Backpacking Los Angeles
Explore Los Angeles backpacking communities
Urban Hike, Mt Washington & Eldred Stairs, Moderate + +
Fri, Sep 11, 1:00 AMUPDATE re: Heat-The hills in Mt Washington will be our shady friends. Not the bad shady. The good shady, which means the route will be shady. Yayyy! Join us **AT 6:00 PM** for a challenging urban hike that will take us thru some long and steep residential hills, plus famous Eldred Street and stairs. With a grade of 33%, Eldred is one of the steepest street in Los Angeles and the third steepest street in the US. We will also conquer appx 5 staircases, all going UP, including the Eldred St Stairs. We will also take a short trek through Moon Cyn! **LEVEL**: Moderate ++ for brisk pace, STEEP hills and long staircases. Not for beginners. We maintain certain speed in order to finish on time. We will pause briefly at top of hills and stairs to regroup; and to pet doggies. \*\*Important Note: You must be able to keep up with the group (see LEVEL above). If you are not sure, you are more than welcome to join us and give it a try. If you find that you aren't able to keep up, you can use your GPS to get back to the start or walk around - on your own. There is no "sweep"- which means we do not have a volunteer or designee to wait for others to catch up.\*We have to maintain the pace in order to finish on time. **LENGTH**: appx 5.25 miles, 2 hours. **BRING**: Flashlight, water, exercise clothes, workout shoes with good grip, phone with GPS in case u separate from the group, bug repellant? There are 2 short single track trails but most of the hiking is on asphalt and concrete. **MEETUP ADDRESS**: Southwest Museum of the American Indian, 234 Museum Drive, Los Angeles, CA (not Friends of the SWM). You may have to Google directions manually as the Meetup link might not work properl. \*\*MEETUP TIME: \*\***6:00 pm sharp**. We have quick introductions and leave promptly at 6:05. We finish around 8:00 pm. **PARKING**: FREE Street parking along Museum Dr and Marmion Way. **RESTROOMS**: None at the start. Arrive early and go to Superior Grocers on Figueroa and W Ave 45, then drive to the Meetup location. Possible restroom halfway through IF the rec center is open. Also construction porta-potties if we see any. **WATER fountain break**: Quick stop at the rec center roughly halfway through the hike. **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.
Urban Hike with Stairs in Beachwood (Hollywood), Level: Moderate+
Sun, Sep 13, 4:00 PMJoin us for a great workout to explore unique parts of town and to meet new people! We'll do a beautiful urban hike in the historic area of Beachwood. We will meet two blocks above Franklin Village and head towards the upscale hill areas of Beachwood Canyon and Hollywoodland via long staircases and winding roads. The second half will be mostly downhill taking us on a pretty trail above the Hollywood Reservoir. We will get to enjoy lots of natural greenery and interesting architecture including glimpses of several castles and mansions. The views are pretty spectacular and include the Hollywood sign, DTLA and the canyon. **LEVEL**: Intermediate PLUS for speed, length and some of the staircases. We love to socialize and encourage newcomers, but please note that moderate+ level cardio fitness and walking speed are required. **LENGTH**: 6.7miles, 7 long stair cases up and 4 down + moderately steep, long uphill roads. The elevation gain is 1150ft, but stairs make it harder than it sounds. +/- 2 1/2h. **SPEED**: Workout speed; we are faster than moderate hikes, but still below advanced. We'll take a short pause to re-group at the top of the stairs and the steepest hills. There will be no sweep; bring a phone for navigation just in case you want to leave early. **BRING**: Exercise outfit, workout shoes (no hiking shoes needed as the two trail sections are not steep), sunscreen and water. Dogs are not allowed on the trail section. **RESTROOMS**: There is a Gelson's two blocks south of our meeting spot. We'll pause at the port-a-potties at Hollywood Reservoir at the half point of the hike. **MEETING POINT**: We meet at the corner of N. Bronson Ave. and Canyon Dr. ( a small traffic circle) at 9.00 am for introductions and take off sharply at 9.05 am. (If anyone is arriving a few minutes late you can skip the first part of the hike and drive up to the intersection of Hollyridge Dr. and Graciosa Dr., (either intersection is fine), but finding the spot and parking will be easier at the official meeting point.) **PLEASE NO CRASHING**: Urban hikes do not work well with large groups, so, unfortunately, I have to limit the group size. I "overbook" events in anticipation of some last-minute dropouts, so you cannot count on the availability of those spots. Waitlist, if needed, generally clears in order, but priority may be given to members with good attendance records and a posted picture (LA Hiking group rule). **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, medical issues, assessing safety concerns, material losses and for getting lost. Each member shall release the organizer from all liability and have their guests accept these policies, also.
