Tuesday Night Trailblaze - "Newbie" Route

It's not easy staying fit and looking good but we feel excellent after each TNT workout!

If you have thought about doing a TNT workout and feel ready to step it up from Intermediate to Advance tonight's workout is a good one to attempt. Although it's a "Newbie" night, the route to Mount Hollywood is always a challenge because the group enjoys a good workout.

So instead of heading straight to that stuffy gym join us for a night out under the stars, marvel at the city lights from high above, and enjoy a TNT workout! The workouts are fast-pace, with short bursts up/down steep sections, and light jogging. The goal is to burn calories, build strength, and increase stamina. Pack light for a fun-rapid pace!

Note it's a workout & the group pushes from start-to-finish.

The Plan: 200 Steps Night! We'll take the Mineral Wells Trails towards the 200-Steps Trail. The initial 2-miles on the MWT consist of small climbs and flats so it's a fast pace to the steps. The 200 Steps Trail makes quads burn and it peaks at Amir's Garden. From AG we'll take the North Trail, followed by the Mount Hollywood Trail, for about another 2-miles to the peak. At the peak we'll catch our breath, enjoy the view, and then descend on the East Ridge Trail to Vista View Point then 5-Points. At 5-Points we'll take the Fern Canyon Trail back to the starting point to finish the 6-mile loop.

Bonus for regulars: climb the south side of Mount Hollywood and/or bag Glendale Peak on the descend

Difficulty: (ADVANCED)
This is NOT a slow pace hike. The difficulty level is NOT for beginner or intermediate hikers. This IS a high intensity workout up/down steep sections with few breaks. You may need to use your hands for balance and leverage on steep trails. The details (time/miles/speed) for the previous 200 Steps workout are below under Distance.

Distance: 4 to 8 miles Gain: 900' to 1800' Time: 1.5 to 2.5 hrs
200 Steps Night: 6.2-miles / 1:54 total time / Avg. Speed Mov. 3.6 mph

Meet up Time:
6:35 PM and START at 6:45pm (sooner if all RSVPs arrive)

Meet Up Spot: Parking Lot #2 (CLICK HERE)
The island by the entrance, east side of the lot, & first row of lights

Recommend:

• Good traction soft-shell hike/trail running shoe
• Water: Hydration system, bottles, or sports drink
• Lightweight layers, rain/wind breaker jacket
• Check weather forecast
• Snack: fruit, Energy Gel, etc.
• Headlamp (best), flashlight
• Cell phone

Optional:

• Small camera
• Trekking Poles
• Gators

Directions
From 134 East Freeway:
EXIT Victory Blvd. go RIGHT and then immediately LEFT on Zoo Drive; Zoo Drive becomes Crystal Springs Road after the zoo. Drive on Crystal Springs Road, cross Griffith Park Dr. and go RIGHT at the first Stop Sign, no street sign, but look for a Merry Go Round signs pointing RIGHT, drive on the road a bit & make a sharp RIGHT into Parking Lot #1, as you enter Lot #1 STAY LEFT, drive to the last aisle, and Go RIGHT toward Parking Lot #2 (lot with lights). Park in or near the lot then walk to the Meet Up Spot (Directions CLICK HERE)

From Los Feliz Boulevard
Driving WEST on Los Feliz Blvd. Make a RIGHT on Riverside Drive into Griffith Park. Go TWO STOP SIGNS and make a LEFT & drive on the road a bit & make a sharp RIGHT turn into a Parking Lot #1, as you enter Lot #1 STAY LEFT, drive to the last aisle, and Go RIGHT towards Parking Lot #2 (lot with lights). Park in or near the lot then walk to the Meet Up Spot (Directions CLICK HERE)

From 5 North Freeway: (from Colorado Street entrance)
EXIT Zoo Drive go RIGHT, go over the freeway, make a LEFT at Zoo Drive; Zoo Dr. becomes Crystal Springs Road just past the zoo. Drive on Crystal Springs Road, cross Griffith Park Dr. and go RIGHT at the first Stop Sign, no street sign, but look for a Merry Go Round signs pointing RIGHT, drive on the road a bit & make a sharp RIGHT into Parking Lot #1, as you enter Lot #1 STAY LEFT, drive to the last aisle, and Go RIGHT toward Parking Lot #2 (lot with lights). Park in or near the lot then walk to the Meet Up Spot (Directions CLICK HERE)

IMPORTANT:
Please ensure that you are in good health before participating in a high intensity activity like this one. My function as an assistant organizer is only to organize the hikes and I assume absolutely no responsibility for you or your guests. By signing up for a hike, or any other event organized by this group, you are acknowledging that you are aware and made your guests aware of the risks, dangers, and hazards associated with any outdoor activity, and you 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.