Backpacking Los Angeles

Come 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 vista viewpoint / helipad. Followed by optional breakfast/lunch at the Village Bakery and Cafe. Moderate hike on the main fire roads with Tiffany or option for advanced inclines with Gary. 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. As well as North East over Brubank and Glandale Core Loop: Cadman trail to 5-Points (Approx 1 mile, 25 minutes, 475ft elevation gain), Beacon Hill option, Helipad/ Vista Viewpoint (Approx .5 mile 150ft elevation gain), Glendale Peak option, Cedar Grove loop, down Commonwealth and through neighborhood back to the cars. Via Cromwell (mild incline) or option Via Parva past Disney House (steep). 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 and rattlesnakes (summer) in the park. Meet afterwards 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 Meeting point is in a residential neighborhood with street parking. 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.

14 attendees

CA Del Sol Happy Hour! This is a pre happy hour before our 7 pm Halloween walk

Mon, Oct 19, 11:30 PM

Either extend your weekend or start your new week off right !!!! We will be doing a short less than 1 mile walk to enjoy CA Del Sol happy hour on Cahuenga . We did this event a few times and it was a fun event . Bring as many 5 dollar bills as you like as this is what the online menu states is the price for the happy hour items. This is a pay your own event . Restaurant likes to do one group tab so bringing cash for your share is easiest . Great short social event for first timers. Initially walking to happy hour from north weddington at 4:30 . We will be at restaurant from 5:00 to 630 then walking back to park to start 7 pm halloween walk . If running late you can meet us at restaurant during the 5 to 6:30 window . We will be starting this happy hour and the regular walk from park location . Join us for one or both events

30 attendees

Wildwood Cyn/Vital LinkTrail in Burbank, Level Intermediate

Sun, Oct 18, 12:00 AM

From " ᗰᗝᖇᗴ 丅ᗝ ᗴ᙭ᑭᒪᗝᖇᗴ " Journeys/Adventure/Travel Near & Far !

Join us this Saturday as the sun goes down to hike the Vital Link Trail in the Wildwood Cyn area of Burbank. The weather forecast calls for partly cloudy. This is NOT a beginner hike. The climb up is about 3 challenging miles, with some very steep portions and switchbacks and roughly 1780 feet of elevation gain. Mostly single track on the way up, and fire road on the way back. We meet by Hilltop/DeBell Restaurant in the Debell Golf course area. Free street parking and parking lot (always read parking signs). Restrooms and water at the start. From the restaurant, we will warm up with a short walk along the golf course before we get to the trailhead. My pace will be moderate, and most likely I will slow down a little bit on the second half of the trail as we gain higher elevation. Others may go fast, and that is ok as long as they feel comfortable hiking on their own. We will go at a brisk pace on the way down on the fire road. We will take a brief break at the top to enjoy the views and a quick snack. At the top, we take the fire roads down hill and along Stough Cyn back to the cars. This hike is labeled **intermediate** and includes steep trail going up with about roughly 1780 feet elevation gain. Please check All Trails for more details about the trail. We will take a few quick pauses along the second half of the trail to catch our breath and drink water and to regroup. You must be able to keep up with the group. There is no sweep. If you are falling behind or if it is too hard, you can turn back and walk along the shady road near the trailhead. Please read everything below. Thank you!! **LEVEL**: Intermediate for steep hills and elevation gain, appx 1780 feet. We will take a few quick breaks along the way for water and to catch our breath. **LENGTH**: appx 6.5 miles, appx 3 hours. **BRING**: exercise clothes, hiking shoes with good tread, poles if you want, sun hat, snack, sunscreen, water or electrolyte water, phone with GPS in case u want to leave early, bug repellant? **MEETUP SPOT**: Hilltop Restaurant (Debel Golf), 1500 E Walnut Ave, Burbank, CA 91501. Look for us outside, near the flag pole. **MEETUP TIME:** **5:00 pm sharp**. We will have quick introductions and leave by 5:05 pm. Once we leave, I will not be able to check the app. **PARKING**: FREE in the parking lot across the restaurant, or along Walnut Avenue. **RESTROOMS & WATER:** Restrooms and water fountain are available on the 1st floor near the Golf Shop. The Golf Shop sells drinks in case you need to buy one before 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.

