Gathering together for hikes in nature is a core practice for Trailweavers. We meet in the East Bay hills every other Saturday to explore the beauty right here in our city.

We start in a circle to introduce ourselves, share some brief thoughts, and choose a card from our Animal Spirit deck. This animal provides a lighthearted theme for the morning’s hike.

As we start walking, you may meet new friends, catch up with old friends, you might share about your personal journey or inner explorations, or you might choose to walk in silence, listening to the sounds of the forest and the hikers around you. On our hikes, everyone contributes something, even if it’s just presence.

Midway through the hike we stop for our “tea break” where we share herbal tea and snacks. We read the entry for our chosen animal from our Animal Spirit guidebook, and then share thoughts on how the energies and ideas described show up in our own lives. The discussion ranges from playful to profound, personal to philosophical, sometimes both silly and deep in the same sentence. The goal is to show up as our unpolished selves, with all of our imperfections, questions and insights welcomed by the group.

We generally finish the hike 3 hours after the initial gathering time. There are typically several pauses during the hike, where those in the front wait for folks who stopped to investigate mushrooms, birds, bugs, or animals spotted on the trail, or wait for slower hikers to catch up. We look out for one another and welcome hikers with a wide range of hiking experience and speeds.

These fortnightly hikes have been a steady drumbeat in our community for many years now. We look forward to welcoming you to your first hike, or welcoming you back for your 100th hike. Walking the path together is the core practice for Trailweavers, grounded in friendship, mutual aid, and meaningful connection with the natural world.