Challenging Hikes Los Angeles
Seeking Adventure? Join Challenging Hikes in LA

Urban Hike - Glendale
Sat, May 23, 4:30 PMThis is mostly an urban hike with gentle inclines and no stairs starting at the 150 year old Casa Adobe de San Rafael. We will explore hillside neighborhoods of northwest Glendale, including several historic preservation zones of interesting 1920s and 1930s houses. We will spend some time in Brand Park to explore the Brand Library and surrounding area. We will do a short loop hike in Brand Park before we head back. * **Level**: Intermediate * **Speed:** average 2.5 miles per hour * **Distance**: 6 miles. * **Elevation gain:** \~500 feet * **Duration:** \~2.5 hours of walking, with breaks 3 hours total * **Bathrooms:** available at the start at Casa Adobe de San Rafael Park. * **Rain:** postpones the hike **Liability**: The organizer is an unpaid and untrained volunteer and is not liable for any loss, damage, or injuries sustained by participants and their guests. By joining this event, each member and their guest accepts full responsibility for knowing their abilities and limitations and releases the host/organizer from any and all injuries, health issues, material losses and getting lost. Each member shall make their guests aware of these policies and release the host from all liability.

Quiet Strength: Women’s Morning Hike at Runyon Canyon
Wed, May 27, 4:00 PMThis 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
Wed, May 20, 4:00 PMThis 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
Wed, Jun 3, 4:00 PMThis 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.

Perfect Weather Hike in Griffith Park! ☀️🙋🏻♀️ 🙋 🙋🏽♂️
Sat, May 23, 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.

Hollywood Sign Hike - Out & Back via Brush Canyon Trail (~7 Mi, Moderate Pace)
Sun, May 31, 2:30 PMJoin 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.
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