FAQ'S

Coastwalk programs are for any healthy and fit person over the age of six. If you enjoy walking or hiking and are seeking a fun, educational family trip, or want to enjoy spectacular day hikes while also enjoying the comfort of the indoors, Coastwalks are for you!

We offer walking trips geared for families, or adults only, and backpacking trips for those who yearn for wild, untrammeled beaches.

Participants should be in good health and good physical and hiking condition.

Classic

Hike with your daypack while we haul your gear! We welcome you back to camp with a hot meal and a drink. Local naturalists, historians and advocates for the coast guide you on daily hikes.

Family Adventures

With short day hikes, family friendly meals and fun educational evening programs, these are great summer trips for Coastwalkers of all ages!

Backpacks & Treks

Led by experienced hikers who check tides, pre-hike routes and help you prepare with a clear gear list and meal ideas. Enjoy the one way hike with transportation provided back to the trailhead. Enjoy a modified backpack with a Trek where we haul the gear for you.

Deluxe:

For those who want to experience hiking the California Coastal Trail but without camping. Enjoy the comforts of an Inn or other unique lodging experience. All-inclusive pricing covers shuttle to lodging, gear haul, gourmet meals, and guided hikes with local experts and guest speakers.

Easy: Children ages 5-17 welcome with accompanying Adult, Guardian or Parent. Mostly level walks of 3-7 miles per day.

Moderate: Daily hiking averages 5-9 miles. Expect some elevation and/or sand walking. Children welcome with hike leader approval.

Strenuous: Significant Elevation gains and losses with mileage of 6-15 miles daily. Hike leader approval needed to register for most walks in this category.

Program fees cover the costs of the trip and support Coastwalk California’s coastal advocacy, education, outreach and stewardship work. Fees include guided walks and evening programs, most trail shuttle transportation, entrance and camping fees, meals and beverages on Chuckwagon supported Coastwalks, and in the case of lodging- double occupancy rooms. At some locations, single occupancy may be available upon request for an additional fee.

Participants are responsible for their own camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, reusable water bottle, trail snacks, tupperware for leftovers, and dishware). Everyone is asked to volunteer and participate in simple camp clean-up.

All minors under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent, an adult authorized by a parent, or legal guardian.

Each type of Walk (Classic, Family Adventures, Backpacking, or Deluxe) has specific requirements on what participants are required to bring.  Generally, for Classic, Family Adventures, or Backpacking Treks, participants provide their own camping gear, breakfast, lunch and snack food, unless otherwise noted. Coastwalk volunteers shuttle all the gear brought by participants (except what they take in a daypack) and deliver it to the next overnight location. Because space is limited on most walks each person’s gear is limited to what can fit into one large duffle bag (35″ x 17″ x 12″) or two small duffle bags (20″ x 12″ x 12″), AND one daypack. Participants will receive a detailed packing list for their particular trip in advance of the trip once they have registered and made payment in full.

Participants will receive forms prior to the trip, on which one has the opportunity to indicate whether one has a specific dietary restriction (gluten free, vegetarian, vegan…) or has serious food allergies so that Coastwalk can include your requests in the meals we provide. Additional special needs should be discussed with Coastwalk staff. You should plan on bringing some “just in case” provisions.

On Chuckwagon supported Walks such as Coastwalk Classic or Family Adventures–

Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided.  

Breakfast:    

• Coffee: (Regular in percolator with caffeine free available upon request), Teas, Cocoa, Juice, Milk (1/2 & 1/2, 2% Milk, Soy & Almond Milks)   
• Sweeteners- (sugar, honey)  
• Yogurt   
• Biscotti   
• Hot Cereals (Instant Oatmeal, and prepare it yourself steel cut oats available)   
• Granola   
• Walnuts or assorted nuts  
• Fruit (fresh)- (Blueberries, Bananas, Apples, Oranges / Cuties)  
• Fruit (dried)- Raisins & Craisins   

Lunch:    

• Breads- (Multi Grail & Gluten Free)   
• Almond Butter   
• Fruit spreads   
• Cold Cuts   
• Cheeses (sliced)   
• Condiments, (Mustard, Mayonnaise)   
• Butter, (Regular and dairy free)  

Dinner:

Provided by our Coastwalk Food Angels each evening with accommodations for food allergies or dietary preferences.

Our Chuckwagon wrangler will do their best to accommodate you but if you have special dietary needs please bring your food in a small cooler and we will be sure to provide you with ice throughout the trip.  

Then there are other leftovers from the past evening’s dinner, which lucky or experienced Coastwalkers plan for. Bring a sturdy container that seals to scoop up these goodies for the next day’s lunch!

Participants provide their own camping gear  and trail snacks.

On Backpack treks:

Participants will provide their own meals, snacks, and campstove with fuel. Coastwalk will provide hot beverages each morning. We’ve had questions about what to bring for meals on the more remote walks-you’ll want food that will keep in your “food sack” for five days and in most cases you will need a bear or squirrel proof canister to carry your food.

These are items we have noticed people eating (sometimes with great envy): Oranges and hard apples, individually wrapped firm cheeses, one-serving cans of tuna with crackers, dried fruit, smoked fish or canned sardines, hard salami or sausages, nuts, hunks of hard cheeses, granola bars or health bars, individually wrapped hard candies, and of course, good old trail mix. Cold cereals and granola are popular.  Your Coastwalk Trip Leader will provide you with a more detailed list of food items to bring prior to the walk.