Backpacking Los Angeles

Vietnam & Cambodia with Angkor Wat! Ancient Kingdoms of Southeast Asia

A Meetup trip in December . . . what can be a better gift for the holidays?! Join our travelers group on a captivating 14-day journey through the heart of Southeast Asia as we explore the vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes of Vietnam & Cambodia (Dec 04-18, 2026) As with all our tailor-made Meetup trips, our expert guides will lead us off the beaten path to uncover the authentic charm of each destination, while comfortable accommodations and delicious local cuisine ensure a truly immersive travel experience. Embark on an unforgettable journey through the vibrant cities and breathtaking landscapes of Vietnam, finishing with the wonders of Cambodia. We begin in Hanoi, where history and culture come alive, then sail the emerald waters of Halong Bay. Step back in time among the imperial treasures of Hue, wander the lantern-lit streets of charming Hoi An, and feel the dynamic energy of Ho Chi Minh City. We conclude your adventure at the awe-inspiring temples of Siem Reap, home to the legendary Angkor Wat. TRIP HIGHLIGHTS: * **Hanoi**; explore Ho Chi Minh sites, Temple of Literature, Old Quarter cyclo ride & water puppet show * Visit rural **craft villages**: conical hat & incense making, home-hosted lunch, village walk * **Ha Long Bay cruise**: limestone islands, floating villages, cave visit, Tai Chi & sunset views * **Hue**: Perfume River boat ride, Thien Mu Pagoda, Khai Dinh’s Tomb & Imperial Citadel * Scenic **Hai Van Pass train** to Danang; explore Dragon Bridge, Cham Museum, Marble Mountain * **Hoi An Ancient Town** (UNESCO), visit tailor shops, pottery village & organic farm with cooking class * **Ho Chi Minh City & Cu Chi Tunnels**; War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace & Ben Thanh Market * **Mekong Delta cruise**: coconut workshops, sampan ride, orchards & lunch in riverside village * **Siem Reap**: dinner with Apsara dance, Angkor temples (Ta Prohm, Bayon, Angkor Wat) * Cambodian cultural immersion: **monk blessing**, village crafts & cooking, **Tonle Sap Lake sunset cruise** For a detailed Day By Day itinerary: **[Click Here](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8)**[ to fill out our info request form](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8) *Trip Itinerary:* * **Hanoi** – 3 nights * **Ha Long Bay (cruise)** – 1 night * **Hue** – 2 nights * **Hoi An** – 2 nights * **Ho Chi Minh City** – 3 nights * **Siem Reap** – 3 nights **Price per person, double occupancy: $4400** (we match roommates for those willing to share and save) **Price for single room: $5300** **RSVP with your email address to receive complete information and itinerary. To secure your spot on this trip, please submit a $450 deposit.** [Click Here for Secure Deposit Link](https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/EM44C56V6RFTC) Deposit is refundable up to 90 days before the departure (less PayPal fees) [Fill Out this FORM if you are making a deposit](https://forms.gle/Tpz4v9jEbc13FSU38) Limited capacity of 24 total. This trip will fill up extremely quickly. **\*\*\*Airfare from/to the US not included. Contact Anna for a quote\*\*\*** ***[Click Here](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062)***[ to Message Direct to Anna.](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062) She can help you arrange the airfare and answer any logistics questions. We believe in good decent social. This events is cross posted to several other groups and the number of RSVPs on each is not reflective. We have a set of sister groups where we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events too. [Click Here to see all our other fun events](https://www.meetup.com/ccccc-c/events/) We do a [monthly Zoom with Q & A ](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/296044209/)on all our overseas events. Come to the zoom and ask any questions. Great way to get the info you want without all the other fluff. As well as meet us and other attendees. [Click here ](https://www.meetup.com/MoreToExplore/events/282719353/)for General Policies and useful info about our international trips. Live the adventure instead of only dreaming it! SOT 2000318-10