3 attendees

Vietnam & Cambodia with Angkor Wat! Ancient Kingdoms of Southeast Asia

Sat, Dec 5, 3:00 AM

4.7

A Meetup trip in December . . . what can be a better gift for the holidays?! Join our travelers group on a captivating 14-day journey through the heart of Southeast Asia as we explore the vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes of Vietnam & Cambodia (Dec 04-18, 2026) As with all our tailor-made Meetup trips, our expert guides will lead us off the beaten path to uncover the authentic charm of each destination, while comfortable accommodations and delicious local cuisine ensure a truly immersive travel experience. Embark on an unforgettable journey through the vibrant cities and breathtaking landscapes of Vietnam, finishing with the wonders of Cambodia. We begin in Hanoi, where history and culture come alive, then sail the emerald waters of Halong Bay. Step back in time among the imperial treasures of Hue, wander the lantern-lit streets of charming Hoi An, and feel the dynamic energy of Ho Chi Minh City. We conclude your adventure at the awe-inspiring temples of Siem Reap, home to the legendary Angkor Wat. TRIP HIGHLIGHTS: * **Hanoi**; explore Ho Chi Minh sites, Temple of Literature, Old Quarter cyclo ride & water puppet show * Visit rural **craft villages**: conical hat & incense making, home-hosted lunch, village walk * **Ha Long Bay cruise**: limestone islands, floating villages, cave visit, Tai Chi & sunset views * **Hue**: Perfume River boat ride, Thien Mu Pagoda, Khai Dinh’s Tomb & Imperial Citadel * Scenic **Hai Van Pass train** to Danang; explore Dragon Bridge, Cham Museum, Marble Mountain * **Hoi An Ancient Town** (UNESCO), visit tailor shops, pottery village & organic farm with cooking class * **Ho Chi Minh City & Cu Chi Tunnels**; War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace & Ben Thanh Market * **Mekong Delta cruise**: coconut workshops, sampan ride, orchards & lunch in riverside village * **Siem Reap**: dinner with Apsara dance, Angkor temples (Ta Prohm, Bayon, Angkor Wat) * Cambodian cultural immersion: **monk blessing**, village crafts & cooking, **Tonle Sap Lake sunset cruise** For a detailed Day By Day itinerary: **[Click Here](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8)**[ to fill out our info request form](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8) *Trip Itinerary:* * **Hanoi** – 3 nights * **Ha Long Bay (cruise)** – 1 night * **Hue** – 2 nights * **Hoi An** – 2 nights * **Ho Chi Minh City** – 3 nights * **Siem Reap** – 3 nights **Price per person, double occupancy: $4400** (we match roommates for those willing to share and save) **Price for single room: $5300** **RSVP with your email address to receive complete information and itinerary. To secure your spot on this trip, please submit a $450 deposit.** [Click Here for Secure Deposit Link](https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/EM44C56V6RFTC) Deposit is refundable up to 90 days before the departure (less PayPal fees) [Fill Out this FORM if you are making a deposit](https://forms.gle/Tpz4v9jEbc13FSU38) Limited capacity of 24 total. This trip will fill up extremely quickly. **\*\*\*Airfare from/to the US not included. Contact Anna for a quote\*\*\*** ***[Click Here](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062)***[ to Message Direct to Anna.](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062) She can help you arrange the airfare and answer any logistics questions. We believe in good decent social. This events is cross posted to several other groups and the number of RSVPs on each is not reflective. We have a set of sister groups where we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events too. [Click Here to see all our other fun events](https://www.meetup.com/ccccc-c/events/) We do a [monthly Zoom with Q & A ](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/296044209/)on all our overseas events. Come to the zoom and ask any questions. Great way to get the info you want without all the other fluff. As well as meet us and other attendees. [Click here ](https://www.meetup.com/MoreToExplore/events/282719353/)for General Policies and useful info about our international trips. Live the adventure instead of only dreaming it! SOT 2000318-10

