What we’re about
Our vision is to create a network of outdoors enthusiasts to share our adventures, to learn from, to have fun with, and to create life long friends. We hike in the Santa Monica Mountains. This is a non profit organization and we will be donating back to the community by having beach cleanups. Our group is also committed to protecting the special places we hike. Our new conservation effort seeks to protect threatened areas in the local mountains through fun and easy actions we can take. Have fun Hiking and hope to see you soon!
OUR GROUPS YouTube Videos:
http://www.youtube.com/user/SantaMonicaHiking
We'll hike to the MASH Site & then go to the 🪕🎻**Topanga Banjo Fiddle Festival** for 🍔 Food, 🎵 Music, 🕺💃🏽Dancing and 😜Shenannigans!
HURRY! For limited time & limited quantiy of Tickets at $30 each (plus a nominal fee) using code [2025SMHCBANJOFUNDAY]. Normally $50, they gave us a generous discount. Buy tickets HERE
*** IMPORTANT: You will see a list of different ticket prices. Scroll down and select the one that says Santa Monica Hiking Club, otherwise you'll pay full price.***
STOP 1) MALIBU CREEK STATE PARK is where they filmed MASH, "Planet of the Apes" and a gazillion other movies...Click HERE for MASH VIDEO
- Google Maps to Malibu Creek State Park HERE
- START TIME: We usually wait 15 minutes grace, but please try to arrive early.
- DISTANCE: We'll be hiking ~ 4 1/2 miles ROUND-TRIP to the MASH filming site. Slight elevation gain. GREAT FOR BEGINNERS!!!
- ELEVATION: 358 ft
- PARKING: FEE AREA - it was $12 last time I was there. Park in the 2nd BIGGER Lot. Not the first lot.
- FREE PARKING: Alternately, arrive 15 - 20 minutes earlier to park on the corner of Mulholland & Las Virgenes / Malibu Canyon & walk in.
- *MORE FREE PARKING: California public library-card holders can check out the California State Library Parks Pass via their local public library. See link for details!
- **MORE FREE PARKING: Park at King Gillete Ranch for the Banjo Festival for FREE. Then walk across the Street. LINK for details.
- MEETING LOCATION: Meet at the Picnic Bench / Restroom in the 2nd BIGGER Lower Parking lot. Google Maps Here
- WHERE TO FIND US: Look for the large group of people by the bathroom.
- CELL SERVICE: 📞 very few bars.
- RESTROOMS: FlushToilets and Sink with Running Water
- DOGS: We love Fido, but sadly, no Dogs allowed on Hiking Trails in State Parks
- WHAT TO BRING: BRING 3 LITERS OF WATER, A HAT, SUNSCREEN, COMFORTABLE SHOES, SNACKS, WARM CLOTHES, MITTENS OR GLOVES, LIGHT JACKET
- All Trails – Link
🌵⭐️🌎🌵⭐️🌎🌵⭐️🌎🌵⭐️🌎🌵⭐️🌎
STOP 2) Walk to 🪕🎻TOPANGA BANJO FIDDLE FESTIVAL🪕🎻AT KING GILLETE RANCH.
- Google Map: to King Gillette Ranch HERE
- WALK: Leave your car and walk (.08 miles/15 minutes) to King Gillete Ranch.
- OR Park at King GIllete Ranch: Parking is Free.
- 🛑GROUP PRICE FOR FIDDLE FEST!!!🛑🛑
- Limited # of Tickets. First come, first served.
- $30.00 + Fees. (Use the Code [2025SMHCBANJOFUNDAY] & Order Tickets EARLY)
- *** IMPORTANT: You will see a list of different ticket prices. Scroll down and select the one that says Santa Monica Hiking Club, otherwise you'll pay full price.***
- BANJO / FIDDLE FEST WEBSITE https://www.topangabanjofiddle.org/
FOOD / LIVE BANDS / SHANANIGANS
- FIVE STAGES with live performances, exhibitions, food trucks, artisans, jamming, workshops, and a children’s instrument petting zoo area.
- FOOD: Bring your own picnic or buy from food trucks on site. Craft Beer for sale. Vegan options available.
- BRING LOW-BACK CHAIRS - ICE CHEST OK!!
- DOGS: DOGS ON LEASH
- SHADE: You can bring in a shade structure as long as it doesn't interfere with another activity or jamming group. If it’s a large shade structure, a TBFC Board Member will need to approve the location. We reserve the right to ask you to relocate any shade structure upon request.
