About 510 Hikers

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Love for the outdoors was planted early by 510 Hikers Founder, Nicholas Collins, who's parents took him and his siblings into nature every weekend, exploring the East Bay trails of Oakland, California. This foundation led Collins to a successful track and cross country career from fifth grade through college at Cal State Long Beach, where running became both a passion and a path away from neighborhood troubles. After years in Los Angeles raising his son, Collins' return to the Bay Area in 2014 brought a pivotal moment—a hike at Mission Peak where the complete absence of African Americans on the trails sparked his realization about the disconnect between people of color and outdoor spaces.

Ten years later, 510 Hikers has grown into a movement with 14,000 Facebook members and has fundamentally changed the demographics of Bay Area trails on weekend mornings. What started as fitness events evolved into something deeper—a community where friendships flourish, weddings celebrate connections made on trails, and people of color can pursue their love of hiking and running without feeling like minorities. The trail runs and hikes have become secondary to creating spaces where everyone can enjoy nature without abandoning their community or racial identity to do it.