Backpacking Los Angeles
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CA Del Sol Happy Hour! This is a pre happy hour before our 7 pm Halloween walk
Mon, Oct 19, 11:30 PMEither 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

Griffith Park Hike to Vista View Point- Moderate
Wed, Oct 14, 1:30 AMWe will take a 4.5 mile/1200ft elevation gain hike to Vista View Point. We will take the back way to the View Point. Lower Beacon Trail to the Coolidge Trail and then to the Upper Beacon Trail. We will come back on the Fern Canyon Trail. This hike is will take approximately 120 minutes. This is a moderate hike with a sweep. we are not trying to break any land-speed records. but you should know your limitations. **NO ANIMALS ALLOWED ON HIKE** We do leave 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. Where to meet: If you know the park well, it is Merry Go Round Lot #2, just by the first entrance to Lot #2. WE DO NOT MEET BY THE STEPS - IF YOU ARE AT THE STEPS YOU ARE IN THE WRONG SPOT. Put these coordinates in google maps to locate the spot where we meet: 34.133525,-118.284731 The fine print: Wildlife (snakes, bobcats, mountain lions etc) seen in the park, be aware of your surroundings and stay alert at all times. 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. 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 tick spray (available at Sports Chalet) are recommended. No bright (white) flashlights please. 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. 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 road (there are no lights on this road so it will be dark if it is not 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, at the top of the driveway that takes you to the lower lot. It's near to the "No Practice Driving Allowed" sign. Where to meet: If you know the park well, it is Merry Go Round Lot #2, just at the path to the lower lot. WE DO NOT MEET BY THE STAIRCASE - IF YOU ARE AT THE STAIRCASE YOU ARE IN THE WRONG SPOT. Put these coordinates in google maps to locate the spot where we meet: 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/)

Griffith Park Hike to Cedar Grove
Wed, Oct 21, 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

Vietnam & Cambodia with Angkor Wat! Ancient Kingdoms of Southeast Asia
Sat, Dec 5, 3:00 AMA 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

Griffith Park 9 Peaks (Moderate Pace)
Sun, Dec 6, 3:00 PMOrganizer: Mike Cheng Location: Griffith Park, CA Hike Difficulty: Advanced, Level 7/10 Distance: 11.5 miles Elevation Gain: 3000' Time: 7 hours Trail condition: Single file, rocky trail, no shaded Water: Minimum 3 liters Guest: no Dog: no Toilette: at the trail head Parking: Parking lot *** What to bring: hat, sunscreen, hiking poles, energy bar, lunch, snacks, water, and the usual stuff. Trail description: We will be hiking on single-file trails and fire roads. The trail leading up to Beacon Hill is steep. It has a 25-35% grade. The trail to Mt. Bell and Mt. Chapel are very steep. It has a 35-45% grade. In addition, the trail has a base of loose rock and sand. It is slippery. you will need to use hiking poles here. The trail leading up to Cahuenga Peak is rocky and steep. Its grade is 30-40%. Our Policy: Profile photo: Anyone interested in joining this event must have a profile photo showing his/her face. This is a requirement of L.A. Hiking. Without it, you will not be allowed to sign up for an event. Waiting list priority: People who hike with with L.A. Hiking regularly will be given priority when they are on the waiting list. Advanced hikes: Anyone interested in participating in advanced hikes (>3,000' elevation gain or distance > 10 miles or Difficulty Level > = 7) will be subject to prescreening before his/her name will be added to the list. Therefore, interested hiker must share with the event host his/her recent hiking background to establish proficiency before his/her name will be added to the list. Guests are not allowed on advanced hikes. Early departure: If a hiker needs to be separated from the group for any reason, he/she must inform the event host. Not knowing a hiker's where about may prompt the event host to report a hiker's missing to proper authority for further actions. No show: If you sign up for an event but did not show up, you will be removed from the next event you sign up. No minor: Meetup user agreement and our liability waiver can not be agreed to by a minor. Therefore, you and your guest must be over 18 to participate in our events. No drug: Zero tolerance for all illegal drug use. Warning: If you have prior medical condition or a family history of illnesses pertaining to heart, lungs, brain, etc. that can be aggravated by heat and physical exertion, this is not the hike for you. If you have never done a hike of this distance or difficulty before, this hike will be very difficult for you. It may well be your death march. The mountain is not going anywhere. We will schedule this event again in the future. Do it when your mind and body are ready. Hiking is a recreation, not a suicide mission. Release of Liability: The organizer (me) of this trip is a volunteer and is not a professional guide. The function of the organizer is only to organize this trip. Each person who signs up for a trip/hike/or outing is responsible for his or her own safety and the safety of his or her guests. By signing up for this trip, or any other event organized by me, you are acknowledging that you are aware and have made your guests aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with any outdoor activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge the organizer (me) of this hike from and against any and all liability arising from your and your guest's participation in the group activities. L.A. Hiking, its organizer, assistant organizers, event organizers are not responsible for any injuries or accidents that may occur carpooling to and from this event, or for any injuries or accidents incurred before, during, and after this event. If you sign up or participate in an event you acknowledge that you freely and voluntarily agree to assume all risks of injuries and damages arising from, as a result of and associated with this event.
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