What we’re about
Outings for all levels of those adventurous at heart from beginning to experienced hikers throughout the Southern California area as well as Northern California, the rest of the U.S. and even International trips. Hiking, backpacking, off-trail, on-trail, snow travel, all throughout the year with many Sierra Club sections. . Meet other like-minded folks who love the outdoors. Enjoy shared "happy hours" camping beside alpine lakes; celebrate with others as they achieve their goals of climbing local, Sierra, and desert peaks; or go on regularly scheduled conditioning hikes and walks; make lifelong friends with whom you can explore the outdoors in every season. We are eager to share our love for the outdoors with old friends and new.
To find more WTC outings go to:
www.wildernesstravelcourse.org/outings;
This Meetup also announces the Sierra Club's Wilderness Travel Course (WTC), which runs from January to March of every year.
This ten-week Sierra Club course has been offering classroom instruction and field experiences to Los Angeles and Orange County outdoor enthusiasts for the past 20 years. During the late summer and autumn months, there is a series of free introductory/conditioning hikes (listed on this Meetup). The Wilderness Travel Course takes place every January through March and teaches basic navigation, off trail, snow travel, bouldering, and ,any other hiking / backpacking skills for mountain and desert travel. The Course includes navigation instruction using topo maps and compass, rock scrambling techniques, how to choose equipment, backpacking food and nutrition, snow travel, wilderness first aid, and lots more. Includes ten evening classes, and two full-day and two weekend outings with bus transportation provided. Offered in four So Cal locations (see below). See WTC Web site for more information, cost, and exact locations:
www.wildernesstravelcourse.org
Locations:
Orange County
South Bay (Long Beach, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, North OC)
San Gabriel Valley
West Los Angeles
Upcoming events
7
2025 Fall BBT Trail #1 Alternative- Trippet Ranch to Leacock
Topanga State Park, Leacock trailhead, 1580 Bienveneda Avenue,, Pacific Palisades, CA, USOur alternative first Fall 2025 Backbone Trail outing in the Santa Monica Mountains will be a 10 mile, 1500' gain outing going from Trippet Ranch to the Leacock Trailhead. The hike will traverse Eagle Rock, Cathedral Rocks, Howard's Peak (with a stop at his bench), and Skull Rock. This is a replacement for the usual Will Rogers to Trippet Ranch route that was impacted by the Palisades fire. Shortcuts off the fire road will be encouraged so though poles are not mandatory, they are recommended.
This is a Sierra Club hike, so participants must sign in, carry their medical form, and hike between the leader and sweep. We ask you to print it out and bring it with you, but the form will be available at the trailhead as well or you can download the form here. http://bitly.com/scmedicalform
TRAILHEAD LOCATION: We will meet at 8:00 AM at the Leacok Trailhead at 8:00 AM and shuttle to Trippet Ranch (parking limited there with parking lot construction). So this alternative will tranverse the Backbone Trail in the reverse direction from the usual.
From Sunset Boulevard take Bienvenida Avenue one mile to the Leacock Trailhead at the Via Floresta intersection. There is street parking, but remember to turn your wheels towards the curb to prevent being ticketed.
CAR SHUTTLE: The outing will be a one-way shuttle hike. The car shuttle to Trippet Ranch will be 10 miles. Be on time at the Leacock Trailhead to not miss the shuttle.9 attendees
Learn New Skills-Make New Friends-Experience New Adventure
Location not specified yetInformational Posting Only - See Website at www.wildernesstravelcourse.org
INFORMATIONAL POSTING ONLY
www.wildernesstravelcourse.org
Dear Group Members, particularly the recent swell of new, never-been-backpacking-before-but-want-to-start members: There is a great Sierra Club opportunity that is about to begin….an opportunity that only happens one time each year and it is one of the best outdoor learning experiences the Sierra Club has to offer. This is the Angeles Chapter Wilderness Travel Course (WTC). Some of you have taken the course and are now leaders and/or knowledgeable hikers. For those of you who have not, enrollment in WTC is something you should consider now. The Wilderness Travel Course helps build outdoor skills so hikers can be safe in the backcountry. The course runs for ten weeks and includes four field trips (two one day and two weekend outings). Students learn map and compass navigation skills for competent hiking off-trail, snow travel, rock scrambling techniques, first aid, nutrition and lots more. The course is followed by unforgettable experience backpacking trips, most of which take place in the High Sierra, Sequoia and Yosemite during the summer months.
WTC moves you from being a day hiker to a more serious adventurer. You will acquire skills in trip planning, preparation, equipment and wilderness safety to take you into the backcountry in all seasons, beyond roads and trails with new friends that share your interest in the outdoors.
Again, the course runs only one time each year and takes place in Southern California in four locations as follows: Orange County (Tuesdays beginning Jan 6th) Long Beach/South Bay (Wednesdays beginning January 14th); San Gabriel Valley (Tuesdays beginning Jan 20th); West Los Angeles (Wednesdays beginning Jan 21st)
The four geographic areas fill up well in advance of the class start date so register early.
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER FOR THE COURSE GO TO: http:www.wildernesstravelcourse.org1 attendee
New Year's weekend hike to Bedford Peak
Maple Springs Visitor Center, 31330 Silverado Canyon Road, Silverado, CA, USKick off the new year on a 7.3-mile conditioning hike to Bedford Peak with the Wilderness Travel Course. The hike starts at 7:00 am on Saturday, January 3, 2026, via the Maple Springs Trail. We’ll climb about 2,066 feet and expect the hike to take around 4.5 hours.
From the summit, enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island. On a clear day, you can also see the San Gorgonio Mountains.
We meet at 6:30 am at the Maple Springs Visitor Center. If the gate is open, there’s additional parking at the trailhead. A Forest Adventure Pass or National Park Pass is required for all parked vehicles.
This Sierra Club backcountry outing requires a waiver and a short, signed medical form, available here.
You can also review the waiver here.
Level: Moderate (O)
Signup Instructions: Please fill the RSVP form and sign the waiver.
Bring: 10 essentials, a signed medical form, at least 2 liters of water, snacks, a hat, and sun protection. Wear sturdy shoes suitable for loose, rocky terrain.
Signup Restrictions: This Sierra Club backcountry outing requires a waiver and a short, signed medical form. Bring the form to show your leader and keep it with you during the hike. For your safety and the safety of others, please join us another time if you are feeling unwell.
Carpool: Parking is limited, so arrive early, or consider carpooling.
Note: Carpool transportation is at the sole risk of the participants.
Cancellation Policy: Heavy rain cancels16 attendees
Past events
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