2014 Year End Hiking the Hollywood Sign/Lake/Bat Caves (Levels 2 to 3/Moderate)

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We will have a last Sat hike to end year 2014 at a famous landmark of LA, the Hollywood Sign. We also have a chance to see the Bronson Caves (Bat Caves, lots of movies filmed here) and walk around Lake Hollywood. There are many directions to hike to the Sign. If you are flexible and a condition moderate hiker, join us for a change.

Distance: 6 to 10 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1700-2000 ft
Hike Time: 3-5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Condition: Well maintained trail
Hike Type: Loop, Lollipop and shuttle

Bring: Water, Snacks, Sunscreen and hat

General Rating/Difficulty: Level 2+ (Moderate Pace/Intermediate-Plus) for distance, elevation and pace. Click RATING TABLE (http://files.meetup.com/1554500/RATING%20TABLE.pdf) to learn more about hike levels

About the Hollywood Sign: Los Angeles' most iconic symbol, not to mention the most famous sign in the world. Originally erected in 1923 and then rebuilt in 1979, each letter is 50-feet high and 30-feet wide and the full sign spans 450-feet across the 1,675-foot summit of Mount Lee, overlooking the entire LA basin. Located within Griffith Park, an urban wilderness right in the heart of Hollywood. The hike to the Hollywood Sign trail head sits 8 miles from downtown Los Angeles. The duration of the hike takes place in Griffith Park. This hike starts in Griffith Park and takes you to the top of Mt. Lee behind the fabled Hollywood Sign.

Hollywood land History and 360 degree views, Hollywood,L.A. basin and the San Fernando valley then this is a great hike for you. Standing on top of Mt. Lee really puts the size of the Santa Monica Mountains into perspective with the San Gabriel’s towering over one to the east. This is a rewarding hike because one gets to summit the top and get a work out at the same time. Many locals use this trail to exercise

About the Hike: our hike will have Cahuenga Peak, Mt. Lee, Lake Hollywood and the Bat Caves (Bronson). We will go on Cahuenga Peak via Wonder View Trail (http://www.hikespeak.com/trails/cahuenga-peak-wonder-view-trail/) The Brush Canyon Trail that begins where Canyon Drive becomes unpaved just beyond the lot where you parked your car. Cross the road and follow the short trail up to the Bronson Caves. The largest of these caves is better known as the "Bat Cave", which the Batmobile whooshed out of in the campy sixties TV series http://www.seeing-stars.com/Locations/BronsonCaves.shtml The wide, steep trail rises from the canyon floor, hugging the canyon wall. A stream feeds a thicket of sage, oak and manzanita that recedes as you continue upward. At the top of the hill, you can admire a jetliner view of the city on one side and the valley on the other. Follow the gently winding road to your left which dead-ends in about a mile just above and behind the Hollywood Sign. A fence keeps you at a distance of about twenty feet. Unfortunately you are not allowed to approach any closer nor climb on the letters and you may be cited if you do.

Griffith Park: Trails Map (http://www.losangeleshikingguide.hikesyoucando.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Griffith-Park-Trail-Map.jpg)

CARPOOL LOCATIONS AND DRIVING DIRECTIONS:

ORANGE PARK AND RIDE: meet to leave at 7AM. The intersection of E. Lincoln Ave and North Tustin St, Orange, CA // Frwy 55 & 91(across street with Vons and Bank of America, use this address 2729-2765 N Tustin St, Orange, CA 92865)

FULLERTON PARK AND RIDE: meet to leave at 7:15 AM. The intersection of Orangethorpe Ave and Magnolia Ave, Fullerton, CA // Frwy 5 & 91 (look for the Metro station and use this address 8991 Orangethorpe Ave, Buena Park, CA 90621)

Direction to the trailhead (Canyon Dr): between 8:15-8:20 AM. From the south side of Griffith Park, head north on Canyon Drive from Franklin Avenue. From 101 Frwy, take exit #8B/HOLLYWOOD BLVD - go 0.2 mi Turn Right on HOLLYWOOD BLVD, Turn Right on N BRONSON AVE - go 0.6 mi Bear Left on CANYON DR Once the road enters Griffith Park, it’s stopped by a locked gate at the trailhead. Park in the small lot at the trailhead, along the street, or in the spillover lot just south of the trailhead

To get to the trailhead (Cahuenga Peak): From the 101 Freeway exit on Barham Boulevard and drive north for 1/3 of a mile. Turn right at the light onto Lake Hollywood Drive. Take this winding road for half a mile to the intersection with Wonder View Drive. Park along the street and begin hiking up Wonder View Drive. (If you drive another quarter mile down Lake Hollywood Drive, you will reach the trailhead for Lake Hollywood Reservoir Walking Trail (http://www.hikespeak.com/trails/lake-hollywood-reservoir-loop-los-angeles/).)

REMINDER: By joining the meetup, you agree to Meetup Terms of Service releases the Organizer and Assistant Organizers from any liability related to incidents that occur at Meetup gatherings Hiking is a rewarding and pleasant activity in nature, but there are certain dangers you should be aware of. Those include, but are not limited to, trip and fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak exposure, ticks, mountain lions, coyote, snake bites or wildlife. By signing up for this event, you agree to hold harmless the hike organizer, assistant organizers and other participants for any injuries sustained during this hike > YOU acknowledge THAT WE ARE NOT PROFESSIONALS. > YOU ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR SAFETY***