Perfect Weather Hike in Griffith Park! ☀️🙋🏻♀️ 🙋 🙋🏽♂️
Sat, Sep 12, 4:00 PMCome join the Perfect Weather Hike in Griffith Park every Saturday (location or route varies). Join us on this friendly social hike, with optional plank challenge at the helipad. Followed by optional lunch at the Village Bakery and cafe. Trail Is a roughly a 4.5 mile 10,000 step loop on mostly fire roads. Distance varies depending on trail variations. We’ll have views across the city to the Pacific Ocean, Griffith Observatory, downtown LA... Moderate pace with Tiffany on the main fire roads or faster pace on advanced inclines with Marvin and Gary. Route varies: Cadman trail to 5-Points, Beacon Hill, Helipad, Glendale Peak, often Cedar Grove and back to the cars. Steady incline approx 700ft elevation gain in the first hour - challenging for beginners but worth it! We’ll gather at each split in the trail to make sure all are accounted for. Dog friendly 🐕. Just remember there are coyotes in the park. Rattlesnake season! 🐍 They like to sun on the trails. Do not approach and steer clear if any are on the path. Meet after at Village Bakery and Cafe 3119 Los Feliz Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039 Like all meetups, hike at your own risk. You are responsible for your own well-being. Please bring water, wear sunscreen and proper shoes. Facebook group https://m.facebook.com/groups/1608982546701615/?ref=share&mibextid=S66gvF This is a residential neighborhood. There is NO restroom on this hike. The nearest is at the Griffith park Southern Railway by the Griffith Park Cafe on Crystal Springs Drive. If you arrive early, It’s a 15 minute roundtrip walk to the restroom. Hike will be cancelled in the event of rain and soggy trails or severe heat advisories.
Meetup on Orient Express. Autumn in Paris Venice Prague Vienna Budapest Istanbul
Mon, Sep 21, 2:00 AMThe Orient Express. . . you heard about it many times. The romance, the mystery, the adventure! Of course - the opulence too! ***While the original Orient Express train is now part of history, our journey revives its spirit—crossing Europe from Paris to Istanbul, echoing the legendary route that once defined luxury rail travel.*** This experience brings back the magic of the rails—without the inflated cost of old-world extravagance. Instead, we focus on service, comfort, and contemporary refinement, blending iconic train travel with thoughtfully curated experiences. We retrace the route of the original Orient Express using a mix of **modern night trains, high-speed day trains, and select short flights**, creating a seamless and unforgettable journey. Our route takes us to: Paris → Venice → Vienna → Prague → Budapest → Istanbul Included: * Train transportation between 4 cities. * 2 nights on an actual night train with sleeping compartment * Air transportation Paris / Venice and Budapest / Istanbul * 11 nights in First Class hotels with best central locations * Daily breakfast + select lunches and dinners * All transfers (hotels, train stations, airports) * Guided tours in every city * Entrances to many museums. * And more thoughtful touches throughout the journey We travel as a group, and also have the flexibility of hop-on, hop-off tours and museum passes with "skip the line" so you can enjoy complete independence. The trip is designed for curious, like-minded travelers who value both freedom and shared experiences. It is all included in the price! You are free to do your own thing, cater to your special interests, visit other sights and locations in the cities, while still being guided and helped with all the arrangements. A balance of independence when you want it and being included in all group activities when you prefer it. The idea is: come alone, meet new like-minded people and make lifelong memories . . . without being stuck with the "one size fits all" tour formula. Here is a basic thumbnail: · **Paris – 3 nights** Evening flight to Venice · **Venice – 1 night** Night train to Vienna · **Vienna – 1 night** Evening train to Prague · **Prague – 2 nights** Night train to Budapest · **Budapest – 1 night** Evening flight to Istanbul · **Istanbul – 3 nights**. Sleeper Cabins on the trains and First Class centrally located hotels in each city. ***What was The Orient Express?*** *It was long-distance passenger train service that began in 1883 with the original endpoints being Paris to Istanbul. The original name became synonymous with intrigue and was a showcase of luxury with comfort at a time when traveling was still rough and dangerous.* *In Istanbul the Pera Palace Hotel, built in 1892, was the accommodation at the terminus. And we are staying in it!* ***The original Orient Express ceased operation in 1977 and we are not using the original old train. It no longer exists.*** EVERY aspect of this trip is epic. * Visit picturesque and storied cities. * Enjoy trains and experience the enchantment of the rails. * In the end you will have visited 6 countries: France, Italy, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary and Turkey! **The tour starts in Paris on Sep 20 and ends in Istanbul on Oct 03.