- HIKE LEADER: Andy
- CoLEADERS: Peggy, Dean and Steve
- SWEEPER: Eric Belle
*** 🟣🟣🟣 When we get to KING GILLETTE RANCH, we’re going to congregate by the main stage somewhere… (probably near the back of the audience). The entire area is about the size of a football field and there will be a bunch of stages, concession stands, pop-up shops and food trucks… OK to bring ice chests, chairs / blankets… you’ll probably want to meander around.
*********KEN STEIGERS VIDEO OF PREVIOUS YEARS BANJO-FEST!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RuwaJ789HE
*This is a John classic!
Upcoming events (3)
See all- 🌸🌼🌻🌺 HIKE SCENIC FRYMAN CANYON and "RAINFOREST" 🌼🌻🌺🌸Wilacre Park in Fryman Canyon, Studio City, CA
PLEASE BRING PLENTY OF WATER!!! 🌞
ADVISE PARKING ON THE STREET NOT IN THE LOT - IT FILLS UP FAST.
SEE ALTERNATE PARKING SUGGESTIONS BELOW.We'll meet at Wilacre Park parking lot to begin the hike through wooded and scenic Fryman Canyon which should be nice and green after recent rains. Allow yourself a little time to find nearby parking since the lot is small and almost aways full... SEE LINK BELOW. This hike is a lollypop loop with a side trip to the "rainforest" stream and canopy of majestic trees where we will take our social break, have a snack and take a group shot. The distance is about 5 miles.
Moderately challenging trail with about 800 feet of gain. All on maintained trails.LINK TO ALTERNATE PARKING
^^^ Alternate street parking is usually great near Vantage and Laurel Terrace Drive.- START TIME: We usually wait 15 minutes grace, but please try to arrive early.
- DISTANCE: 5 miles ROUND-TRIP to the rainforest.
- ELEVATION: 800 feet.
- PARKING: I wouldn't suggest parking in the lot. Try Laurel Canyon and streets off of Laurel north of the park. (SEE LINK ABOVE)
If you want to try your luck in the lot please arrive early. 🚗 - MEETING LOCATION: Meet at the picnic bench near the restrooms in the Parking lot.
- RESTROOMS: Flush toilets and sink with running water.
- DOGS: Dogs allowed on leash.
- WHAT TO BRING: GOOD ATTITUDE, LOTS OF WATER, HAT, SUNSCREEN, GOOD SHOES, SNACKS. 🍎
- 🐻🎥WILD TO ICONIC: OLD ZOO TO HOLLYWOOD SIGN HIKE!!!🍕AWARD-WINNING PIZZA AFTERGriffith Park Merry Go Round - Parking Lot #2, Los Angeles , CA
Did you know Griffith Park’s Old Zoo was once home to LA’s first public zoo, operating from 1912 until 1966? Today, its abandoned cages and enclosures offer an eerie yet fascinating glimpse into the past. Meanwhile, towering above the city, the Hollywood Sign—originally built in 1923 as “Hollywoodland” to promote a real estate development—is, of course, one of the most famous landmarks in the world.
Join us for a 7-mile adventure with 1,322 feet of elevation gain as we trek from the ruins of the Old Zoo to the iconic Hollywood Sign. Expect rugged terrain, especially along the ridge between Mt. Chapel and Mt. Lee, where we’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views—a thousand feet down to the Hollywood foothills to the south and Forest Lawn Memorial Park to the north.
Our journey culminates at a spectacular viewpoint above and behind the Hollywood Sign, offering sweeping vistas of Lake Hollywood, the Griffith Observatory, and the entire LA skyline.
After the hike, we’ll head to Slice House Pizza in Burbank, home to award-winning pies from Chef Tony Gemignani.
📍 Meeting place: Merry-Go-Round Parking Lot 2 🎠🅿️
Google Maps
(We'll be on the steps at the far end of the lot.)⏰ Meeting time: 12:00 PM, hike starts promptly at 12:30 PM.
🥾 Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (rugged terrain, elevation gain). There is cell reception and if anyone wants to drop, they can use Google maps to navigate their way back to the car.
🚻 Bathrooms: Available near the parking lot.
🦮 Dog-friendly: Yes, but be prepared for some steep sections.🍕Post-Hike Pizza: Slice House, 108 E Palm Ave, Burbank, CA 91502
Google Maps
🅿️ FREE parking in two structures on E Orange Grove Ave: (1) at the corner of N 1st St next to Islands restaurant, and (2) between N San Fernando Blvd and N 3rd St.Legal Disclaimer: By joining this hike, you acknowledge that you assume all risks associated with participation. Meetup and the organizers are not responsible for your safety. Please review Meetup’s Terms of Service, particularly section 6.2.
