Full moon/Sunset Tarantula Hike

Hike Information & Participant Guide Join me on a guided evening hike through one of Walnut Creek’s hidden gems—Shell Ridge. As the sun sets and the landscape transforms, we’ll experience the remarkable beauty of the oak woodlands under the glow of the moon. Discover the vibrant colors of oak galls, watch for tarantulas emerging during the cooler evening temperatures, and listen for the calls of owls echoing through the night. Beneath the moonlight, the Blue Oaks take on a quiet, magical presence that few people have the opportunity to experience. This hike offers a unique chance to slow down, observe the wonders of the natural world, and experience the landscape in a way that daytime rarely reveals. This is an evening you won’t want to miss. Hike Focus This hike will explore: Tarantulas Oak galls Scorpions Tarantula hawk wasps Orange light at sunset Rattlesnake safety Owls The full moon Gray pine Coulter pine Blue oak Acorn woodpeckers Meeting Location 1941 Whitecliff Way, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 Please Note: This address is used only as a location marker. We will meet at the trailhead on the right side of the road when facing north. Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 37.88650° N, 122.01790° W Hike Details Distance: 3 miles Accumulated Elevation Gain: 482 feet Estimated Hiking Time: 2.5 hours Hike Level: Easy to Moderate Pace: Slow to moderate with frequent stops for observation and discussion Distance from Sacramento: Approximately 58 miles Departure: The hike generally begins 10 minutes after the scheduled meeting time. RSVP: Please RSVP through Meetup and arrive on time. It is the responsibility of each participant to bring sufficient water, electrolytes, and sun protection. **You’re welcome to bring a lunch if you’d like to join the group afterward at the picnic tables near the…