Beginner Hiking Los Angeles

Griffith Park Hike to Cedar Grove

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

Conditioning hike (Strenuous) Griffith park

NOT A BEGINNER HIKE! – (STRENOUS ACTIVITY) Griffith park hike.. Meetup location: North End of Parking lot 2 by the stairs. Are you looking to do a great and fun workout during the week? Would you like to become a better and stronger hiker? Then join us for an awesome workout at Griffith Park. This is a fast-paced hike. We take single track trails as we ascend to our destination – gaining over 1200 ft of elevation gain—and we descend using a combination of single track and fire roads. Attendees must be willing to exert themselves and try their best as we take short breaks and try to be within the group’s pace. This hike is great for conditioning training for long hike weekend adventures. Stats: 📈 Difficulty: Strenuous. Distance: 4-6 miles. Elevation gain: 1200 ft. Duration: 2 hours. Please be aware that Assistant Organizers, Event Hosts, and support hikers are volunteers and organize hikes without compensation and 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 Los Angeles Hiking Meetup Group from, and against any, and all liability arising from your and your guest's participation in the group activities. Please see the Meetup terms of service agreement http://www.meetup.com/terms

Sierra Club Griffith Park Moonlight Hike

**Moderate hike to a vista in the park (\~4 to 5 miles RT, \~1100 ft elevation gain); bring a food item to share or for yourself.** Leashed well-mannered dogs welcome. **Gather at 6:45pm and sign waiver sheets; hike begins at 7pm and lasts around 2 1/2 hours.**(Waiver form is separate from those used for the regular evening hikes.) No beginners or tigers, please. (Tigers are super-fast hikers who wouldn't be satisfied with a moderate pace.) For those familiar with our Tuesday/Thursday evening hikes, the socially-paced hike will be similar to a level 2 or 3. There are usually between 10 and 25 hikers on the Moonlit hikes; not everyone RSVPs on Meetup. **What to bring:** Water, a light jacket in case it gets cold, and a food item to share or for yourself. Hiking boots/shoes are recommended. Flashlights are optional; many leaders discourage their use except in emergencies. (If used, colored lenses such as red help preserve others' night vision). Leashed, well-behaved dogs welcome. This is a front country outing. **Rain in the park at the time of the hike cancels.** Check the weather: [https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/griffith-park/90027/hourly-weather-forecast/2626762](https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/griffith-park/90027/hourly-weather-forecast/2626762) **Directions to Merry-Go-Round Lot #2:** From Los Feliz Blvd just west of the 5, take Crystal Springs north into the park; you’ll soon pass a freeway onramp. After around a mile, you’ll come to a 4-way intersection, with the Ranger station on your right. Make a left (going west). At the top of the road you’re forced to turn right into the (unlit) lot #1. Drive through the lot and along the road that leaves the opposite corner. You’ll soon come to lot #2, which is lit. The Sierra Club meets at the far (north) end of the lot, by the stone steps. Going north on the 5 from Downtown LA, you can also get off at the Griffith Park exit and take Crystal Springs going north, following the directions above. Other routes go from near the Zoo or from Travel Town; you can get directions from this link: [https://goo.gl/q7QTtb](https://goo.gl/q7QTtb) .

FRIDAY--Easy Night walk around Silverlake

Silverlake can be quite beautiful at night. Walk is mostly easy 2.2 miles RT around the lake. Walk is approx. 1 hour. There is short uphill on this walk--approx. 10 minutes Some members go to the local Oyster bar afterwards. **Rain will cancel walk. Dogs ok as long as on leash.** Parking: Street parking. There is more parking when you park along the lake --along W. Silverlake Dr.

OVERNIGHT BACKPACK: Bear Canyon Campground

***To participate in this event, please join the waitlist.*** From the Switzer Falls picnic area (we’ll meet at the picnic table closest to the foot bridge) we’ll trek through this beautiful trail which follows a stream for most of the way. This trail also includes a few stream crossings before reaching Bear Canyon campground, just 3.4 miles in. After descending down into the canyon we’ll follow the stream all the way to the campground. This is a very cool, shady, and spacious campground with lots of open areas for tents.
Trekking poles are strongly recommended for the multiple stream crossings. You can hop rocks to stay dry, or wear water shoes and slosh through the shallow crossings. Bring at least 2 liters of water, but
once at the campground there is plenty of water that you can purify from the adjacent stream. **DISCLAIMER**:
As an organizer I assume absolutely no responsibility for you, your safety, or your belongings. I am simply a "hiking/biking/camping companion”, nothing more.
If you choose to participate you assume all responsibility for yourself and agree not to hold me or the meetup group liable in any way. Make sure you do not participate in an event where you do not feel capable of doing without putting yourself or your health at risk. If in any doubt, please research the event further and/or contact the organizer.

