Signal Hill Stroll
Details
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Not many tall, swaying trees on this route.
But plenty of pump jacks (aka “nodding donkeys”) instead, resembling robotic dinos diving for a drink and pausing for a bit before diving down again.
Make no mistake, though this is an urban trail, it offers plenty of visual treats, from nearly-360° views of the ocean and Queen Mary, the LA-Long Beach harbor complex, the Palos Verdes Peninsula and the Long Beach Airport. The public art, historic markers, and gorgeous greenery we’ll see throughout more than makes up for the fact that it’s not exactly a punishing workout.
Our route isn’t set in stone, but we’ll visit six-to-eight public parks, including Hilltop Park (http://www.letsgoseeit.com/index/county/la/signal_hill/loc01/hilltop_park.htm), where we’ll walk atop an inspiring poem etched into the sidewalk. Here’s the first stanza (join us Saturday to discover the rest!):
Here on this hill
what perspective to see
our world
ourselves
with clarity . . .
We’ll also take in the Panorama Trail, a number of private walkways that meander through the area (and are open to the public during the day) and possibly the Crescent Heights Historical District.
Here’s a link (http://www.cityofsignalhill.org/index.aspx?NID=143) to the Signal Hill Community Services site, which includes images and background on the public art, parks and history of the area. A map of Signal Hill-area trails and a Parks and Public Art brochure are in the Files under the “More” tab above.
Anyone interested in early California history may want to visit the nearby recently-reopened Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch and Gardens (http://rancholosalamitos.com/visit_tour.html) (there’s a free “Conversations in Place” guest lecture Sat. afternoon). Plus, here’s a link (http://www.visitlongbeach.com/) to the CVB if you want to check out more current attractions.
Thanks to member Michael K., who inspired us to check this out.
Rain Saturday morning cancels; check this site before you leave if you’re unsure.
STATS
Level:Beginner
Gain: ~ 300 ft.
Distance:~ 4+ miles
Time: ~2 to 2-1/2 hours
# of Active Pump Jacks: We may have a contest to guestimate
Type:Manicured trail, paved sidewalks/streets
Dogs: Permitted on leash
Water: Drinking fountains available at several parks enroute
Restrooms: Available in Discovery Well Park at Hill and Temple Streets (straight west of parking area on lower Hill)
Parking: Free street parking on Hill or Obispo. You may also park in the lot at Discovery Well Park and walk back down the hill to our starting point.
Bring:Hat, sunscreen (trail is exposed), water and some snacks to share. Tennis shoes or trail runners are fine for the surfaces we’ll be walking on.
DIRECTIONS
From the San Diego Fwy (405) in Long Beach, take the Cherry Ave./Signal Hill exit. Proceed south on Cherry ½ mile to Willow and turn Left/East ½ mile to Redondo. Turn Right/south on Redondo to Hill, and right on Hill. Look for street parking and we’ll meet at the base of the hill at the Northwest corner of Hill and Obispo.
Come a few minutes early to warm up and stretch.
Shawn’s mobile: 213/308-7372
The Organizer, Assistant Organizers and event hosts in this group are not professional guides. The function of the organizer is only to organize the trip. Each person who signs up for a trip/meetup/ or outing is responsible for his or her own safety and the safety of his or her guests. By signing up for a hike, or any other event organized by this group, you are acknowledging that you are aware and have made your guests aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with any outdoor activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge the Organizer, Assistant Organizers and event hosts of this Meetup Group from and against any and all liability arising from your and your guest's participation in the group activities.