** ***$5490 total cost per person, double occupancy.*** ***$7090 total cost for solo occupancy.*** PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE AIRFARE. This allows for your flexibility and convenience. We are happy to give you an airfare quote. **To attend: $500 deposit. [CLICK HERE for a Secure Deposit Link](https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/FXWZ8KNQ95EFJ)** Your Deposit is Fully refundable to 90 days before the event (less any PayPal fees). Final payment due 60 days before departure. [CLICK HERE](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8) To receive detailed itinerary and inclusions. [CLICK HERE ](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/281542406/)for the main link for this event RSVP there to get notice on any conversations or discussions. AND/OR if you have questions? [CLICK HERE](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062) to Direct Message to Anna [CLICK HERE](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=273063881) to Direct Message to Marc AND/OR We do a[ ](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/284794370/)**[Zoom Q & A ( CLICK HERE to RSVP on the Q& A zoom)](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/287318466/).** Come to the zoom, ask any questions and meet other attendees. Great way to get the info you want without all the other fluff. We believe in good decent social. We have a set of sister groups we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events too. [CLICK HERE](https://www.meetup.com/ccccc-c/events/)[ ](https://www.meetup.com/ccccc-c/)to see all our other fun and social meetup events. SOT 200318-10 ***Live the adventure instead of only dreaming it!***
Griffith Park Hike to Cedar Grove
Wed, Sep 16, 1:30 AMThis hike is 4.6 miles/1224 ft ascent is known to the regulars as the "backyard hike" and it is NOT a Beginner Hike. Most of the elevation gain is in a short period of time. The trail on the steep ascent is hard to find, so a little bit of adventure is required for this hike. This hike is 120 minutes and NO ANIMALS ALLOWED Legend for hikes: These hikes run year 'round every Tuesday. In the leader's (subjective) mind, the hikes are generally easiest the first Tuesday of the month and most challenging the last Tuesday of the month, with everything progressive in between. Beginners are encouraged to come to the first Tuesday of the month. Beginners will receive doses of encouragement the second Tuesday of the month to keep up if unable. The 3-4-5 Tuesday's of the month it is expected anyone that can't keep up with the leader will turn back The fine print: Wildlife (snakes, bobcats, mountain lions etc) seen in the park, be aware of your surroundings and stay alert at all times. Bring Along: Hiking boots and at least 1 Liter Water. Layered clothing in case it's cold. Long pants in case it's hot, to prevent being bitten by insects. Mosquito and tic spray (available at REI) are recommended. No bright (white) flashlights. Red, Blue flashlights are OK. If you get to the lot after we meet, Sierra Club hikes start at 7:00PM on the opposite end of the lot. We do start ON TIME, no matter how much traffic is on the freeways, inside the park, including if our parking lots are being used by movie crews. Allow yourself enough time for any unexpected surprises. From 134 Freeway: (Note, if you are not familiar with Griffith Park Drive, this is a dark single lane route. You are better off taking I5 directions) Exit Forest Lawn. (If coming from Westbound go straight, from Eastbound, Go Right). Make a left on Zoo Drive. Make a right hand turn on Griffith Park Drive. Road weaves through Griffith Park. Continue on road until you hit Crystal Springs Road. Make a right hand turn on Crystal Springs. There's no street sign at the next stop sign. Look for the sign in the median stating "Merry-Go-Round Parking" with an arrow, follow the arrow. Continue up the road. The road forces you to make a sharp right hand turn into a parking lot, this is Lot 1. Go through the parking lot. You'll hit a small dark road (it's lit if it's daylight savings time) which will take you to Parking Lot 2. This is the parking lot where we meet. We meet next to the driveway that takes you down to parking Lot 3. From Interstate 5 (either direction) Go West on Los Feliz. Make a right on Riverside drive into Griffith Park. Go two stop signs and make a left turn. Continue up the road. The road forces you to make a sharp right hand turn into a parking lot. Go through the parking lot. You'll hit a small dark road (it's lit if it's daylight savings time) for a short period of time, followed by a brightly lit lot. Park in the back of the lot (the part you entered in). Meet at the back of the lot, where the driveway to the lower part of the lot is. It's close to the "No Practice Driving Allowed" sign is. Where to meet: If you know the park well, it is Merry Go Round Lot #2, just at the path to the lower lot. (http://angeles.sierraclub.org/griffith/griffith_park_map.html) If you'd like a visual, here is a map. (http://angeles.sierraclub.org/griffith/griffith_park_map.html) CLICK (http://files.meetup.com/262967/PL#2.jpg) for Visual Map of Driving Directions from Ranger Station Put these coordinates in google maps for exact directions from your location: 34.133525,-118.284731