Griffith Park Semi Beginner Hike @ Merry Go Round Lot

A New Year with new resolutions (or re-instated old ones) Come out for our traditional semi beginner hike. It's a semi hilly 4.30-mile hike. This hike is @ 120 minutes. Most of the elevation gain is going up @ 200 steps in the middle of the hike. Total elevation gain for this hike is approximately 930 ft **NO ANIMALS ALLOWED ON HIKE** We do start ON TIME, no matter how much traffic is on the freeways, inside the park, including if our parking lots are being used by movie crews. Allow yourself enough time for any unexpected surprises. Where to meet: If you know the park well, it is Merry Go Round Lot #2, adjacent to the first entrance into lot #2. IF YOU ARE BY THE STAIRCASE YOU ARE IN WRONG SPOT. WE DO NOT MEET BY THE STAIRCASE. We meet directly opposite of the staircase on the other side of the lot Put these coordinates in google maps for the exact spot that we meet: 34.133525,-118.284731 Legend for hikes: These hikes run year 'round every Tuesday. In the leader's (subjective) mind, the hikes are generally easiest the first Tuesday of the month and most challenging the last Tuesday of the month, with everything progressive in between. Beginners are encouraged to come to the first Tuesday of the month. Beginners will receive doses of encouragement the second Tuesday of the month to keep up if unable. The 3-4-5 Tuesday's of the month it is expected anyone that can't keep up with the leader will turn back The fine print: Wildlife (snakes, bobcats, mountain lions etc) seen in the park, be aware of your surroundings and stay alert at all times. Bring Along: Hiking boots and at least 1 Liter Water. Layered clothing in case it's cold. Long pants in case it's hot, to prevent being bitten by insects. Mosquito and tic spray (available at Sports Chalet) are recommended. No bright (white) flashlights. Red, Blue flashlights are ok. If you get to the lot after we meet, Sierra Club hikes start at 7:00PM on the opposite end of the lot. From 134 Freeway: (Note, if you are not familiar with Griffith Park Drive, this is a dark single lane route. You are better off taking I5 directions) Exit Forest Lawn. (If coming from Westbound go straight, from Eastbound, Go Right). Make a left on Zoo Drive. Make a right hand turn on Griffith Park Drive. Road weaves through Griffith Park. Continue on road until you hit Crystal Springs Road. Make a right hand turn on Crystal Springs. There's no street sign at the next stop sign, but there should be a sign in the median stating the Merry Go Round is to the right. Make a right hand turn. Continue up the road. The road forces you to make a sharp right hand turn into a parking lot. Go through the parking lot. You'll hit a small dark road (it's lit if it's daylight savings time) for a short period of time, followed by a brightly lit lot. Park in the back of the lot (the part you entered in). Meet at the back of the lot, where the driveway to the lower part of the lot is. It's close to the "No Practice Driving Allowed" sign is. From Interstate 5 (either direction) Go West on Los Feliz. Make a right on Riverside drive into Griffith Park. Go two stop signs and make a left turn. Continue up the road. The road forces you to make a sharp right hand turn into a parking lot. Go through the parking lot. You'll hit a small dark road (it's lit if it's daylight savings time) for a short period of time, followed by a brightly lit lot. Park in the back of the lot (the part you entered in). Meet at the back of the lot, where the driveway to the lower part of the lot is. It's close to the "No Practice Driving Allowed" sign is. Where to meet: See above. If you know the park well, it is Merry Go Round Lot #2, next to the first entrance into lot #2. WE DO NOT MEET BY THE STAIRCASE. We meet directly opposite of the staircase on the other side of the lot http://angeles.sierraclub.org/griffith/griffith_park_map.html http://files.meetup.com/262967/PL#2.jpg Put these coordinates in google maps for exact directions from your location: 34.133525,-118.284731

Griffith Park 9 Peaks (Moderate Pace)

Organizer: Mike Cheng Location: Griffith Park, CA Hike Difficulty: Advanced, Level 7/10 Distance: 11.5 miles Elevation Gain: 3000' Time: 7 hours Trail condition: Single file, rocky trail, no shaded Water: Minimum 3 liters Guest: no Dog: no Toilette: at the trail head Parking: Parking lot *** What to bring: hat, sunscreen, hiking poles, energy bar, lunch, snacks, water, and the usual stuff. Trail description: We will be hiking on single-file trails and fire roads. The trail leading up to Beacon Hill is steep. It has a 25-35% grade. The trail to Mt. Bell and Mt. Chapel are very steep. It has a 35-45% grade. In addition, the trail has a base of loose rock and sand. It is slippery. you will need to use hiking poles here. The trail leading up to Cahuenga Peak is rocky and steep. Its grade is 30-40%. 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.

Saturday in the Santa Monica Mountains 2026 #6 - Verdugo Peak

Hike #6 in the 2026 Saturday in the Santa Monica Mountains series, is a strenuous 11 mile, 2800 gain hike in the Verdugo Mountains. The trail starts with a challenging steep ascent to Mount Thom and then mellows out along the ridge with panoramic views of the city. We'll take Verdugo Motorway past Tongva Peak to brunch at Verdugo Peak with a relaxed descent down Brand Motorway. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and a good attitude. Hiking poles and footwear with good traction are recommended as some portions of the trail are covered in scree. Rain, excessive heat, and Red Flag alert cancels. This is a Front Country hike. A medical form is recommended, but not required. If you have one, please carry it with you. Copies of the form will be available to fill out at the trailhead as well. Outing to be conducted to Sierra Club hike safety guidelines, group to hike together with participants following the leader and in front of the sweep.

