Urban Hike-Mt Washington, Moderate + + pace

Hike Mt Washington, Saturday at 9:00 am.
Moderate + + pace for stairs and hills. Not for beginners. We have to keep a certain pace in order for the group to finish on time.

Some highlights of this fun and unique urban day hike include:
Hills and some challenging staircases all going UP
A short trek through Elyria Cyn
A brief visit to the International Headquarters of Self-Realization Fellowship
A hike down Mt. Washington Drive
A short climb up Kite Hill for beautiful views of the area
OPTIONAL: Post-hike coffee/refreshments at local mom & pop shops on Cypress Ave (Cafe Antoinette, 1802 Roasters, Poppy Market, Cypress Liquor, Loquat coffee)

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 Cyn 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. Currently the trails are surrounded by overgrown grass/plants so if you are sensitive to plants wear pants instead of shorts, and/or long socks.

More TIPS/NOTES: 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 ++ for challenging hills and stairs. 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: min. 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, hat, 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: 9:00 am sharp. We have quick introductions and leave promptly at 9:05.
PARKING: Along Aragon, Loosmore, or Roseview
RESTROOMS--- ARRIVE EARLIER IF YOU NEED TO GO RESTROOMS-- Cypress Park library (give yourself 20 extra minutes before the hike), Rec Center if it is open, Fellowship Center, Porta-potties are an option if we see any.
WATER: At the rec center and at the Fellowship center
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.