventually, the club grew so large that whenever they posted sign-ups via a Google form, all the spots would fill up in less than two minutes, even the ones for 3 a.m. or 4 a.m. hikes like the Sand Dunes! Speaking of favorite hikes, the Sand Dunes stands out, along with other great trails like the Hemingway to Rancho Mission Canyon and the Climbers Loop Trail. Each hike offered something unique, and being part of this growing community was one of the best experiences I’ve had.