Tuesday Night Trailblaze

It's fall so the desire to stay in the cave and put on a few extra lbs for the winter is easy. Instead join us on a TNT power-hike and stay fit year around! The workouts are fast-pace, with short bursts up/down steep sections, and light jogging. Be prepared to burn calories, build strength, and increase stamina. Pack light for a rapid pace hike!

Note it's a workout and pushing yourself from start-to-finish is the purpose.

The plan: Head towards Amir's Garden on the Mineral Wells Trail (west) and maintain an energetic pace up and down the small hills for about 1-mile. Then the 200 steps up to the garden, no stop until the top, burn-burn-burn!

From the garden head down & continue west on the MWT for about 3/10 of a mile and then begin a steep climb up a paved road. It's a short climb, push hard! When the road levels go east towards AG and pick up the North Trail then the Mt. Hollywood Trail heading to Mt Hollywood.

Enjoy the view for a few before heading back on the East Ridge Trail towards Vista View Point. From Vista hop on the ET Trail to 5-Points and then the Fern Canyon Trail to the parking lots. It's about a 7-mile loop.

Difficulty: (ADVANCED)
This is NOT a slow pace hike. The difficulty level is NOT for beginner or intermediate hikers. This IS a high intensity workout hike up/down steep sections with few breaks. You will use your hands to grab and hoist up/down at times. You must already be well conditioned before attempting a TNT power-hike.

Distance: 5 to 7 miles Gain: 900' to 1800' Time: 1.5 to 2.5 hrs

Meet up Time:
6:40 PM and START at 6:50pm (sooner if all RSVPs arrive)

Meet Up Spot: The sidewalk between parking Lot #1 & Lot #2(green arrow, CLICK HERE) The Merry Go Round is located NE and just down a hill from here.

Recommend:

• Good traction soft-shell hike/trail running shoe
• Water: Hydration system, bottles, or sports drink
• Lightweight layer, rain/wind breaker jacket
• Snack: fruit, Energy Gel, gorp
• Headlamp (best), flashlight
• Cell phone

Optional:

• Small camera
• Trekking Poles
• Gators

Direction to Parking Lot #2 & Meet Up Spot
From 134 Freeway:
(Note: Griffith Park Dr. is a dark single lane route; Los Felix Blvd may be an easier route)
EXIT Forest Lawn Dr (If driving Westbound go straight, from Eastbound go Right). Go LEFT on Zoo Drive Go RIGHT on Griffith Park Drive Road weaves through Griffith Park for about 3-miles Go RIGHT on Crystal Springs Road Go RIGHT at next Stop Sign, no street sign, but look for a Merry Go Round signs pointing RIGHT, drive on the road a bit & make a sharp RIGHT into Parking Lot #1, as you enter Lot #1 STAY LEFT, drive to the last aisle, and Go RIGHT toward Parking Lot #2 (lot with lights). You should see the Meet Up Spot (Click Here; green arrow marks the spot) on the right as you drive from Lot #1 to Lot #2. Park & then walk to the sidewalk.

From Los Feliz Boulevard
Driving WEST on Los Feliz Blvd. Make a RIGHT on Riverside Drive into Griffith Park. Go TWO STOP SIGNS and make a LEFT & drive on the road a bit & make a sharp RIGHT turn into a Parking Lot #1, as you enter Lot #1 STAY LEFT, drive to the last aisle, and Go RIGHT towards Parking Lot #2 (lot with lights). You should see the Meet Up Spot (Click Here; green arrow marks the spot) on the right as you drive from Lot #1 to Lot #2. Park & then walk to the sidewalk.

IMPORTANT:
Please ensure that you are in good health before participating in a high intensity activity like this one. My function as an assistant organizer is only to organize the hikes and I assume absolutely no responsibility for you or your guests. By signing up for a hike, or any other event organized by this group, you are acknowledging that you are aware and made your guests aware of the risks, dangers, and hazards associated with any outdoor activity, and you accept, and fully assume all such risks, dangers, and hazards, and further agree to release, and discharge the Organizer, Assistant Organizers, and event hosts of this Meetup Group from, and against any, and all liability arising from your and your guest's participation in the group activities.