Welcome to Five Miles Further!
Hey there!
So glad you’re joining us. Get ready to swap the boardroom for the backcountry! We’re excited to guide you on an adventure in the California landscape. We tailor our introductory hikes to be an easy 2-3 miles, which is perfect for most fitness levels. That said, “easy” for some might not be “easy” for all and so it’s important to get to know you a bit before we hit the trail. If you would like to contact us, you’ll find our information at the bottom of this page.
REQUIRED FOR PARTICIPATION At least 5 days before our hike, fill out the Pre-Hike Survey AND Release Form below so that we can understand how to best support you.
Required Forms:
Each adventure is different, but our goal is the same: to create a memorable experience that leaves you refreshed and connected.
Expect views and fresh air!
What to Bring
- Bring at least 1 Liter of water per person. I generally bring 2L for myself.
- Appropriate snacks. Good nutrition for hiking includes sources of salts, sugars, and proteins. Your diet will guide you, but energy bars, electrolyte packets, and trail mix are good, common sources.
- Any personal medications you might need.
- Appropriate footwear (does not need to be “hiking boots,” but flip-flops would be a poor choice).
- A small backpack / shoulder bag of any kind is recommended for carrying your personal items.
- Dress in layers so that you have options for warm or cool weather. Here’s some things to consider:
- Base Layer: A simple polyester or nylon t-shirt (avoid cotton).
- Insulation Layer: Fleece, Wool, or similar. Nothing fancy, just something with “loft” for insulation.
- Wind Layer: Something light that’s easy to pull out of your bag if a breeze kicks up!
- If you have mobility issues, you might consider trekking poles, or a walking stick (we’ll have a limited number of poles you can borrow - first come first serve.)
And now for a little about us:
FAQs
How long will this hike take?
We generally plan for a pace of about 1 mile per hour, which works well for most new hikers. We’ll adjust as needed for the group to ensure a comfortable experience for everyone (that could mean a bit faster, or a bit slower).
What is the fitness level required for the hike?
No experience is necessary! Our introductory hikes are designed to be enjoyable for all levels of fitness. We’ll adjust the pace to the group and make sure everyone feels comfortable and welcome.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Weather can be unpredictable, so we always keep a close eye on the forecast. If conditions are unsafe, we’ll either reschedule or offer an alternative activity. We’ll contact you as soon as possible if there’s a change of plans. If we don’t reschedule, that means we’re moving forward as planned.
Are there restrooms available?
Restrooms are generally available at the trailhead, which we highly recommend you use before we begin. If you need to go during the hike, we’ll have a plan for that too!
Can I bring my dog?
Reach out to us at fivemilesfurther@gmail.com to confirm. We love well-behaved, leashed dogs that are under the control of the owner. That said, some areas like California State Parks do not allow dogs.
Are introductory hikes suitable for children?
Yes! We welcome families and kids of all ages. Let us know if you have any specific needs or concerns.
I have mobility issues. Should I be concerned?
We want everyone to be able to enjoy the trail! When you complete the “Pre-Hike Survey” above, please let us know how we can best support you. We’re happy to discuss accommodations.
What if I get injured?
Your safety is our priority. Our backcountry guide, Lee, is a certified Wilderness First Responder (WFR) trained to handle common trail injuries. Gigi is a certified Personal Trainer. We will both we watching out for your safety, and we carry a well-stocked first aid kit.
Contact Us!
If you need anything at all, have questions, or would like to talk about the hike, please feel free to reach out at:
email: FiveMilesFurther@gmail.com
Lee: 805.660.3831
Gigi: 805.390.4713