Labor Day Urban Hike w/ Stairs in Beachwood (Hollywood), Level: Moderate+

Let's start the holiday with a great workout by exploring unique parts of town and by meeting friends, old and new! We'll do a beautiful urban hike in the historic area of Beachwood.

We will meet two blocks above Franklin Village and head towards the upscale hill areas of Beachwood Canyon and Hollywoodland via long staircases and winding roads. The second half will be mostly downhill taking us on a pretty trail above the Hollywood Reservoir. We will get to enjoy lots of natural greenery and interesting architecture including glimpses of several castles and mansions. The views are pretty spectacular and include the Hollywood sign, DTLA and the canyon.

LEVEL: Intermediate PLUS for speed, length and some of the staircases. We love to socialize and encourage newcomers, but please note that moderate+ level cardio fitness and walking speed are required.

LENGTH: 6.7miles, 7 long stair cases up and 4 down + moderately steep, long uphill roads. The elevation gain is 1150ft, but stairs make it harder than it sounds. +/- 2 1/2h.

SPEED: Workout speed; we are faster than most moderate hikes, but below advanced. We'll take a short pause to re-group at the top of the stairs and the steepest hills. There will be no sweep; bring a phone for navigation just in case you want to leave early.

BRING: Exercise outfit, workout shoes (no hiking shoes needed as the two trail sections are not steep), sunscreen and water. Dogs are not allowed on the trail section.

RESTROOMS: There is a Gelson's two blocks south of our meeting spot. We'll pause at the port-a-potties at Hollywood Reservoir at the half point of the hike.

MEETING POINT: We meet at the corner of N. Bronson Ave. and Canyon Dr. ( a small traffic circle) at 8.00am for introductions and take off sharply at 8.05am. (If anyone is arriving a few minutes late you can skip the first part of the hike and drive up to the intersection of Hollyridge Dr. and Graciosa Dr., (either intersection is fine), but finding the spot and parking will be easier at the official meeting point.)

PLEASE NO CRASHING: Urban hikes do not work well with large groups, so, unfortunately, I have to limit the group size. I "overbook" events in anticipation of some last-minute dropouts, so you cannot count on the availability of those spots. Waitlist, if needed, generally clears in order, but priority may be given to members with good attendance records and a posted picture (LA Hiking group rule).

LIABILITY: The organizer is an uncompensated and untrained volunteer. By joining this event each member accepts full responsibility for knowing their limits, for all injuries, medical issues, assessing safety concerns, material losses and for getting lost. Each member shall release the organizer from all liability and have their guests accept these policies, also.