Disabled Hikers Group Hike: Lighthouse Field State Beach

In celebration of the publication of The Disabled Hiker's Guide to Northern California, we are holding an accessible group hike and gathering at Lighthouse Field State Beach. Join us to spend time with the monarch butterflies and be in nature with other Disabled people! We will also have an opportunity for you to participate in our Storytelling Project. Full details, including meeting location and directions, will be emailed to you when you register.

Yes, this election night. Yes, that is intentional! (wink emoji) Come take a break with us.

Trail Description

A loop (less than 0.25 mile), level, compacted gravel with one short section of weathered mulch if approaching from the cafe. A video of portions of the trail is on our Instagram. Option to extend the hike up to 1 mile, or shorten it. We will adapt the hike to meet the needs of everyone present! We recommend bringing something to sit on if you need to while viewing the monarchs.

This event is possible due to support from a California State Parks Foundation Partnership Equity grant.

Storytelling Project

Would you like to share what access to nature means to you? Thanks to the California State Parks Foundation, we will be doing a limited number of in-person interviews for our storytelling project. Your story will be shared via print, audio, and/or video on our website. Check out our current Storytelling Project pieces here. If you would like to be interviewed, please share more with us when you register. A stipend will be provided to all interviewees!

Amenities

Accessible restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables, benches, cafe with food and drinks.

Pets

Service dogs are always welcome. Pets are allowed but strongly discouraged to prevent potential accessibility conflicts.

Cost

There is no fee to attend. There is no parking fee.

Masks and Scent-free

We practice Covid and illness transmission safety at all of our events. We ask everyone to wear a mask unless your disability prevents it, or when you need a break. Please distance from those who do wear a mask when you are not. We also ask that you not wear perfume and other artificial or natural scents to protect community members who are scent-reactive.

Parking

Multiple paved parking lots and street parking with accessible spots.

Transportation

The nearest bus stops are approximately 0.5 mile away, at the corner of Bay Street & West Cliff Drive (Route 19) or Delaware Ave & Liberty Street (Route 20).

Interpreters

ASL, Spanish, and other language interpreters are available on request. We are also happy to provide visual descriptions and support to anyone who needs it. If you have a preferred interpreter, please include their contact information when you register.

About Disabled Hikers

Disabled Hikers is an inclusive disability-led and disability-centered organization grounded in principles of disability justice. We welcome anyone who is disabled, chronically ill, neurodivergent, or otherwise has lived experience of disability – we define these terms in the broadest way possible. We also welcome supportive friends and family. The group hikes together; we adapt the hike to match the needs of everyone present, rest when needed, and make decisions about when to turn back as a group. All of our events include a moment to honor the land and Indigenous peoples and group introductions. There is never any pressure to share anything.

Other things to keep in mind:

Please read the hike description. Trails are chosen to be as enjoyable as possible for the most folks, but only you can decide if a hike is appropriate for you.

Please do not offer anyone advice or assistance without asking first.

If you have questions at any time, please ask. We’re here for you!