Silver Lake South Urban Stair Hike, Level: Moderate++

Come join us for a challenging workout and for meeting new people to do an urban stair hike in the Southern part of Silver Lake, a beautiful part of town with steep hills! We'll be climbing three multi-set staircases and passing through Silver Lake and Micheltorena Peaks. **LEVEL**: Intermediate Plus for speed and length. Extra PLUS for the amount of stairs/steep hills we'll be conquering. We are a friendly group that loves to socialize and encourage newcomers, but please note that moderate++ level of cardio fitness and brisk walking speed are required. **LENGTH**: 5.1 miles, 1200 ft gain, (which as a stair hike may be tougher than it sounds!) 13 long staircases up, 5 down + steep hills. +/- 2h **SPEED**: Brisk, faster than most moderate hikes, but well below advanced ones. We'll take a short pause to re-group at the top of the stairs and the steepest hills. Bring a phone for navigation just in case you want to leave early. **BRING**: Exercise outfit, workout shoes (hiking shoes are not necessary) and water **LOCATION**: We'll meet at the corner of N. Benton Way and Berkeley Ave. at 6.pm for introductions and take off sharply at 6.05pm. (If you are running a few minutes late you can catch us at corner of Silver Lake Blvd and Scott Pl.) DON'T FULLY TRUST THE NAVIGATION LINK, DEPENDING ON YOUR PHONE AND APP IT MAY BE SLIGHTLY OFF. CHECK THE ACTUAL STREET NAMES WHEN APPROACHING PARKING. **PARKING**: Free, unlimited street parking. **RESTROOMS**: None, please go before arriving as needed. **PLEASE NO CRASHING!** Urban hikes do not work well with large groups. I "overbook" events in anticipation of some last-minute dropouts, so you cannot count on the availability of those spots. The waitlist, if needed, generally clears in order, but members with a good attendance record and a posted picture (LA Hiking Group rule) may get priority. **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.

Mt Thom via Brand Library (Strenuous)

Urban Hike-Sneakers & Snacks Frogtown area

Join us at 6:00pm on Friday, May 15 for “Sneakers & Snacks”-an easy level urban hike with food involved! We will meet at Aragon Ave Elementary School in Cypress Park, a neighborhood north of Dodger Stadium. From there we will walk towards Rio de Los Angeles State Park, cross the Taylor Yard Bridge, and walk along the Los Angeles River path in Frogtown/Elysian Valley. We will have few brief stops along the way to enjoy the surroundings (appx 3 miles one way). We will visit the Somos NELA Mercado/Night Market and hangout a bit at Frogtown Brewery. Outside food is allowed at the Brewery but they do NOT allow outside alcohol. Food and beverages are available for purchase at the Night Market, along with merch from local vendors. No purchase necessary. ***SEE INFO POSTED IN THE PHOTOS SECTION!*** **BRING**: (no need to pack heavy) water, credit card, cash (1's preferred), ID (if you buy a drink), food or snacks optional, light jacket, exercise clothes, comfortable shoes with good grip and tread (the majority of the hike is on asphalt and concrete), flashlight, phone with GPS in case u get separated, bug repellant? **LENGTH:** Appx 6 miles round trip. 6:00-9 or 9:30ish. **LEVEL**: Easy due to mostly flat terrain, minimal elevation gain, no stairs (I knowww!! Bummer!), couple of major street crossings. **PACE:** The pace is moderate-brisk. If you are not able to keep up with the group, please use GPS to navigate on your own or use Uber and meet us at the Brewery. We have to keep a certain pace so that we can enjoy the activities along the way and return by the posted time. **MEETUP SPOT**: Aragon Avenue Elementary School, 1118 Aragon, Los Angeles 90065. By the steps near the flagpole **MEETUP TIME:** **6:00 pm sharp**. We have quick introductions and ***leave promptly at 6:05.*** **RESTROOMS**--At King Taco; and at the library (closes at 5:30 or earlier if short staffed). Both are located on Cypress Ave, one long block south from the school. Please arrive EXTRA EARLY and give yourself EXTRA time if you have to go. Porta-potties are an option if we see any. **PARKING:** ***FREE parking*** around the school along residential streets including Aragon Ave, Loosmore, and Roseview. ***Pay parking lot*** for $5.00 located at "1802 Roasters" address is 1206 Cypress Ave. If you park there you can wait for us there, since it is on our way and we cross the street there! Follow the instructions on the window of the building. I think you scan a code and pay with Venmo or Zelle. \-\-\-METRO\- if you Metro\, take A line and Bus 251 drops you off at Cypress Ave and Alice or Maceo\. **TIPS/NOTES:** Some of the streets have no sidewalks, so we will walk on the street. When a car approaches, we yell out CAR! That is our safety cue for EVERYONE to move to the side of the road and walk SINGLE FILE so that the car can pass through. **STREET CROSSING Safety:** We will wait for the light to change, and for traffic to stop before we cross. **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.

