Hike to Mt. Bell With Ranger Ernie

Hey all, this is kind of last minute, but I'm going to go on Ranger Ernie's hike this Sunday so I figured I'd throw out an invite to see if anyone else wants to tag along. This will be one of the last hikes that Ernie does before his retirement later this year, so I feel like it's pretty special.

Also note, this is an ADVANCED HIKE. If you don't think you'll be up for it, better to skip it.

In terms of where we'll be going, I'll just quote directly from Ranger Ernie's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/RangerErnie) regarding the hike:

First of final four hikes! Advanced (6-mile) hike to Mt. Bell this Sunday, August 2.(APPROX 1200-FT CLIMB, UP BILL ECKERT TRAIL> MT. BELL (360-DEGREE VIEW OF THE PARK)> DOWN TO THE SADDLE> WATER TANK 113>OLD ZOO> RANGER STATION)

Meet 7:30 a.m. at the Griffith Park Ranger Station/Visitor Center (4730 Crystal Springs Drive, LA 90027).

Questions/more information: ernie.ybarra@lacity.org or 323.644.6661.Advanced hikers only, please.

Here is more info on the trails near Mt. Bell via a write-up by hikespeak.com (http://www.hikespeak.com/trails/mount-hollywood-bell-chapel-griffith-park/). It's not exactly the route we'll be going, but it does cover some of the points of interest we'll be near. I've actually never been to Mt. Bell, but the idea of a 360 degree view of L.A. County sounds pretty cool.

If you want to come along, here's a screenshot of where we're meeting at the Ranger Station, so match this up with your driving directions / map app and you should be good.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/9/7/6/600_437395670.jpeg

It's confusing because while technically the Ranger Station is 4730 Crystal Springs, typing that address into Google doesn't give you the exact right spot. Just remeber, if you park by the baseball fields, it's just a hundred or so yards northwest of there!

Please also remember to wear hike appropriate clothing, bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and wear a hat. Expect to be done by noon (and dog tired afterward).

Please also note on the off chance there are any weather issues (i.e. heavy thunder storming) the hike will be cancelled.

Looking forward to seeing folks on Sunday morning!

Cheers

-Brian