Challenging Hikes Los Angeles

Quiet Strength: Women’s Morning Hike at Runyon Canyon

This is a relaxed, women-centered morning hike focused on movement, connection, and consistency. We’ll take a moderate, conversational-paced hike through Runyon Canyon, with space to enjoy fresh air, light movement, and natural conversation. After the hike, anyone who wants can join for an optional coffee or tea nearby. This group is for women who value wellness, emotional maturity, and low-pressure connection. No competition, no performance — just showing up and moving together. All fitness levels welcome. LGBTQ+ friendly space 🌈 Come as you are.

Quiet Strength: Women’s Morning Hike at Runyon Canyon

This is a relaxed, women-centered morning hike focused on movement, connection, and consistency. We’ll take a moderate, conversational-paced hike through Runyon Canyon, with space to enjoy fresh air, light movement, and natural conversation. After the hike, anyone who wants can join for an optional coffee or tea nearby. This group is for women who value wellness, emotional maturity, and low-pressure connection. No competition, no performance — just showing up and moving together. All fitness levels welcome. LGBTQ+ friendly space 🌈 Come as you are.

Hollywood Sign Hike - Out & Back via Brush Canyon Trail (~7 Mi, Moderate Pace)

Join us for a fun hike to one of the most iconic landmarks in California — the **Hollywood Sign!** We’ll hike above the sign for stunning panoramic views of Los Angeles, then make our way in front of it for those classic photo moments. **Note:** * Please arrive **10–15 minutes early** to find parking. * This is a **moderate-paced hike** — not a race but expect a steady climb to the top. **Meeting Point**: Parking lot at Brush Canyon Trailhead, 2974 Canyon Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068 **Parking**: Free lot — *porta potties available* **Difficulty**: Moderate **Distance / Elevation**: \~7 miles total, with approximately **1,200+ ft** of cumulative elevation gain. **Essentials:** * 2+ liters of water * Snacks or light breakfast * Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses) * Comfortable hiking shoes **Route:** We’ll start from the **Brush Canyon Trailhead** near the parking lot and follow the trail north toward **Mt. Lee Drive**. Once we reach the top, we’ll turn right on Mt. Lee Drive to hike **above the Hollywood Sign** — a perfect spot for photos and a quick break. Then we’ll descend the road to reach the **front of the sign** before returning via the same route back to the trailhead. **Note on Punctuality & RSVP:** Please be on time — we’ll wait up to 5 minutes past the start. If you’re running late, you can post your ETA in the event discussion, but the group may still begin without you. If your plans change, please update your RSVP — it helps us know who to expect on the trail. **Disclaimer & Safety Notice:** Not So Casual Hikes are challenging outings designed for hikers in strong shape who know their limits and show up prepared. Organizers are volunteers—not guides—and cannot be responsible for your pace, navigation, or safety. We hike at a steady pace and the group may spread out. Please be prepared to navigate independently if you fall behind, though we’ll aim to check in at major junctions when possible. By signing up, you accept full responsibility for your fitness, gear, hydration, and navigation, and agree to hold harmless the Organizer, Co-Organizer, Assistant Organizers, and fellow participants for any incidents or injuries. Participation also means you agree to Meetup’s Terms of Service. Hiking carries inherent risks, including trip/fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak, ticks, snakes, coyotes, or mountain lions. Be prepared for sun exposure, heat, or marine layer conditions depending on the day.

Perfect Weather Hike in Griffith Park! ☀️🙋🏻‍♀️ 🙋 🙋🏽‍♂️

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 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.

