What we’re about
Join us for nights under the stars, treks in the woods and NYC events to talk about your favorite gear and the next adventure. Follow us on Instagram to see what we've been up to: @BLAZENYC
BLAZE>> is a group for gay men in NYC that crave being outdoors and are passionate about backpacking and backcountry camping. New to backpacking? No worries, our members range from beginner trekkers with lots of enthusiasm to seasoned adventurers with years of experience to share. We are committed to challenging ourselves by trekking to isolated places of remarkable beauty, but our trips are as much about the journey as they are about being an über athlete.
If you are interested, you can shop for some BLAZE>> products at on-line store Zazzle.
There is also a San Francisco Chapter of Blaze>>, see https://www.meetup.com/blazesf.
Upcoming events (4)
See all- Spring Hike @ Norvin Green State ParkHighlands natural pool, Ringwood, NJ
Let's go for a spring hike this Sunday in the Wyanokie Highlands, which includes 6,500 acres of Norvin Green State Park. This is the "place of sassafras" according to Native Americans.
The weather is looking good - high in the 70s. The planned hike will be 10.5 miles with an elevation gain/loss of 2,300 feet. This hike requires a high degree of physical fitness and endurance. No prior hiking experience is needed but you must be in good shape. Please message me if you are unsure about your ability to do the hike.
The planned trail can be viewed here:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-april-10-2023-c0db17cThe plan is to leave NYC at 10:00am and meet at the trailhead at 11:00am. The number of participants will be determined by the number of drivers and carpool capacity. Please RSVP and you will be moved from the waitlist once cars become available. I will send out the carpool sign-up sheet on Friday. Expect to contribute $20-$30 to your driver for tolls and gas.
We may go out to eat and/or drink afterwards if there is sufficient interest.
Lastly, you assume all risks and responsibilities by signing up and attending this hike. This meetup group is not liable to any accidents or injuries that occur during the event.
Not open - Northeast Regional Meetup for Gay Campers @ Camp Out in the PoconosCamp Out Poconos, East Stroudsburg, PA
A bunch of us at Blaze have enjoyed camping at Camp Out in the Poconos over the last couple of years. There is a big Northeast Regional Meetup for Gay campers happening June 20-22 and I think it would be fun to "piggy back" a Blaze camping trip on top of this.
Camp OUT Poconos is one of the gay camping resorts in the Poconos, offering a welcoming and inclusive experience for queer campers of all kinds. With tent sites, RV sites, cottages, and cabins, plus a heated pool, nightclub, piano lounge, and endless entertainment, this is not your average campground!
RSVPing here does NOT reserve your spot. You will need to go to the Camp Out website and reserve your own spot. https://campoutpoconos.com
Blaze will be camping in the "Primitive Tent Site" Section D area. So reserve a campsite near there, if you can. If there are none left in Section D, don't worry if you need to pitch your tent somewhere else. You can hang out in Section D, when we are not sleeping. Our campsite is off to the side, so it tends to be quieter while we are sleeping... but if you are a light sleeper, I recommend you bring earplugs.
The cost for the campsite for the weekend is $153 for up to 2 people, and $60 for each additional person. You are not required to come for the whole weekend. You can even just get a day pass if you want to hang out with us on Saturday or Sunday. This Promo Code may only work if you want to reserve a campsite for longer than the weekend, but you are welcome to try it: GCF2025
https://www.camplife.com/1146/reservation/step1I'll put up a spreadsheet to coordinate transportation as the time approaches.