Mandeville Canyon Trail

Follow us on IG @yoprohikes For more details and check in- Join us on Heylo - https://heylo.com/invite/pAaQ8Aj7

Sunday Night Hike at Griffith Park

**This is a fast-paced, intermediate+ hike on mostly single-track trails on the way up and fire roads on the way down. Some sections are overgrown, and there will be areas involving rock scrambling and uneven terrain. Long sleeves and long pants are strongly recommended for comfort and protection.** **We hike in an interval style, moving at a strong pace between regroup points and staying together as a group. Participants must be comfortable pushing hard on sustained climbs and keeping up with the group pace. If someone is not able to keep up group pace, they’ll be asked to turn back. If you have questions about whether this hike is a good fit, please ask in advance.** **Hike Details & Difficulty** **The hike will be approximately 2.5 + hours and 4+ miles, using a mix of fire roads and single-track trails.** **You should expect steep climbs (up to ~25% grade) for 10–15 minutes at a time at your maximum hiking effort, followed by short regroup breaks, repeated throughout the hike. Total cumulative elevation gain is typically +1,200 feet (routes may include Hogback, Mt. Hollywood, Mt. Lee, Taco Peak, etc.).** **Maximum effort means you should expect to be breathing hard (panting).** **What to Bring** **Plenty of water** **Hiking shoes with good grip** **Hiking poles (optional, at your discretion)** **Long-sleeve shirt (especially for overgrown sections or cooler conditions)** **Flashlights optional; red or green light only — white light diminishes night vision.** **Arrival & RSVP** **Please arrive 10–15 minutes early. We leave exactly on time.** **If you cannot attend, please update your RSVP.** **Directions** **Take the Los Feliz / Crystal Springs entrance off the I-5 freeway.** **Go north on Crystal Springs Drive into the park. At the second stop sign, turn left at the four-way intersection (ranger station on your right). Continue briefly, then turn right into Merry-Go-Round Lot #1. Drive through Lot #1 and continue to Lot #2.** **We meet at the north end of Parking Lot #2 by the steps.** **Liability Notice** **Assistant Organizers, Event Hosts, and support hikers are volunteers and organize hikes without compensation and assume no responsibility for participants or guests. By signing up, you acknowledge the risks associated with outdoor activities and agree to release and discharge the Organizer, Assistant Organizers, and Event Hosts of the Los Angeles Hiking & Fitness Meetup Group from any liability arising from participation.** **Please see Meetup’s Terms of Service: https://www.meetup.com/terms/**

Explore Griffith Park

Please read this entire write up. This is a moderately strenuous hike. The hikes are about 2 hours long and about 4 miles, and those miles include steep ascents and descents, most often on single track trails. Some trails can be uneven and slippery. We move at a fairly rapid pace. but pause occasionally to enjoy the scenery, smell the flowers, and take pictures of the amazing views. No two hikes are the same, and we go all over the park. Please don't be late, as we aim to leave on time, 4:30 p.m. Good idea to arrive around 4:15 so that we can start at 4:30 p.m. Don't forget to bring water and wear good hiking shoes with lug soles. A note re time -- hike start times change occasionally, depending on the weather and the time of year. Please check the start time when you sign up, but an e-mail will be sent out whenever the time is changed. . Please be aware that Assistant Organizers, Event Hosts, and support hikers are volunteers organize hikes without compensation and 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 from, and against any, and all liability arising from your and your guest's participation in the group activities. Please see the Meetup terms of service agreement http://www.meetup.com/terms/

It’s back! 5 mileish Citiwalk walking adventure !!!

We will be doing a 5 mileish walk to Citi Walk . We will conquer the dreaded hill up to the top without a shuttle : ) last person up the hill is probably out of shape. Dont worry no walker left behind ( most of the time ). We will do some stairs but you don’t have to if you don’t want to. There is an elevator. We do our best to keep walk in 2 hour range Comfortable shoes, water, flashlight and a good attitude are suggested items to bring The urbanish afventurists invite you to help us explore citi walk . Hope to see you at our next urban walking adventure Lori can answer any questions you may have . Feel free to reach out She aint large but she is in charge !