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Challenging Hikes Los Angeles

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Urban Hike - Glendale

Urban Hike - Glendale

Sat, May 23, 4:30 PM
From Los Angeles Hiking Group
4.8

This 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.

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50 attendees
Quiet Strength: Women’s Morning Hike at Runyon Canyon

Quiet Strength: Women’s Morning Hike at Runyon Canyon

Wed, May 27, 4:00 PM
From Quiet Strength Women’s Hikes – Los Angeles

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.

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1 attendee
Quiet Strength: Women’s Morning Hike at Runyon Canyon

Quiet Strength: Women’s Morning Hike at Runyon Canyon

Wed, May 20, 4:00 PM
From Quiet Strength Women’s Hikes – Los Angeles

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.

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1 attendee
Quiet Strength: Women’s Morning Hike at Runyon Canyon

Quiet Strength: Women’s Morning Hike at Runyon Canyon

Wed, Jun 3, 4:00 PM
From Quiet Strength Women’s Hikes – Los Angeles

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.

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

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

Sat, May 23, 4:00 PM
From Los Angeles Hiking Group
4.8

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.

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

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

Sun, May 31, 2:30 PM
From Not So Casual Hikes Orange County
4.9

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.

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1 attendee
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Frequently asked questions

Meetup is a platform to find and join groups for events based on shared interests, such as challenging hikes in Los Angeles.

You can search for hiking groups and events in Los Angeles on Meetup, tailored to your adventure level and interest.

Absolutely! You can RSVP to attend hiking events through Meetup. This helps organizers plan and lets you secure your spot.

Yes, Meetup has groups specifically for advanced hikers. Join to share thrilling trails with experienced adventurers.

Meetup connects hikers by listing group outings and events. You can join to find companions for your outdoor adventures.

Yes, you can join as many hiking groups as you like to explore diverse trails and meet different hiking enthusiasts.

Meetup offers free access to browse and join groups. Some groups may have a participation fee for specific expeditions.

You can review upcoming events, including weekend hikes, by searching for Los Angeles hiking groups on Meetup.

Many hikes begin in LA, but some groups venture outside the city limits for explorations depending on the event details.

Meetup includes various hiking levels. If a challenging hike is too advanced, seek beginner or moderate hikes instead.

Challenging hikes are usually not beginner-friendly. Check descriptions to ensure fitness levels match your ability.

Most hiking events are in-person, contingent on organizers and participant preferences, particularly for safety reasons.

Meetup provides the platform, but local organizers and hiking groups plan and execute the actual events.

Availability depends on local organizers, but exploring Meetup regularly can help you discover new challenges.

Meetup fosters social connections, but the success of making friends depends upon engagement and mutual interests.