Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about how events work, costs, and how to join.
Quick answers about how events work, costs, and how to join.
Public events are open to LGBTQ+ folks and allies who respect and uplift the queer community. Some application-based events (typically multi-day trips) may be queer-centered by design - when that's the case, the eligibility criteria are shown on the application form for that event.
No. Most events are beginner-friendly. Each event page lists a difficulty level (easy, moderate, or challenging) so you can pick what fits.
Most day events are free. Multi-day trips sometimes have a small per-person cost - typically $20–$60 - to cover campsite reservations, gear, and shared meals. The cost is shown on each event page before you sign up.
For public events, click RSVP on the event page. For application-only events (usually multi-day trips), fill out the short application - we ask about transportation, gear, and what you're hoping to get out of the trip - and wait to be accepted. Once you're confirmed (RSVP) or accepted (application), the event page unlocks extras: a per-event carpool board to coordinate rides, a comments thread with the rest of the group, the exact location, and the lodging breakdown for overnight trips.
Public events keep a small waitlist (capped at 2 people) once capacity is reached. If a confirmed spot opens, the next person on the waitlist is moved up automatically. After both capacity and the waitlist are full, RSVPs are closed for that event. Application-based events stay open to applications even when capacity is reached - those are effectively waitlist applications, and we'll review them if a spot frees up before the trip.
San Francisco Bay Area mostly - Mount Diablo, Marin Headlands, East Bay Regional Parks, Point Reyes, Tahoe, the King Range, and similar. The general area is on every event page; specific trailheads, meeting points, and the campground / site numbers for overnight trips are shared with confirmed attendees.
Every event page has an Accessibility section with researched, cited facts - trail surface, grade, paved spurs, accessible restrooms, parking, and so on. We only state what we can verify from authoritative sources (NPS.gov, FS.usda.gov, parks.ca.gov, Recreation.gov, EBMUD, or the operator's own page). When official info isn't available, we say so and point you to the operator's phone line so you can confirm details for your own needs. For application-only trips, accepted attendees see an additional confirmed-only block with source URLs and the ranger / operator contact.
Every multi-day or higher-risk event has a waiver. For application-only trips, you'll review and sign a formal liability waiver as part of confirming your spot - the event page walks you through it after you're accepted. We require basic gear lists, share emergency contacts, and have a designated trip lead. Wilderness Queers does not insure participants - outdoor activity has inherent risk, and you're responsible for your own preparation.
Yes - the notification bell in the site header surfaces in-app updates that matter, like application accepted / rejected decisions, replies to your comments, and reschedules if the host moves the date or time. Important reminders also come by email when needed.
Generally yes if there's space - but they need to RSVP themselves so we have their contact info, they show up in the attendees list, and they can use the carpool board and comments thread.
Not currently. Wilderness Queers is an unincorporated community group; organizers cover business costs personally. Donations and merch sales are not yet tax-deductible.
Once you're confirmed (or accepted, for application events), the event page shows your host's payment instructions. Payment happens offline. Once your host receives it, they mark your RSVP as paid and you'll see a confirmation on the event page.
Yes - reach out via the contact page and we'll set you up with a host account so you can publish an event.
San Francisco Bay Area, California. We focus on Bay Area parks and open spaces, with occasional trips farther afield like Tahoe or the King Range.
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