A community for East Bay parents

Rucks. Trails.
Tiny passengers.

East Bay parents. Kids on our backs. A good trail once a month — and the kind of parent friends who stick around.

Join the interest list
East Bay Toddler Ruck Club on the trail
East Bay, CA
Mount Diablo Las Trampas Ridge Sunol Regional Park Pleasanton Ridge Del Valle Mount Diablo Las Trampas Ridge Sunol Regional Park Pleasanton Ridge Del Valle Mount Diablo Las Trampas Ridge Sunol Regional Park Pleasanton Ridge Del Valle
What's a toddler ruck?

Carrier on. Kid in. Boots on trail.

Rucking is hiking with weight. Turns out toddlers are excellent weight — the kind that naps on your back and points at every squirrel.

We meet monthly at East Bay trailheads. Routes flex to the group. Everyone hikes their own pace. Nobody gets dropped.

Parents with toddlers in carriers on an East Bay trail
Saturday morning, somewhere with a view
Why parents show up

More than a hike.

It's easier to get outside when you're not doing it alone.

Real friendships

Parent friends who also happen to be in the woods with you.

Sneaky fitness

Miles and elevation on your back. No gym. No sitter.

Wild little kids

Kids who grow up thinking a trail day is just part of the month.

Free and flexible

No fees. No commitment. Show up when you can.

East Bay Toddler Ruck Club community on the trail
this is what Saturday looks like
The crew

Find your people.
Preferably on a trail.

The hardest part of new parenthood is finding other parents who get it — who live nearby, whose kids are your kid's age, who'd rather spend Saturday outside.

That's us.

40+
families
50+
rucks logged
$0
to join
Where we go

Our regular East Bay trails.

All within an easy drive of Walnut Creek, Oakland, or Berkeley.

  • 01 Mount DiabloWildflowers in spring. Views year-round.
  • 02 Las Trampas RidgeRolling ridgeline, big sky.
  • 03 Sunol Regional ParkCreek crossings and cattle country.
  • 04 Pleasanton RidgeOak groves and open meadows.
  • 05 Del ValleLakeside loops. Easy-day favorite.
Who it's for

If you're wondering whether you qualify — you do.

Not an ultra-marathoners' club. Not a gear-snob thing.

  • Any carrier. Deuter, Osprey, Tula, a wrap from 2019 — whatever works.
  • Any fitness level. Routes flex to the group. Mellow days are a thing.
  • Any kid, roughly 6 months to 3-ish. Older walkers welcome too, pace depending.
  • Any parent or caregiver. Moms, dads, grandparents, nannies — all welcome.

Welcome to the E.B.T.R.C!

The East Bay Toddler Ruck Club is a community of adventurous parents who meet to explore the scenic trails of the East Bay Hills near Danville, CA, with their toddlers on their backs. Enjoy the beauty of nature, connect with like-minded families, and stay active while creating unforgettable memories with your little one.

Hi! I’m Ryan Fontillas, an East Bay native from Pleasanton now living in Danville. The East Bay is a great place to raise a family, especially with its amazing hiking trails.

I fell in love with hiking while training for Spartan Races, though I quickly traded running for wrestling and later, life as a dad. I’ve been hiking with my daughter since she was 1, and at 2.5, she loves coming along—or sneaking in a nap—while I work out.

This group is all about connecting families with nature. Whether you're carrying little ones, planning for future adventures, or bringing older kids, all are welcome! Let’s start with monthly hikes of 3–5 miles. See you on the trails!

No weighted vest needed... that's what kids are for!

Stay up to date with Upcoming Meet ups

Explore the Beauty of the East Bay Hills

Getting kids into nature fosters curiosity, creativity, and resilience while improving their physical and mental health. It’s a great way to unplug from screens, reduce stress, and create meaningful family memories in the real world.