Urban Hike-Mt Washington, Elyria Canyon & Kite Hill

Join us at 6:00 pm for the long-awaited return to Elyria Canyon and Kite Hill in charming Mt. Washington! Now that we have sprung forward, let’s enjoy a special area of MoWa that makes you feel like you are out of the city. Elyria Canyon has pretty trails right now with lots of natural greenery all around. We will also climb the usual STAIRCASES going UP, and also a short hike up Kite Hill.

The trail going up Kite Hill is somewhat steep and consists of 2 parts. Part 1 is dirt, about 2-3ish minutes, and you can take a quick break at the top before continuing up. Part 2 is about 5ish minutes or so, and it is a mix of dirt and rock but no scrambling is involved. Elyria also has a steep slope but it's not as steep as Kite Hill.

TIPS: Wear comfortable shoes with good tread and grip. Poles are optional. I didn’t use poles on the trails but if you want to bring them that is fine. The rest of the hike is on asphalt. Right now the trails are surrounded by overgrown grass/plants so if you are sensitive to plants where pants instead of shorts, and/or long socks.

This hike is moderate-fast-paced level. Not for beginners. The goal is to finish by 8:00 pm.

More TIPS/NOTES: It will be DARK when we finish so feel free to bring a flashlight or use your phone. Lights are helpful so that drivers can see us. Some of the streets have no sidewalks, so we will walk on the street. When a car approaches, we yell out CAR! That is our safety cue for EVERYONE to move to the side of the road and walk SINGLE FILE so that the car can pass through.

LEVEL: Moderate Plus for FAST pace, hills and long staircases. Our pace is fast, to the point where we are out of breath. We have to keep the pace in order to finish by the posted end time. We will pause briefly at top of hills and stairs to regroup, drink water, and to pet doggies.
--This is not a beginner hike. You are welcome to join and try if you are not sure. However, if you find that you are struggling to keep up with the group, you will have to explore or get back --on your own. We keep a certain pace so that we can finish by the time posted. There is no "sweep" or volunteer, to accompany or stay behind with folks who get separated.
LENGTH: appx 5 miles, 2 hours or maybe a little over.
BRING: exercise clothes (recommend pants if you are sensitive to plants), workout shoes with good traction and tread. The majority of the hike is on asphalt and concrete. Dirt trail portion is short. Poles optional, sunscreen, flashlight, water, phone with GPS in case u want to leave early, bug repellant?
MEETUP SPOT: Aragon Avenue Elementary School, 1118 Aragon, Los Angeles 90065. By the steps to the main entrance near the flagpole
MEETUP TIME: 6:00 pm sharp. We have quick introductions and leave promptly at 6:05.
PARKING: Along Aragon, Loosmore, or Roseview
RESTROOMS--- ARRIVE EARLIER IF YOU NEED TO USE THE RESTROOMS-- please give yourself EXTRA time to park and walk to the restroom before the hike. Restrooms are at the Cypress Park Library located on Cypress Ave near Loosmore. Give yourself appx 20 minutes to park and walk to the library and be back by 6:00 pm. Or more time if you don't want to rush. Porta-potties are an option if we see any.
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, health issues, material losses, assessing all risks and for getting lost. Each member shall make their guests aware of these policies and releases the host from all liability.