30 attendees

Griffith Park Hike to Cedar Grove

Wed, Oct 21, 1:30 AM

From Hike, Backpack, Climb, Travel with Wilderness Travel Course

This 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

4 attendees

Culver City : Fall Classic Stair Hike #4 - 6 miles, 3 hours

Sat, Oct 31, 3:00 PM

From Hike, Backpack, Climb, Travel with Wilderness Travel Course

Get into the Halloween spirit with a spook-tacular stair hike—with some major league Fall Classic vibe mixed in! Our loop begins at Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area near La Brea Avenue, where we’ll tackle a newly-built set of stairs before crossing the La Cienega bridge toward Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook. There, we’ll take on the famously challenging Culver City Stairs. Along the way, we’ll celebrate teamwork, perseverance, and a little postseason magic. The World Series is scheduled to end today and we hope the Dodgers are in it the entire way–even to a scary, nail-biting game 7! Expect plenty of elevation, great views, and enough stair climbing to make your legs feel haunted—in the best way. The route is approximately 6 miles, with 1,061 feet of cumulative elevation gain and loss. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the corner of La Brea Avenue and Don Lorenzo Drive. Free street parking is available on Don Miguel Drive and Don Zarembo Drive. What to Bring \- At least 2 liters of water \- Hiking shoes or boots \- Layers \- Snacks \- Sunscreen \- Sunglasses \- A hat Wear a touch of Halloween spirit or Dodger Blue if you’d like—but come ready to climb!

16 attendees

Search and Rescue Open House

Sun, Oct 25, 5:00 PM

From ! Backcountry Buddies ! Backpacking Camping Hiking Daytrips

For more info, visit: smsr.org Visit this family-friendly, educational day celebrating 75 years of volunteer wilderness rescue. The event takes place right at their rescue station in Sierra Madre. **Rescue Station Tours:** Go inside the headquarters to explore the nerve center where the team coordinates wilderness searches and emergency operations. **Gear & Technology Displays:** Get a close-up look at specialized technical rock, snow, and ice rescue gear. Members will showcase their mission-critical tracking software, satellite messengers, and drone/UAS equipment. **Preventative SAR & Hiking Safety:** Team members will host public outreach sessions covering wilderness survival basics, heat exhaustion awareness, and steps to take if you get lost in the San Gabriel Mountains. **Kid-Friendly Activities:** The event is designed for all ages, offering interactive safety activities, fun learning experiences for children, and photo opportunities. Chat directly with the all-volunteer crew to learn about real missions, or speak with recruiters if you are interested in joining the team's upcoming January 2027 training class.

7 attendees

Guided rock climbing near Idyllwild

Sun, Oct 18, 2:00 PM

4.3

I'm going to hire a guide to do a Tahquitz climb (near Idyllwild & Mt San Jacinto). This is multipitch trad and 5.4-ish. The date is open but it looks like the weather will be OK in mid-Oct. To be clear, this is a roped climb, like that shown in the photo. And, it's **multipitch trad**, which is a different beast than toprope climbs. While you don't really need experience, it'd really help since both likely routes have exposure in parts. As in, if you look down there's nothing below you for a few hundred feet. You probably won't have to clean or belay, but it'd be a good idea to practice a figure 8. It'd be an even better idea to go to a climbing gym, buy a day pass, and tell them what you hope to do. The routes I'm looking at are The Trough and White Maiden's Walkway. The exposure on the latter is apparently greater. I'll leave it up to the guide to choose which is most appropriate for the group. The guiding service will probably be Vertical Adventures and the cost for just me is $495. If I can find one other person it's $295 each and two others makes it $245 each. Guess which option I prefer. If you don't already know what **multipitch trad** is (yes, I said it again), please watch a video of what that means. Like I said, it's a good bit more involved than toprope. Anyone who signs up has to join the waitlist and to get off it you have to leave a comment (or send me a DM) detailing your climbing experience or, if you have none of that, why you think you won't freak out with exposure. Note also that I'm slowly getting over a lower back nerve issue caused by bulging disks. It might cause pain for this event but I should be able to do it unless that suddenly gets worse. There's apparently a steep approach hike so prep for that. However, going to JTree instead is an option either if the weather turns bad or my disks explode.

1 attendee

Learn New Skills-Make New Friends-Experience New Adventure

Sat, Oct 24, 6:00 AM

From 20s & 30s Section of Sierra Club (Angeles Chapter)

