Our Story

The trails are calling and I must go…

My name is Naomi Chen, and I’m the founder of Hike Out Club.

I grew up far from the ocean and the mountains. As a kid, the long train rides to the Black Sea were my favorite days of the year. That feeling of open space and freedom has stayed with me ever since.

For many years I worked in tech, as a software engineer and program manager. I loved the people and the problem-solving, but most of my days were spent indoors. Out on the trail is where I could breathe again.

I love hiking, and even more, I love hiking with others. That’s why I started Hike Out Club in 2018: to find like-minded people and create joyful hiking experiences. Since then we’ve hiked to the waterfalls of Havasupai, crossed the Grand Canyon rim to rim, camped on Santa Cruz Island, and explored Sedona, Kanab, Olympic National Park, Mammoth and Anza-Borrego, plus many day hikes and full-moon hikes here in San Diego.

Along the way I became a yoga teacher (E-RYT 500), sound healer and certified life coach. That’s why many of our trips include a little more than trails: a stretch after a long day, a sound bath, good food and real conversations.

Our groups are small, 4 to 10 people. I take care of the planning (lodging, permits, food and logistics) so you can simply show up, be present and enjoy the trail.

You don’t need to be an athlete. You just need to be curious and ready for an adventure. I’d love to meet you on the trail.