Volunteer of the month

Guy Mayes leads hikes to the highest peaks and the deepest graves

Spend a Saturday on the trail with Guy Mayes and you may find yourself exploring little-known trails, scrambling to the edge of rocky cliffs, climbing the highest peaks, and learning some fascinating history. You can count on ending such a busy day with a friendly dinner or maybe even a relaxing soak in a spa. One of the Bay Chapter's most experienced and dedicated hike leaders, Guy has been leading hikes for the Sierra Club for more than 30 years. During this time, he has developed an impressive repertoire of hikes extending to Mount Diablo in the East Bay, Calistoga to the north, and Big Basin to the south. As a leader he always brings enthusiasm and an infectious sense of adventure, making his hikes some of the most popular in the schedule.

Originally from Atlanta, Guy started hiking as a young man in the Navy stationed in Kodiak, AK, a remote island with only one town. He ended up hiking because as he puts it, "There weren't a whole lot of other things to do!" The Navy eventually brought Guy to northern California where his hobby blossomed into a passion. He began participating in Sierra Singles and quickly decided to become a leader. "There were places I liked to go to that a lot of people didn't go to that frequently. Plus there were particular ways that I liked to do hikes, so I decided to start leading them myself." That was in 1975. Thirty-two years later, Guy is still leading hikes usually two a month, each reflecting his unique style.

A signature Guy Mayes hike often involves a notable geographical feature, perhaps a fascinating rock formation or a breath-taking waterfall. One of his most popular hikes is to Alamere Falls, which empties directly onto Wildcat Beach at the southern end of Point Reyes National Seashore. Another of his hikes goes to the Palisades, the spectacular rocky cliffs above Calistoga. Beautiful coastline, dramatic vistas, wildflowers in bloom Guy always has an eye out for the special features of an area.

His hikes incorporate other pleasing touches. He times a hike out to Tomales Point in Point Reyes with the low tide, so that the group can visit tide pools. On the hike to Alamere Falls he always leaves time for a swim during the lunch stop at Bass Lake. After the Calistoga hikes, the group relaxes at a spa. And there is the traditional post-hike dinner stop, a custom that Guy carried over from his days in Sierra Singles, where it was the norm. The combination of physical challenge, stunning landscape, and just plain fun that characterizes Guy's hikes has earned him the admiration of other hike leaders, who frequently come along. Bob Solotar, himself a hike leader of over 20 years, is a self-described Guy Mayes follower: "Guy always watches out for the group. He makes sure the experience is good for everyone." Michael Hayman, another long-time hike leader, agrees: Guy "never tells people to hurry up."

Guy is knowledgeable about an area's history as well as geology. On a hike in the Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve near Antioch, he discusses the coal mining there in the 1800s. Included in the hike is a trip to a museum, where he shows the group a collection of old tools. On a hike in Las Trampas Regional Wilderness (in the hills above Danville) he visits Eugene O'Neil's house where he talks extensively about the playwright. Guy's overview of both geology and history invariably leaves the group with a better appreciation of the area they visit.

Guy's attention to detail, love of adventure, and extensive knowledge means that those who go on his hikes tend to join him again. Diane Smith, who has been hiking with Guy since 1995, calls Guy "exceptional". "He knows trails that are no longer on the map; he always goes to the highest point." Guy's fans know that he is not afraid to go off the beaten path to find something of interest.

Guy's expertise is not limited to nature hikes; he also leads urban hikes throughout the Bay Area that emphasize local history and architecture. For example, in downtown Oakland he leads a tour of art-deco buildings; in San Francisco he explores the murals of the Mission District. His tour of the Presidio in San Francisco covers its founding by the Spanish in 1776, its time as a Mexican and then U.S. army post, and its status now as the site of Lucas Film Center. The group stops at the Presidio visitor center, and if it happens to be the first Saturday of the month, they watch the demonstration of the gun batteries at Baker Beach. Last but not least, the hikers visit the Presidio pet cemetery. Guy's hike series of the cemeteries of Colma is a classic. Ron Ucovich, a hike leader and good friend of Guy's, says, "You can rely on Guy to lead you through not only remote trails, but also back alleys, hidden parks, mansions, stairways, museums, factories, mines, and cemeteries. You always learn something on Guy's hikes, and he always leaves you wanting to know more."

In 2005 Guy celebrated his 30-year anniversary as a Sierra Club hike leader. A barbecue was held in his honor at Redwood Regional Park, where he led his first hike. His wife Nancy and his two beloved dogs were there to help him celebrate. Nancy, also an avid hiker, usually serves as Guy's rear leader, bringing up the rear and helping support slower hikers.

Despite his expertise, friends call Guy down-to-earth and humble. He would likely deny that he has a magic touch and he encourages anyone who might be thinking about becoming a hike leader to do so, adding that the best way to start is simply by going on hikes and getting to know the leaders. That's clearly not a bad idea, whether or not you plan to become a leader. Getting to know someone like Guy is as rewarding an adventure as the hike itself.

Wendy Becktold