Northern California Chapter
Location
San Francisco, CA 94102
Contact Email
The regional chapter for Northern California, centered on the San Francisco Bay Area, was established in January 2011.
Our purpose is to keep participants connected to the Camino and to introduce new people to this pilgrimage. For more information, contact chapter coordinators Guy Joaquin, Laurie Ferris and Andy Cohn at NorCal@americanpilgrims.org.
Events
We schedule monthly hikes and walks, potlucks, intro to the Camino presentations, special talks, and more.
- Here is a list of our upcoming, announced events
- For all of our events, including those planned, see our full schedule of events
Follow this link to view the Local Chapters video on YouTube.
Browse our email campaign archive for past announcements and to subscribe to our chapter mailing list. Join our chapter Facebook group to stay up-to-date and learn about other events happening beyond our chapter.
We have chapter shirts and sweatshirts available through Bonfire.com. Follow this link to order your chapter shirt.
Ongoing
We have an ongoing walk around Lake Merritt in Oakland. First Saturday of the month. 10:30 AM to Noon-ish. 3.5 miles. Rain or shine. Meet at the Lake Merritt Columns (aka Pergola). No RSVP is required – just show up!
Note: For insurance purposes, we are unable to welcome dogs, except service animals, at our events.
Resources
Chapter Videos
Visit and subscribe to our chapter YouTube channel! We have a growing collection of videos of our walks and hikes, special events and informative presentations on the Camino, including route overviews and our introductory "Camino 101" series.
Other Videos
- Camino 101: The Basics (2025)
- Kumano Kodo (Japan)
- Returning Home: The Journey Continues
- Injury Prevention Tips for the Camino: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
More Resources
- Introduction to the Ways of "The Way" (rev. 2025)
- NorCal Chapter Camino Packing Guide
- Injury Prevention Tips for the Camino
- Basic Spanish for the Camino (rev. 2025)
- Helpful Camino Websites
- Leave No Trace: Ethics for the Camino
- Kumano Kodo (Japan) Guide
Programs
Mentor Program
If you're thinking of walking the Camino and are interested in learning more, we can pair you with an experienced pilgrim who can answer your questions on how to prepare and what to expect. Email us at NorCal@americanpilgrims.org.
Member Blogs and Websites
Laurie Ferris maintains a blog dedicated to planning for the Camino and sharing stories about the pilgrim's journey. In addition, she publishes a curated Camino events and hikes roundup every month.
San Franciscan Mike Miller has written a blog about his Camino experiences on the Portugués, Francés, Primitivo and Finisterre.
Become a Member
You don't need to be a member to participate in chapter activities. However, we'd love to have you! Our members aid our mission to support Camino infrastructure, gather pilgrims and provide information about the Camino. Becoming a member it's a great way to connect with your fellow pilgrims, qualify for Hospitalero training, contribute to our La Concha publication, and attend exclusive members-only events.
Keen to Learn More About the Camino?
Consider joining our Facebook group for great dialogue, Q&A, photos and a running commentary about the Camino from like-minded pilgrims.
We also have a ton of pilgrimage planning resources like; a packing list, planning 101, what to expect while there, route overviews, and suggested apps and guidebooks.
And when you are preparing to go, you can even order your pilgrim credential from us. It's free, but we would appreciate a donation.
And for some inspiration, check out La Concha, our quarterly magazine. It includes updates from American Pilgrims, notes from field volunteers, pilgrim stories, poetry, art and book/film reviews.
Rev 04/16/2025