Beginner Hiking Los Angeles

Griffith Park Beginner Hike @ Merry Go Round Lot

This will be a beginner hike with no more than 630 ft in total ascent. **It's a semi hilly 5-mile hike**. This hike is @ 120 minutes. This hike will be a loop. Which will take us to the Mineral Wells Picnic Area, The Condor Trail and onto the Skyline Trail. This hike will take us behind the current LA Zoo (if we're lucky we might see an escaped monkey) to the Autry Museum and back to the parking Lot **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

Sierra Club Griffith Park Moonlight Hike

**Moderate hike to a vista in the park (\~4 to 5 miles RT, \~1100 ft elevation gain); bring a food item to share or for yourself.** Leashed well-mannered dogs welcome. **Gather at 6:45pm and sign waiver sheets; hike begins at 7pm and lasts around 2 1/2 hours.**(Waiver form is separate from those used for the regular evening hikes.) No beginners or tigers, please. (Tigers are super-fast hikers who wouldn't be satisfied with a moderate pace.) For those familiar with our Tuesday/Thursday evening hikes, the socially-paced hike will be similar to a level 2 or 3. There are usually between 10 and 25 hikers on the Moonlit hikes; not everyone RSVPs on Meetup. **What to bring:** Water, a light jacket in case it gets cold, and a food item to share or for yourself. Hiking boots/shoes are recommended. Flashlights are optional; many leaders discourage their use except in emergencies. (If used, colored lenses such as red help preserve others' night vision). Leashed, well-behaved dogs welcome. This is a front country outing. **Rain in the park at the time of the hike cancels.** Check the weather: [https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/griffith-park/90027/hourly-weather-forecast/2626762](https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/griffith-park/90027/hourly-weather-forecast/2626762) **Directions to Merry-Go-Round Lot #2:** From Los Feliz Blvd just west of the 5, take Crystal Springs north into the park; you’ll soon pass a freeway onramp. After around a mile, you’ll come to a 4-way intersection, with the Ranger station on your right. Make a left (going west). At the top of the road you’re forced to turn right into the (unlit) lot #1. Drive through the lot and along the road that leaves the opposite corner. You’ll soon come to lot #2, which is lit. The Sierra Club meets at the far (north) end of the lot, by the stone steps. Going north on the 5 from Downtown LA, you can also get off at the Griffith Park exit and take Crystal Springs going north, following the directions above. Other routes go from near the Zoo or from Travel Town; you can get directions from this link: [https://goo.gl/q7QTtb](https://goo.gl/q7QTtb) .

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

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.

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.

Easy evening hike in the Lower Arroyo Seco

Join us for a three-mile loop hike on level trails along Pasadena's Arroyo Seco. We'll stop at various locations along the way to note the natural and human history of the area, as well as ongoing programs to restore streamside habitats. We'll be back at our starting point no later than 9 PM. No pets please. If you have a service dog, contact one of the hike leaders in advance. **Level**: Easy. **Save time at the trailhead! RSVP separately on the Sierra Club website**, provide your emergency contact information, and sign the waiver: https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=701Po00001gSZwbIAG . You don't need to be a Sierra Club member to attend -- all are welcome. **Recommended items to bring**: water, sturdy shoes/boots suitable for trail walking, clothing appropriate for evening weather, and a headlamp, flashlight or phone. You may also want to bring binoculars if you have them. **Questions?** Contact the leaders: Erik Peterson, (626) 833-4818, epetersoneditor@gmail.com; Ted Lubeshkoff, jeannstar@sbcglobal.net. **Signup Restrictions**: If you are feeling sick or have any symptoms such as cough, cold, fever, etc., please do not join this outing. **Cancellation policy:** Heavy rain cancels the hike.

Mandeville Canyon Trail

Follow us on IG @yoprohikes For more details and check in- Join us on Heylo - https://heylo.com/invite/pAaQ8Aj7

