Urban Hike -- Barnsdall Park to Chinatown

Approximately 7 to 8 miles from Barnsdall Park in East Hollywood to Chinatown and Union Station. Points of interest en route include a stroll down L. Ron Hubbard Way, dozens of architectural landmarks along Wilshire Blvd. between Western Ave. and Alvarado Blvd., MacArthur Park, Rampart Village (home of the the original and still operating Tommy's hamburger stand), a little known pedestrian tunnel under the Hollywood Freeway, Angelino Heights, Chinatown and Union Station. We will return via the Metro Redline from Union Station to Barnsdall Park and utilize the Redline and Purpleline to skip under about two miles of less interesting urban landscape between L.A. City College and Mid-Wilshire early in the hike.

Bring a $5 bill or several $1 bills to simplify purchasing a TAP card and Metro fare. Wear comfortable footgear as we will be walking on asphalt. We will stop for lunch in Chinatown around 1:00 p.m, only a few blocks from Union Station for those who wish to skip the communal meal. Those of us who eat in Chinatown will arrive at Union Station about 2:00 p.m. and return to Barnsdall Park about 2:30 p.m.

There is plenty of free public parking at Barnsdall Park. We will depart from the stairway at the top of the hill promptly at 8:30 a.m., with or without you. (Don't phone me to say you are "only" 5 minutes away. Park first, then phone, and I will explain where and how you can catch up with the group.) If you take the Metro instead of driving, you can wait for the group on the northwest corner of the intersection of Sunset Blvd. and Vermont Ave. (across the street from the Metro entrance/exit). We will reach that intersection and turn right onto Sunset Blvd. between 8:40 and 8:45 a.m.

My mobile number is 323-354-0168.

Since I limit the number of participants please do not RSVP "Yes" unless you mean it. If you have hiked with me previously, don't hesitate to put your name on the waiting list, as I generally give preference to repeat hikers.

Joining this hike is entirely voluntary and participants assume all associated risks. It is each hiker's responsibility to ensure that s/he is in sufficient fitness and health to participate, with appropriate provisions and equipment. The Los Angeles Hiking Meetup group and the hike organizer make no warranties about the safety or supervision of these activities.