Slower Intermediate Hike 5 - 5.5 miles at Friedrich Park

About this event

Please arrive before 9:00AM. We will begin the hike promptly at 9:00AM, or earlier if all attendees are present.

If your plans have changed, please update your RSVP to "No" or post a message. For last-minute updates, you can call or text the host/hike leader. The phone number is located in the “Comments” section as private comment at the bottom and is visible only to attendees.

Additionally, it is helpful if the host/ hike leader has your mobile number in the contacts to ensure your calls or messages are recognized.

This Slower Intermediate Hike (about 5.5 miles) is not intended for faster hikers. The hike is for those who want to spend time on observing surroundings, enjoying vistas, taking photos, etc. Our average speed is somewhere between 1.6 - 1.8 miles per hour (including break times) which depends on the trail conditions. The trails are rocky with exposed tree roots. Long gradual ascents and descents as well as flat terrains.

OPTION A: We hike on entire Restoration Way and skip Bosque Trail. No steep climbing. The total elevation gain is 600+ feet.

OPTION B : We skip outer loop of Restoration Way and hike on Mill Pass to Restoration Way to Vista Loop, and then Bosque Trail. There are challenging steep ups and downs. This route is about 5 miles, and the total elevation gain is 670+ feet.

OPTION C: Take Mill Pass to T-section of Encino Pass and go up Encino Pass to T- section of Restoration Way. From here we go down Restoration Way and back to Mill Pass and hike up Restoration way in reverse direction to Vista Loop to Juniper Ridge and going down Main Loop. The total elevation gain is about 700+ feet with steep slopes. A hiking pole is helpful.

Good hiking shoes/boots are suitable. Bring water (A MUST), and snacks if you like.

This hike is not suitable for beginners. If you are not sure about your fitness level, please try the Shorter Hike, and find it out. You should be fine if you are comfortable with the Shorter Hike without difficulty, and able to keep up with the group’s pace. But it’s not an easy hike for very beginners.

Note: You are in the wilderness once you left the trail head.

Water requirements for Intermediate Hike during hot summer months:

To avoid dehydration, it is essential that every hiker carries and consumes at least one liter (2 bottles) of water, adjusting the amount based on your body size.

Please keep in mind that as seniors, we are more susceptible to heat and dehydration. Taking these precautions is necessary to prevent heat exhaustion and avoid emergency situations.

Please remember that heat exhaustion while hiking is often caused by not drinking enough water. This condition is preventable by staying properly hydrated throughout your hike.

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From Energetic Hikers Age 60+