Published June 5, 2025
Meandering up the single-track trail of Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve; attendees of Branching Out Adventure’s spring hike came across a patch of glowing golden Madia wildflowers. The group smiled and the flowers smiled back. Conversations, connections and vibes increased as the group entered an archway of intertwined oaks. Emerging from the shaded passage, the team shared a moment of silence while observing the overlapping mountains of Pescadero Valley, stacked behind one another.
Branching Out Adventures (BOA) is a non-profit with a mission to celebrate queerness through community, education and connection to the outdoors. Founded in 2023, they support the LGBTQ+ communities of Northern and Central California by hosting queer-led hikes, camping trips, backpacking and other outdoor recreation activities. “Branching Out Adventures is all about helping the queer community feel comfortable in open spaces,” said founder and hike leader Tyler Feld. BOA actively breaks down barriers and provides outdoor opportunities in order to share the joy and benefits of exposure to nature.
Branching Out Adventure’s spring hike at Skyline Ridge Preserve was the first of five hikes as a part of Midpen’s partnership program. The partnership program promotes inclusivity for communities that have historically been underserved and have not seen themselves reflected in open space. Midpen aims to empower organizations that promote inclusivity in the natural world through their own curriculums and outings.
“One of my favorite memories was during one of our queer camping trips last summer. It was totally unplanned, but the group all brought things together to have an impromptu potluck. While teaching about nature is my favorite thing to do, seeing people come together in community brings me so much joy,” expressed Feld.