From So Cal Happy Hour Hiking & Backpacking

**INFORMATIONAL POSTING ONLY-See Website at** **[www.wildernesstravelcourse.org](http://www.wildernesstravelcourse.org/)** Dear Group Members, particularly the recent swell of new, never-been-backpacking-before-but-want-to-start members: There is a great Sierra Club opportunity that is about to begin….an opportunity that only happens one time each year and it is one of the best outdoor learning experiences the Sierra Club has to offer. This is the Angeles Chapter Wilderness Travel Course (WTC). Some of you have taken the course and are now leaders and/or knowledgeable hikers. For those of you who have not, enrollment in WTC is something you should consider now. The Wilderness Travel Course helps build outdoor skills so hikers can be safe in the backcountry. The course runs for ten weeks and includes four field trips (two one day and two weekend outings). Students learn map and compass navigation skills for competent hiking off-trail, snow travel, rock scrambling techniques, first aid, nutrition and lots more. The course is followed by unforgettable experience backpacking trips, most of which take place in the High Sierra, Sequoia and Yosemite during the summer months. WTC moves you from being a day hiker to a more serious adventurer. You will acquire skills in trip planning, preparation, equipment and wilderness safety to take you into the backcountry in all seasons, beyond roads and trails with new friends that share your interest in the outdoors. Again, the course runs only one time each year and takes place in Southern California in four locations as follows: West Los Angeles (Wednesdays beginning Jan 6th;Orange County (Tuesdays beginning Jan 12th) Long Beach/South Bay (Wednesdays beginning January 20th); San Gabriel Valley (Tuesdays beginning Jan 26th); The four geographic areas fill up well in advance of the class start date so register early. **FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER FOR THE COURSE GO TO: www.wildernesstravelcourse.org**

1 attendee

~ INDIAN COVE ~ Group Site Camping Joshua Tree Nat’l Park

Sat, Oct 31, 6:30 PM

4.9

**We will be camping at INDIAN COVE CAMPGROUND, GROUP SITE, on Halloween, Saturday, October 31, 2026.** **Although they allow up to 20 people we’re capping the group at 15 people and we are allowed up to 8 vehicles, max, at the group campsite.** **Please join the waitlist.** **There is a campsite fee of $5.50 PER PERSON, payable in advance.** **PLEASE PAY BY OCTOBER 1 to ensure group campsite fee is 100% covered.** **>>>>Fee is refundable only if the trip gets canceled.** **You’re completely free to go explore on your own, or just chillax at camp.** **>>>NATIONAL PARKS PASS IS REQUIRED FOR EACH VEHICLE ENTERING THE PARK.** **Purchase online or pay at the gate.** **October 31 is the last day of Daylight Savings. That means we’ll enjoy an extra hour of sleep, overnight, into Sunday morning.** **If you have any questions please comment below.**

13 attendees

Informational Posting-Learn New Skills-Make New Friends-Experience New Adventure

Thu, Oct 29, 6:00 AM

From Southern California Outdoor Adventurers on Meetup.com

From Young Professionals Hiking Group of SoCal(YoPro Hikes)

**INFORMATIONAL POSTING ONLY-See Website** **[www.wildernesstravelcourse.org](http://www.wildernesstravelcourse.org/)** Dear Group Members, particularly the recent swell of new, never-been-backpacking-before-but-want-to-start members: There is a great Sierra Club opportunity that is about to begin….an opportunity that only happens one time each year and it is one of the best outdoor learning experiences the Sierra Club has to offer. This is the Angeles Chapter Wilderness Travel Course (WTC). Some of you have taken the course and are now leaders and/or knowledgeable hikers. For those of you who have not, enrollment in WTC is something you should consider now. The Wilderness Travel Course helps build outdoor skills so hikers can be safe in the backcountry. The course runs for ten weeks and includes four field trips (two one day and two weekend outings). Students learn map and compass navigation skills for competent hiking off-trail, snow travel, rock scrambling techniques, first aid, nutrition and lots more. The course is followed by unforgettable experience backpacking trips, most of which take place in the High Sierra, Sequoia and Yosemite during the summer months. WTC moves you from being a day hiker to a more serious adventurer. You will acquire skills in trip planning, preparation, equipment and wilderness safety to take you into the backcountry in all seasons, beyond roads and trails with new friends that share your interest in the outdoors. Again, the course runs only one time each year and takes place in Southern California in four locations as follows: West Los Angeles (Wednesdays beginning Jan 6th;Orange County (Tuesdays beginning Jan 12th) Long Beach/South Bay (Wednesdays beginning January 20th); San Gabriel Valley (Tuesdays beginning Jan 26th); The four geographic areas fill up well in advance of the class start date so register early. **FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER FOR THE COURSE GO TO: www.wildernesstravelcourse.org**

1 attendee

Mount Baldy via Devil’s Backbone + Food & Drinks

Sun, Nov 1, 2:00 PM

4.9

⚠️ Most attendees and all event communication will be through our YoPro Hikes community on Heylo. 👉 Please join our Heylo group here for full details, updates, meeting location, and group communication: https://heylo.com/invite/OPitTygA

14 attendees

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