Mount Baldy via Devil’s Backbone + Food & Drinks

⚠️ Most attendees and all event communication will be through our YoPro Hikes community on Heylo. 👉 Please join our Heylo group here for full details, updates, meeting location, and group communication: https://heylo.com/invite/CNRhLnMO

Weekly FightBackFridays Trump/Musk Protest

Pasadena City College near Harbeson Hall, 1570 Colorado Blvd, Pasadena Bring your own protest signs or borrow some of ours Daily permit parking is available in PCC lots 4 or 5, or there is also street parking nearby

FRIDAY--Easy Night walk around Silverlake

Silverlake can be quite beautiful at night. Walk is mostly easy 2.2 miles RT around the lake. Walk is approx. 1 hour. There is short uphill on this walk--approx. 10 minutes Some members go to the local Oyster bar afterwards. **Rain will cancel walk. Dogs ok as long as on leash.** Parking: Street parking. There is more parking when you park along the lake --along W. Silverlake Dr.

Backgammon Club of Encino

Meets every Sunday from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m at the Encino Courtyard : 17401 Ventura Boulevard, Encino 91316 The Courtyard is at street level. There is plenty of free parking in the back lot or on Ventura Blvd. You can see us playing next to Western Bagel and Planet Fitness. All levels of players are welcome. You're welcome to stay and play for the whole time or just a few games. Please bring a board if you have one (Although we always have a few extras on hand). If you have any questions feel free to call or text me at (818) 397-7651 Thank you David S.

Veteran’s Day Arroyo Seco Splash and Dash (Pasadena)

Walk Japan’s Sacred Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage w/ Airfare

Finland – Arctic Adventure with Northern Lights & Glass Igloo

Time to get check another bucket list destination Finland. Join the group to explore Lapland thoroughly and experience the natural beauty of the Arctic, the Northern Lights, the ice, and the snow! Let’s experience the fun of the Arctic outdoor adventures and taste the authentic Arctic cuisine! Signup here: [https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/finland-arctic-adventure-with-northern-lights-glass-igloo/](https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/finland-arctic-adventure-with-northern-lights-glass-igloo/) Itinerary Day01 Arrival Rovaniemi - Northern Lights Day02 Ranua Wildlife Park - Northern Lights Day03 Luosto Amethyst Mine & Northern Lights Day04 Snowshoeing - Ice Fishing - Snowmobile with Aurora Day05 Husky - Reindeer Farm - Santa Village - Ice Floating Day06 Snow Hotel - Arctic Circle - Glass igloo Day07 Rovaniemi Departure Day08 CAMP GREY TO PUERTO NATALES Price: $3990 pp (Double Occupancy) $4990 pp (Single Occupancy) Inclusions Price Includes * Airport/train station transfer on the first and last day * 5 nights in hotel accommodation * 1 night stay at Glass Igloo * Professional guide in English for the activities * 6 breakfasts * All the activities and transfers as per the itinerary Price Excludes * International flights (From/to home) * Tips * Personal Expenses * Travel Insurance * Visa For detailed itinerary follow the link below: [https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/finland-arctic-adventure-with-northern-lights-glass-igloo/](https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/finland-arctic-adventure-with-northern-lights-glass-igloo/) ——————————————————— Questions?? Text or Call: 2023787696: Himanshu

Take the train to LA: Urban Hike in Pasadena

Part of Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena will be closed to traffic on Sunday, November 15, 2026 from 9AM to 3PM, so people can ride bikes on the streets. With no cars, it's the perfect time to walk Colorado Boulevard (no more than 5 miles roundtrip) and do some extra sightseeing. (lunch break TBD) https://ciclavia.org/events/pasadena-2026-11/ To get there, we can take the Metrolink train 661 from OC to LA Union Station: 1661 leaves Irvine 9:21AM: https://metrolinktrains.com/schedules/?type=station&originId=140&destinationId=107&weekend=4 Or get on the 1661 at Tustin at 9:28AM, or Santa Ana at 9:35AM, or in Anaheim at 9:45AM, or at Fullerton at 9:53AM, or at Buena Park at 9:58AM. There are lots more places to catch this train. The train only costs $12 on the weekend: https://metrolinktrains.com/ticketsOverview/discounts/metrolink-$12-weekends/ Visit a Metrolink station with weekend service. Use the ticket machines and select "SoCal Day Pass" on the home screen\*. You also may buy tickets with our mobile app on the day of travel. Don't worry about meeting up on the train, although I'm sure you'll recognize people in any car you get into. We'll arrive at Union Station at 10:34, then we'll all meet up at Starbucks (next to Wetzel's Pretzels) - and this is a good bathroom break spot). Here's a map of Union Station: https://www.unionstationla.com/visit/ After a restroom break and giving time for people to gather together, we'll transfer to the Blue (or A) line, for a 24 minute ride to Memorial Park in Pasadena. https://cdn.beta.metro.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/11104336/801_TT_06-07-26-1.pdf