Challenging STEEP Adventurous Sunset Night Hike: DeBell to top of Verdugo-Loop

Challenging STEEP Adventurous Sunset Night Hike: DeBell to top of Verdugo-Loop

**Inspiring, Challenging, STEEP Hike: DeBell to top of Verdugo-Loop (Burbank, CA)** **More people will attend then showing: This event is cross-posted on other Meetup groups.** **STATS** Difficulty: 5/10, Moderate-Long with steep sections Length: 5.4 miles, 3 hours + breaks Elevation Gain/loss: 2200' Range: 1500-3000' View: Mountains & City Lights Details: Long Hike, Great views from top ridge **TRAILHEAD INFO** 1500 E Walnut Ave, Burbank, CA 91501 Meet on the street just north of the DeBell Golf Club. Google maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/eguDpkUFKSm5K6fF6 GPS Coordinates: 34.206979447835856, -118.30463651162145 Please arrive by 6:50 pm for a 7 pm start from our cars. We have usually walked to the actual trailhead at the roundabout at the north end of the road by 7:10pm. Change your RSVP ASAP if you can’t make it to give others a chance to hike. Repeat “No Shows” will get last priority on future hikes. If you have any issues, feel free to call or text the leaders! If ANY questions, call Keith (hike leader) 213.507.2221 Night-hiking in LA is amazing! Trails are practically empty, breeze is cool, & the beautiful city below you offers unlimited full-definition entertainment! We take short rest stops as needed. At the peak/midpoint, we take a long break to enjoy a potluck feast (beer/soda/yummy snacks), socialize and/or soak in the beautiful scenery. **COMMON-SENSE NOTES** • Please wear proper hiking boots or shoes with deep tread • Consider wearing long pants as this trail may be overgrown in some sections • Bring plenty of water to drink • Bring a headlamp for optional use after dark • Fun, yummy snacks are always appreciated • Health advisory: Please stay home if you are not feeling well or have recently been exposed to someone who is sick. • Bring a Cheerful Attitude :-) We hike every Tuesday night & for variety we do other trails that are similar to this one (never boring). We hope to see you! Steven & Keith 213.986.SNOW / 213.507.2221 \*\*\* **PLEASE - Know your limits & abilities.** Check weather conditions, dress accordingly & be aware of your surroundings at all times. Watching out for poison oak, snakes, ticks, uneven footing, spectacular views, beautiful fauna all while interacting with awesome (usually) fellow hikers can be extremely hazardous, rewarding & fun. **HIKE RATING SCALE** Rating a hike is subjective, meaning the difficulty of a hike will be in direct relation to how often you hike & the type of hike you prefer. Keep in mind that any hike can have the following: un-even hiking surfaces, various obstructions, water/water crossings or bouldering/rock hopping. A great hike will have all of these! 1 – A long walk 2 – 4 mile hike w/little elevation gain (E.G.) 3 – 5 mile hike w/up to 1000 ft. E.G. 4 – 5+ mile hike w/up to 1500 ft. E.G. (heart rate increases at times) 5 – 7+ mile hike w/over 1500 ft. E.G. (heart rate increasing even more at times) 6 – 7+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. E.G. (at times you might be trying to remember how to perform CPR) 7 – 5+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. E.G. (at times you might be muttering expletives to yourself) 8 – 10+ mile hike w/over 3500 ft. E.G. (at times you might be angry with the hike leader) 9 – 10+ mile hike w/over 5000 ft. E.G. (at times you might be thinking of reporting the hike leader to the authorities) 10 – Use your imagination **DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY** **IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:** I am a volunteer (i.e. not liable for the group). Safety is a priority for everyone in the group. Think of this as hiking with a group of friends. Outdoor sports & other events we plan can be inherently dangerous & accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety & well-being. The Meetup Group & its organizers are not trained leaders & we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. If you choose to sign up for any Meetup events, you are releasing the Meetup Group & it's organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries as stated in paragraph 6.2 of the Meetup “Terms of Service” located on the bottom of the Meetup website. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment & experience.

Mt Thom via Brand Library (Strenuous)

**🥾 Steep Hike Adventure – 3.7 Miles, 1,853 ft Gain** **Hosted by:** Mario 📍 **Location:** 1601 West Mountain Street, Glendale, CA 91201 📅 **Date & Time:** 06/18 @ 6:30pm 📏 **Distance:** 3.7 miles (out and back) ⛰️ **Elevation Gain:** 1,853 ft 🥵 **Difficulty:** Challenging / Steep *** **🔔 Event Details:** Join us for a steep, scenic hike with a solid workout! This trail is short but intense, gaining over 1,800 feet in under 2 miles. You **must be comfortable with steep terrain** and have the right gear. **Gear Checklist:** * ✅ Trekking poles (**highly recommended**) * ✅ Well-treaded hiking shoes (**required**) * 💧 At least 1.5–2 liters of water * 🍎 Light snacks * 🧥 Layers for changing weather We'll take breaks as needed and regroup at scenic spots. *** **🚗 Parking** Park at the Brand Library parking lot.

El Prieto Loop - 7 miles, 1300’ elevation gain

Runyon Canyon Conditioning Workout hike

Dogs are welcome! This is an Intermediate/advanced hike for physical conditioning to prep for harder mountain hikes. East ridge- There is some steep downhill requiring hiking shoe tread. West ridge (reopened!) - the uphill is gradual but constant. There are a few steeper ascents. Pace is Intermediate/advanced. You can do one loop and exit or multiple. I usually do 3. Each takes about an hour.. I normally arrive at 8:55am. We will leave at 9 am sharp. MEETING PLACE : I will be right inside the green iron gate near the water fountain just off Mulholland Parking : parking lot near entrance gate. More parking on Mulholland but pay attention to signs. RAIN CANCELS This is a loop I do weekly. Each loop is approximately 2 miles/50 minutes. You can do as few or as many as you want. We'll go down the fire road to East ridge then come up West ridge fire road. I usually do 3 laps. You can exit at the Mulholland gate after any lap. 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. Read less

Mandeville Canyon Trail

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

Whiting woods to verdugo peak

Please read the entire write up before asking questions, tx :) This hike takes us up to verdugo peak, the highest point in the verdugos. It is on the fire road to the peak, after which we will frolick around to a couple of other towers on a short single track trail. Its fairly strenuous, 6+ miles with 2,000' of elevation gain, not a beginner hike. There is no designated trail sweep, so if you can't keep up with the moderate pace of the hike, you may be by yourself at times. The views of several mountain ranges is great from the peak! *PLEASE* If you sign up, please do it with the intent of actually joining the hike, some people I have noticed sign up to just grab a spot and decide later if they will join, this limits people who actually want to join the hike. Cancelling because you can't make it or something comes up is totally understandable. Also, group limits are in place for the benefit of all of us to enjoy the hike and respect neighborhood parking. So in meetup lingo, no crashers please. Also, there is a 10 minute grace period, please arrive early to get a parking place. Thanks, and see you on the trail! Disclaimer: Hike organizer is an un paid volunteer, by joining this event you assume all responsibility for your own safety.

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 !