Baldwin Hills Ridgeline loop hike, plus optional garlic-fest at Gaby's

Take 2 hours --we get a 360 degree view from Downtown L.A. to Malibu to Palos Verdes and can watch the sunset.

MEET: Lots of cool people

MEET WHERE? at the Kenneth Hahn park--at the top of the Baldwin Hills.

FREEWAY DIRECTIONS: the closest freeway to this hike is the 10. Take the La Cienega Blvd offramp and go south 1 mile past the Target store (south of the Target store, La Cienega turns into a freeway with limited exits and no way to make a u-turn) Continue to the park entrance at the first bridge over La Cienega. You will see a big sign saying "Kenneth Hahn park". Get in the right lane on La Cienega to exit onto the ramp to the bridge. Turn left at the top of the bridge. Continue into the park past the little parking fee shack. Do not pay to park (only required on weekends and holidays.) We will park at the first lot on the left after entering the park--there is a sign saying "Olympic Forest". Park in the first spaces you see ofter the "Olympic Forest" sign. The trail is located on the ridgeline to the east

DINNER: after hike-- AT GABY'S EXPRESS, (MEDITERRANEAN Chicken, beef and vegetarian), lots of garlic sauce if you like it. LOCATED AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF LA CIENEGA AND WASHINGTON BLVD. (2901 La Cienega, which is 1/2 mile north of the hiking spot) http://www.gabysexpress.com/

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A LITTLE HISTORY: SEE THE VIDEOS OF THE BALDWIN HILLS DAM BURSTING ON DECEMBER 14, 1963

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIeNM8cm6J8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjfa-c8KUDw

PART OF OUR TRAIL LOOPS AROUND THE FORMER L.A. CITY RESERVOIR

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DIFFICULTY: Easy, 200 feet maximum elevation gain on a civilized trail. Lots of restrooms and water fountains.

PARKING: free. (except weekends and holidays)

DOGS: are allowed in the park on a leash

BRING WATER, COMFORTABLE SHOES, MAYBE A HAT IF IT'S HOT...

ALSO, CHECK OUT MY CALENDAR COMPILING ALL MEETUP HIKES IN THE LA AREA: http://LAmeetuphikes.com

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(photo by Puck)

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/9/3/d/event_25427421.jpeg

PRINTABLE MAPS OF TRAILS AND WHERE TO PARK:

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/6/f/9/highres_35866841.jpeg

http://photos1.meetup... (http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/4/c/1/highres_17837601.jpeg)