Red Rock Canyon & Valley Of Fire!! The Halloween Replacement Event
Fri, Oct 30, 9:00 PMValley Of Fire is stunning! Red Rock is equally so. **And we get to camp and then explore both.** ***Easy Camping!! Perfect for First-Timers*** [CLICK HERE](https://photos.app.goo.gl/56TXCjGkuWDfRYYf9) to see from when we have gone before. If you have not heard of either Valley Of Fire or Red Rock Conservation Area. . . that's because they are outside of California. We have so much here that we often can overlook what is right next-door and still super close. The other reason you may not of heard of them . . . Valley of Fire is a Nevada State Park and not a National Park. State Parks are assumed to not be as good as National Parks. And that's not true!!! Red Rock is a National Conservation Area . . . again . . . assumed to not be as good since not designated as National Park . . . yet. The reality is BOTH are stunning. And the designations make them more accessible. * Valley Of Fire has "The Fire Wave." Similar "The Wave" in UT. It also has * Pastel Slot Canyon * The Dome-lands (another slot there too) * Rainbow Vista Trail * Fire Canyon Overlook * Petroglyph Canyon (yes!!! Petroglyphs!!) * Atlatl Rock * Arch Rock * Pinnacles Trail (for the adventurous). And we are likely to see some or all of these: * Bighorn sheep * Jackrabbits * Coyotes * Kit Foxes * Lizards * Iguanas * Tortoises ***About this event:*** This event is tent camping (not RV or Van). You do need to provide your own gear and food. (more on that down below). We are staying outside of Red Rock on a private non-federal, non-blm site. The general itinerary/ schedule is: Fri- Arrive when you can. Anytime AFTER 2PM. People will be arriving up to midnight. I will be away to greet you and show you where to go. Along with whoever else is at the campfire at that time. Sat- Valley Of Fire - - This is the main fun. * Drive Mouse’s Tank Road towards Fire Wave and take lots of photos along the way. * Now to our main hike. We will get there early before the crowds. We will do a loop of four hikes together. Fire Wave, Pink Pastel Slot Cyn, Domes Slot, White Domes. They call it the 7 wonders loop. I do not know what the other three wonders are. * After that we make it to Fire Cyn Vista (this is a view only) * Then two short hikes of Rainbow Vista trail (this has natural arches) * & Mouse's Tank trial. This has 2000 year old petroglyphs all along the canyon walls. * A quick zip to Atlatl Rock (more petroglyphs). * Pinnacles Trail is an option for those that want more dirt on their shoes. * And lastly visit the Beehives and take tons more pix there. * Elephant Rock is also an option to drive to. * Get back to camp and we have a fab campfire all nite. Sunday Schedule will be Red Rock Cyn. * Easy vista points and viewpoint stops. * Medium (two or three smaller hikes) * Hard hike (for the hardcore among us. * We will break to groups accordingly by who wants to do what. * Get back to camp and we have a fab campfire all nite. Monday: Head home. * For those only staying Sat & Sun eve. Simply pack up Sun AM and do Red Rock with us and then continue home. **Time of year:** BOTH Valley of Fire and Red Rock Nat Rec Area are MISERABLE in summer. For this time of year . . . Daytime high will get up to 70 degrees. Perfect for hikes. Nighttime low will get to around 45 degrees. Just bring some extra blankets and you will fine. Another benefit of the time of year . . it's Halloween!!! RSVP does not guarantee your spot. Payment is the only way to secure you place. **[Click Here for Payment Link](https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/RXQZCKMFT6T9S) https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/RXQZCKMFT6T9S** **Question: When do I have to pay by?** * The event is limited in size. * Our events always fill up. And with lower limit . . . it will fill faster. * When it fills the payment link is removed. If you did not pay you are not attending. * The short answer is pay now to 100% secure your spot. * Refunds issued up to 2 weeks before event start date. So you have till the start of Jan to cancel. * If cancel less than two weeks notice and receive 100% credit towards a future event. **Question: What if I stay two nights. Is it less?** No. But since we have for Sun night you can stay as late as you want on Sunday before packing up. It gives us flexibility. Why not stay till Mon? **Questions . . .** *Dogs?* This is a very dog friendly trip. Dogs OK on the trails and in camp and on the trails. Dogs must be on leash at all times. *Kids?* Kids are OK in camp and on the trails. Under 10 is no charge. 11 to 18 is 1/2 price. Leash is optional. *Carpool?* We help facilitate carpools for attendees. [Carpool info](https://www.meetup.com/MoreToExplore/events/282458970/)
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