6.0 Mile Urban Hike South Pasadena (incl. Stairs/Steep Inclines), Fast Pace

Come join us for a FAST-paced urban hike around the winding hills and beautiful streets of peaceful South Pasadena. Enjoy the scenery, the Craftsman and Mid-Century Modern architecture, the cooler evening air, and the setting sun. **NOTE**: Before signing up, be sure to review the safety guidelines and policies below, including the 'No Crashing'/'Guests Must Also Sign Up' policy and the 'Timeframe for Cancelling an RSVP/Signup' policy. **LEVEL**: Advanced/Fast for speed (approximately 17-18 mins per mile), a few staircases, and some long street inclines, otherwise moderate plus. We are a friendly group that loves to socialize and encourages newcomers, but please note that moderate+ level of cardio fitness and fast walking speed are required. **LENGTH**: 6.0 miles, a few staircases, and some long street inclines. Elevation gain is 900ft. Approximately 2:00 hours. **SPEED**: Advanced/Fast speed of approximately 17-18 mins per mile. We will try to take a quick pause to re-group at the top of stairs and steep hills but our regulars like to keep up a good solid fast pace of about 17-18 minutes per mile. There will be no sweep, so bring your phone for navigation just in case you fall behind or want to leave early. **BRING**: *Flashlight (with a red, yellow or orange light)*, exercise outfit, workout shoes, and sufficient water. **MEETING POINT**: We will meet at 6:00 pm in front of the South Pasadena Library (1100 Oxley Street, South Pasadena, 91030) for introductions and take off sharply at 6.05 pm. **RESTROOMS**: At the library. None along the way (unless you count any random Port-a-Potties that we might come across along the route). **PARKING**: Free street parking around the library area. Parking at your own risk. **'NO CRASHING'/'GUESTS MUST ALSO SIGN UP':** All participants MUST sign up through the Meetup app and check in with the leader upon arrival. If someone is a bringing a guest, then that guest MUST also sign up as well through the Meetup app *before* the hike if space is available. There are NO exceptions. The waitlist, if any, generally clears in order. Members with a good attendance record and a posted picture (LA Hiking Group rule) may get some priority. **CANCELLING AN RSVP/SIGNUP**: Please sign up only if you think there's a realistic chance that you will make the hike. If folks sign up and then decide that they can't make it, please be sure to change your RSVP to "Not Going" at least 24-36 hours before the scheduled time for the hike in order: (1) allow me to more accurately predict the number of participants on the hike, and (2) allow people on the waitlist to join the hike within a reasonable amount of time of the hike. Waiting until the last minute to cancel (or simply not showing up) is not fair to me and to other LA Hiking members. **PROFILE NAME AND PIC**: Be sure to update your profile to indicate at least your first name, and include a picture showing your face, per group policy. This is for your safety and to discourage non-signed-up crashers. **LIABILITY**: The organizer is an untrained and unpaid volunteer. By joining this event each member accepts full and total responsibility for knowing their limits, for all injuries and health issues, assessing all risks, for any material losses, for falling behind, and for getting lost. Each member fully releases the host from any and all liability.

Mt Thom via Brand Library (Strenuous)

Sunday Night Hike at Griffith Park

**This is a fast-paced, intermediate+ hike on mostly single-track trails on the way up and fire roads on the way down. Some sections are overgrown, and there will be areas involving rock scrambling and uneven terrain. Long sleeves and long pants are strongly recommended for comfort and protection.** **We hike in an interval style, moving at a strong pace between regroup points and staying together as a group. Participants must be comfortable pushing hard on sustained climbs and keeping up with the group pace. If someone is not able to keep up group pace, they’ll be asked to turn back. If you have questions about whether this hike is a good fit, please ask in advance.** **Hike Details & Difficulty** **The hike will be approximately 2.5 + hours and 4+ miles, using a mix of fire roads and single-track trails.** **You should expect steep climbs (up to ~25% grade) for 10–15 minutes at a time at your maximum hiking effort, followed by short regroup breaks, repeated throughout the hike. Total cumulative elevation gain is typically +1,200 feet (routes may include Hogback, Mt. Hollywood, Mt. Lee, Taco Peak, etc.).** **Maximum effort means you should expect to be breathing hard (panting).** **What to Bring** **Plenty of water** **Hiking shoes with good grip** **Hiking poles (optional, at your discretion)** **Long-sleeve shirt (especially for overgrown sections or cooler conditions)** **Flashlights optional; red or green light only — white light diminishes night vision.** **Arrival & RSVP** **Please arrive 10–15 minutes early. We leave exactly on time.** **If you cannot attend, please update your RSVP.** **Directions** **Take the Los Feliz / Crystal Springs entrance off the I-5 freeway.** **Go north on Crystal Springs Drive into the park. At the second stop sign, turn left at the four-way intersection (ranger station on your right). Continue briefly, then turn right into Merry-Go-Round Lot #1. Drive through Lot #1 and continue to Lot #2.** **We meet at the north end of Parking Lot #2 by the steps.** **Liability Notice** **Assistant Organizers, Event Hosts, and support hikers are volunteers and organize hikes without compensation and assume no responsibility for participants or guests. By signing up, you acknowledge the risks associated with outdoor activities and agree to release and discharge the Organizer, Assistant Organizers, and Event Hosts of the Los Angeles Hiking & Fitness Meetup Group from any liability arising from participation.** **Please see Meetup’s Terms of Service: https://www.meetup.com/terms/**

Explore Griffith Park

Zion Loop – 9 miles, 2300’ elevation gain

Funtastic Hike Exploring Ernest Deb Park. Moderate Paced!

Join us for a steady, moderate-paced hike at Ernest Debs Park. This will be a solid workout with some elevation, but we’ll keep a sustainable pace and regroup as needed. Moderate Hike at Ernest Debs Park – 4 Miles, \~1,000 ft Elevation Gain ⏰ **Time:** [9:30 AM] (Please arrive 5 minutes early) 📍 **Where:** Hermon Park: 5566 Via Marisol, Los Angeles, CA 90042 a bit past the tennis courts. Click the Meetup app map for exact coordinates. **What to Bring**: * Water bottle (stay hydrated!) * Comfortable hiking shoes * Snacks if you’d like to enjoy a quick break * Friendly dogs on a leash are welcome! * Feel free to invite friends—this is a casual, social hike.