Special Labyrinth Walk & Urban Hike (6.5 Miles), South Pasadena, Fast Pace

Come join us for a special urban hike and labyrinth walk to bring in the New Year! We'll start at the library in South Pasadena and head to Arlington Gardens in Pasadena where we'll spend some time strolling through this 3-acre, free public garden and walking the peaceful labyrinth to welcome 2026. We'll then continue on our urban hike and follow the trail along the Arroyo Seco. On the way back, we'll head up some nice steep inclines to work off any excess holiday food, etc. Enjoy the scenery and the cool morning air especially after the upcoming rain. NOTE: Before signing up, be sure to review the safety guidelines and policies below, including the 'No Crashing'/'Guests Must Also Sign Up' policy and the 'Timeframe for Cancelling an RSVP/Signup' policy.

LEVEL: Advanced/Fast for speed (approximately 17-18 mins per mile) on the urban hike portion, a few staircases, and some longer street inclines, otherwise moderate plus. For the labyrinth portion, we will be walking slowly through the contemplative path. We are a friendly group that loves to socialize and encourages newcomers, but please note that moderate+ level of cardio fitness and fast walking speed are required.

LENGTH: 6.5 miles, a few staircases, and some long street inclines. Elevation gain is 900ft. Approximately 2:30 hours.

SPEED: Advanced/Fast speed of approximately 17-18 mins per mile on the urban hike portion. For the labyrinth portion, we will be walking slowly through the contemplative path. We will try to take a quick pause to re-group at the top of stairs and steep hills but our regulars like to keep up a good solid fast pace of about 17-18 minutes per mile. There will be no sweep, so bring your phone for navigation just in case you fall behind or want to leave early.

BRING: Exercise outfit, workout shoes, and sufficient water.

MEETING POINT: We will meet at 2:00 pm in front of the South Pasadena Library (1100 Oxley Street, South Pasadena, 91030) for introductions and take off sharply at 2:05 pm.

RESTROOMS: At the library if it's open. None along the way (unless you count any random Port-a-Potties that we might come across along the route).

PARKING: Free street parking around the library area. Parking at your own risk.

'NO CRASHING'/'GUESTS MUST ALSO SIGN UP': All participants MUST sign up through the Meetup app and check in with the leader upon arrival. If someone is a bringing a guest, then that guest MUST also sign up as well through the Meetup app before the hike if space is available. There are NO exceptions. The waitlist, if any, generally clears in order. Members with a good attendance record and a posted picture (LA Hiking Group rule) may get some priority.

CANCELLING AN RSVP/SIGNUP: Space is very limited so please sign up only if you think that you will DEFINITELY make the hike. If folks sign up and then decide that they can't make it, please be sure to change your RSVP to "Not Going" at least 24-36 hours before the scheduled time for the hike in order: (1) allow me to more accurately predict the number of participants on the hike, and (2) allow people on the waitlist to join the hike within a reasonable amount of time of the hike. Waiting until the last minute to cancel (or simply not showing up) is not fair to me and to other LA Hiking members.

PROFILE NAME AND PIC: Be sure to update your profile to indicate at least your first name, and include a picture showing your face, per group policy. This is for your safety and to discourage non-signed-up crashers.

LIABILITY: The organizer is an untrained and unpaid volunteer. By joining this event each member accepts full and total responsibility for knowing their limits, for all injuries and health issues, assessing all risks, for any material losses, for falling behind, and for getting lost. Each member fully releases the host from any and all liability.