Canyon Hikes Los Angeles

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

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.

Mandeville Canyon Trail

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

EARLY Fryman Canyon, Studio City - Rainforest & the Nancy Hoover Pohl Overlook

It's time to get outdoors and enjoy a 2 hour hike in Studio City! Please keep your RSVP up to date. But if you can't make it, don't worry, I'm not taking attendance. But if you are on the list and are running just a little late (no more 5 minutes, we'll wait for you, if I get the message.) My number is (818) 644-5859. 3453 Fryman Road (corner of Laurel Canyon and Fryman) MEET AT THE KIOSK IN FRONT. It is right at the beginning of the trailhead. There is a free parking along Laurel Canyon. The County is charging $7.00 to $14.00 to park in the lot. You may want to have the correct amount of cash to use the "Iron Ranger". There is the ubiquitous electronic ticket machine that we've all become used to by now. Or, come early and park on Laurel Canyon (watch for the fire hydrants) or park on Sunshine Terrace. People are coming and going so drive carefully and give yourself plenty of time to find a place. Post a message if you are running late. The parking lot has been filling up in the morning. Try arriving 15 minutes early. The first part of the hike is an uphill climb and considered "intermediate". The rest is a gentle uphill slope. There are wide paths and plenty of room for leashed dogs. The TreePeople have opened their bathrooms and there are drinking fountains for humans and dogs. Bring water, sun protection and hiking shoes, or running shoes. The dirt road and trail can be dusty and slippery. Keep that in mind. "Yes" you can trip and or slip. More info about the park: https://mrca.ca.gov/parks/park-listing/wilacre-park/ We visit TreePeople Park. It is a fascinating spot and while we are there we just do a little exploring. There is a short walk in a secluded section of TreePeople Park which is just beautiful and relaxing. Depending on the mood of the hikers we may extend the hike to take in the Rain Forest or continue on to the Nancy Hoover Pohl Overlook on Mulholland. This could extend the hike to 6 or 9 miles. New in town? New to the Santa Monica Mountains? New to hiking? This is a good place to begin to immerse yourself into Los Angeles.

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.

Zion Loop – 9 miles, 2300’ elevation gain

Quiet Strength: Women’s Morning Hike at Runyon Canyon

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.

EARLY Fryman Canyon, Studio City - Rainforest & the Nancy Hoover Pohl Overlook

It's time to get outdoors and enjoy a 2 hour hike in Studio City! Please keep your RSVP up to date. But if you can't make it, don't worry, I'm not taking attendance. But if you are on the list and are running just a little late (no more 5 minutes, we'll wait for you, if I get the message.) My number is (818) 644-5859. 3453 Fryman Road (corner of Laurel Canyon and Fryman) MEET AT THE KIOSK IN FRONT. It is right at the beginning of the trailhead. There is a free parking along Laurel Canyon. The County is charging $7.00 to $14.00 to park in the lot. You may want to have the correct amount of cash to use the "Iron Ranger". There is the ubiquitous electronic ticket machine that we've all become used to by now. Or, come early and park on Laurel Canyon (watch for the fire hydrants) or park on Sunshine Terrace. People are coming and going so drive carefully and give yourself plenty of time to find a place. Post a message if you are running late. The parking lot has been filling up in the morning. Try arriving 15 minutes early. The first part of the hike is an uphill climb and considered "intermediate". The rest is a gentle uphill slope. There are wide paths and plenty of room for leashed dogs. The TreePeople have opened their bathrooms and there are drinking fountains for humans and dogs. Bring water, sun protection and hiking shoes, or running shoes. The dirt road and trail can be dusty and slippery. Keep that in mind. "Yes" you can trip and or slip. More info about the park: https://mrca.ca.gov/parks/park-listing/wilacre-park/ We visit TreePeople Park. It is a fascinating spot and while we are there we just do a little exploring. There is a short walk in a secluded section of TreePeople Park which is just beautiful and relaxing. Depending on the mood of the hikers we may extend the hike to take in the Rain Forest or continue on to the Nancy Hoover Pohl Overlook on Mulholland. This could extend the hike to 6 or 9 miles. New in town? New to the Santa Monica Mountains? New to hiking? This is a good place to begin to immerse yourself into Los Angeles.

Wella’s Peak– 8.5 miles, 2,000’ elevation gain

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.

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) .

Bishop, La Loma & Palo Verde Urban Hike

The LA dodgers will be losing in Arizona on this night. So this area will be open for us to explore! Come join us as we hike where the communities of Bishop, Palo Verde & La Loma once thrived. Then the land was stolen by the city of Los Angeles to build a ballpark for a team stolen from Brooklyn! We will start in Elysian Park, then go to Echo Park to do some stairs. Then head back to Elysian Park. Then the three lost communities. Then we will get some great view of Cypress Park, Mt Washington, Elephant Hill and the San Gabriel Mountains! About 5 miles & nearly 800ft of elevation gain. There is about 1 mile of dirt trail on this route. Regular athletic shoes are fine. Meeting Place 929 Academy Rd Los Angeles, CA 90012 There is plenty of free unlimited parking.

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/**