- 🌵⭐️🌎 MALIBU CREEK ST PK/ M*A*S*H*/ 🪕🎻BANJO FIDDLE FEST @ KING GILLETTE RANCHMalibu Creek State Park Trailhead SMHC, Calabasas, CA
We'll hike to the MASH Site & then go to the 🪕🎻**Topanga Banjo Fiddle Festival** for 🍔 Food, 🎵 Music, 🕺💃🏽Dancing and 😜Shenannigans!
HURRY! For limited time & limited quantiy of Tickets at $30 each (plus a nominal fee) using code [2025SMHCBANJOFUNDAY]. Normally $50, they gave us a generous discount. Buy tickets HERE
*** IMPORTANT: You will see a list of different ticket prices. Scroll down and select the one that says Santa Monica Hiking Club, otherwise you'll pay full price.***STOP 1) MALIBU CREEK STATE PARK is where they filmed MASH, "Planet of the Apes" and a gazillion other movies...Click HERE for MASH VIDEO
- Google Maps to Malibu Creek State Park HERE
- START TIME: We usually wait 15 minutes grace, but please try to arrive early.
- DISTANCE: We'll be hiking ~ 4 1/2 miles ROUND-TRIP to the MASH filming site. Slight elevation gain. GREAT FOR BEGINNERS!!!
- ELEVATION: 358 ft
- PARKING: FEE AREA - it was $12 last time I was there. Park in the 2nd BIGGER Lot. Not the first lot.
- FREE PARKING: Alternately, arrive 15 - 20 minutes earlier to park on the corner of Mulholland & Las Virgenes / Malibu Canyon & walk in.
- *MORE FREE PARKING: California public library-card holders can check out the California State Library Parks Pass via their local public library. See link for details!
- **MORE FREE PARKING: Park at King Gillete Ranch for the Banjo Festival for FREE. Then walk across the Street. LINK for details.
- MEETING LOCATION: Meet at the Picnic Bench / Restroom in the 2nd BIGGER Lower Parking lot. Google Maps Here
- WHERE TO FIND US: Look for the large group of people by the bathroom.
- CELL SERVICE: 📞 very few bars.
- RESTROOMS: FlushToilets and Sink with Running Water
- DOGS: We love Fido, but sadly, no Dogs allowed on Hiking Trails in State Parks
- WHAT TO BRING: BRING 3 LITERS OF WATER, A HAT, SUNSCREEN, COMFORTABLE SHOES, SNACKS, WARM CLOTHES, MITTENS OR GLOVES, LIGHT JACKET
- All Trails – Link
🌵⭐️🌎🌵⭐️🌎🌵⭐️🌎🌵⭐️🌎🌵⭐️🌎
STOP 2) Walk to 🪕🎻TOPANGA BANJO FIDDLE FESTIVAL🪕🎻AT KING GILLETE RANCH.
- Google Map: to King Gillette Ranch HERE
- WALK: Leave your car and walk (.08 miles/15 minutes) to King Gillete Ranch.
- OR Park at King GIllete Ranch: Parking is Free.
- 🛑GROUP PRICE FOR FIDDLE FEST!!!🛑🛑
- Limited # of Tickets. First come, first served.
- $30.00 + Fees. (Use the Code [2025SMHCBANJOFUNDAY] & Order Tickets EARLY)
- *** IMPORTANT: You will see a list of different ticket prices. Scroll down and select the one that says Santa Monica Hiking Club, otherwise you'll pay full price.***
- BANJO / FIDDLE FEST WEBSITE https://www.topangabanjofiddle.org/
FOOD / LIVE BANDS / SHANANIGANS
- FIVE STAGES with live performances, exhibitions, food trucks, artisans, jamming, workshops, and a children’s instrument petting zoo area.
- FOOD: Bring your own picnic or buy from food trucks on site. Craft Beer for sale. Vegan options available.
- BRING LOW-BACK CHAIRS - ICE CHEST OK!!
- DOGS: DOGS ON LEASH
- SHADE: You can bring in a shade structure as long as it doesn't interfere with another activity or jamming group. If it’s a large shade structure, a TBFC Board Member will need to approve the location. We reserve the right to ask you to relocate any shade structure upon request.
- HIKE LEADER: Andy
- CoLEADERS: Peggy, Dean and Steve
- SWEEPER: Eric Belle
*** 🟣🟣🟣 When we get to KING GILLETTE RANCH, we’re going to congregate by the main stage somewhere… (probably near the back of the audience). The entire area is about the size of a football field and there will be a bunch of stages, concession stands, pop-up shops and food trucks… OK to bring ice chests, chairs / blankets… you’ll probably want to meander around.
*********KEN STEIGERS VIDEO OF PREVIOUS YEARS BANJO-FEST!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RuwaJ789HE*This is a John classic!
