Challenging Hikes Los Angeles

No Hike Today

**Greetings!** No hike today! During the summer I'll be taking a few "heat days" off! If someone wants to organize a hike for Sunday feel free use the discussion area....and, if it's not super hot, I'll see you next weekend! Cynthia

"Life is better with a Hike" 🥾

Sunday Night Hike at Griffith Park

**☀️ SUMMER EDITION: 5 p.m. start to avoid the heat. We'll follow a route with plenty of shade during the first hour.** **⚠️ PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE HIKE DESCRIPTION BEFORE SIGNING UP ⚠️** **🥾Intermediate++/ Advanced Conditioning Hike** **This is a strenuous hike for strong, experienced hikers. It is not a beginner hike, a casual social walk, or a good choice for anyone currently rebuilding fitness. Participants should be comfortable with steep climbs, sustained uphill efforts, and maintaining a brisk pace on rugged terrain.** **🥾 Adventure • Exploration • Challenge** **Expect steep climbs, rugged terrain, hidden trails, occasional bushwhacking, and some rock scrambling (using your hands occasionally on rocky or steep terrain). This is not a typical park hike.** **🥾 Hike Details** **• 4–6 miles** **• 1,200–2,000 feet of elevation gain** **• 2.5–3 hours** **• Steep grades up to 40%** **• Fire roads, single-track trails, and some rock scrambling** **💧 What to Bring** **• At least 2 liters of water** **• Grippy hiking shoes** **• Long sleeves and long pants recommended** **• Hiking poles optional** **• Snacks** **🍜 🌮🍔A few of us may grab dinner after the hike at a nearby restaurant. Anyone interested is welcome to join us.** **If you're unsure whether this hike is a good fit, please contact me before signing up.** **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/job**

Urban Stair Hike in Franklin Hills/Silver Lake, Level: Moderate++

Come join us for a challenging workout and for meeting new people to do a beautiful urban stair hike in Franklin Hills/Silver Lake. This is one of our favorite repeat routes. We will meet in Franklin Hills and go clockwise this time. We'll start with conquering the Prospect triple stairs, then cross over to a charming part of Silver Lake, drop down to the reservoir, then work our way back through numerous hidden staircases. **LEVEL**: The inclines are intermediate++ (people not used to stairs may find the hike harder than it sounds). Intermediate Plus for speed and length. We are a friendly group that loves to socialize and encourage newcomers to join, but please note that moderate ++ cardio fitness and brisk walking speed are required. **LENGTH**: 5.0 miles, 14 long staircases up and 7 down + steep hills. The elevation gain is 1300 ft., which is at the higher end for stair hikes. +/-2h. **SPEED**: Brisk, faster than most moderate hikes, but below advanced. We'll take a short pause to re-group at the top of the stairs and the steepest hills. There will be no sweep; bring a phone for navigation just in case you want to leave early. **BRING**: Exercise outfit, workout shoes (no hiking shoes needed) and water. Sunscreen? **RESTROOMS**: None; go before you arrive! **MEETING POINT**: We meet at the corner of Myra Ave. and Cumberland Ave. where we have free, unlimited street parking. We meet at 8.30am for introductions and take off sharply at 8.35am. **ALERT!!! DEPENDING ON YOUR PHONE AND APP THE GPS LINK MAY BE SLIGHTLY OFF. Check the street names on a map before parking.** **LIABILITY**: The organizer is an uncompensated and untrained volunteer. By joining this event each member accepts full responsibility for knowing their limits, for all injuries, medical issues, assessing safety concerns, material losses and for getting lost. Each member shall release the organizer from all liability and have their guests accept these policies, also.

Griffith Park Hike to Cedar Grove

This hike is 4.6 miles/1224 ft ascent is known to the regulars as the "backyard hike" and it is NOT a Beginner Hike. Most of the elevation gain is in a short period of time. The trail on the steep ascent is hard to find, so a little bit of adventure is required for this hike. This hike is 120 minutes and NO ANIMALS ALLOWED 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 REI) 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. 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. 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. Look for the sign in the median stating "Merry-Go-Round Parking" with an arrow, follow the arrow. Continue up the road. The road forces you to make a sharp right hand turn into a parking lot, this is Lot 1. Go through the parking lot. You'll hit a small dark road (it's lit if it's daylight savings time) which will take you to Parking Lot 2. This is the parking lot where we meet. We meet next to the driveway that takes you down to parking Lot 3. 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: If you know the park well, it is Merry Go Round Lot #2, just at the path to the lower lot. (http://angeles.sierraclub.org/griffith/griffith_park_map.html) If you'd like a visual, here is a map. (http://angeles.sierraclub.org/griffith/griffith_park_map.html) CLICK (http://files.meetup.com/262967/PL#2.jpg) for Visual Map of Driving Directions from Ranger Station Put these coordinates in google maps for exact directions from your location: 34.133525,-118.284731

Conditioning hike (Strenuous) Griffith park

NOT A BEGINNER HIKE! – (STRENOUS ACTIVITY) Griffith park hike.. Meetup location: North End of Parking lot 2 by the stairs. Are you looking to do a great and fun workout during the week? Would you like to become a better and stronger hiker? Then join us for an awesome workout at Griffith Park. This is a fast-paced hike. We take single track trails as we ascend to our destination – gaining over 1200 ft of elevation gain—and we descend using a combination of single track and fire roads. Attendees must be willing to exert themselves and try their best as we take short breaks and try to be within the group’s pace. This hike is great for conditioning training for long hike weekend adventures. Stats: 📈 Difficulty: Strenuous. Distance: 4-6 miles. Elevation gain: 1200 ft. Duration: 2 hours. Please be aware that Assistant Organizers, Event Hosts, and support hikers are volunteers and organize hikes without compensation and assume absolutely no responsibility for you or your guests. By signing up for a hike, or any other event organized by this group, you are acknowledging that you are aware and made your guests aware of the risks, dangers, and hazards associated with any outdoor activity, and you accept, and fully assume all such risks, dangers, and hazards, and further agree to release, and discharge the Organizer, Assistant Organizers, and Event Hosts of Los Angeles Hiking Meetup Group from, and against any, and all liability arising from your and your guest's participation in the group activities. Please see the Meetup terms of service agreement http://www.meetup.com/terms

Mt Thom via Brand Library (Strenuous)

**🥾 Steep Hike Adventure – 3.7 Miles, 1,853 ft Gain** **Hosted by:** Mario 📍 **Location:** 1601 West Mountain Street, Glendale, CA 91201 📅 **Date & Time:** 06/18 @ 6:30pm 📏 **Distance:** 3.7 miles (out and back) ⛰️ **Elevation Gain:** 1,853 ft 🥵 **Difficulty:** Challenging / Steep *** **🔔 Event Details:** Join us for a steep, scenic hike with a solid workout! This trail is short but intense, gaining over 1,800 feet in under 2 miles. You **must be comfortable with steep terrain** and have the right gear. **Gear Checklist:** * ✅ Trekking poles (**highly recommended**) * ✅ Well-treaded hiking shoes (**required**) * 💧 At least 1.5–2 liters of water * 🍎 Light snacks * 🧥 Layers for changing weather We'll take breaks as needed and regroup at scenic spots. *** **🚗 Parking** Park at the Brand Library parking lot.

sunday night hike

**TIME CHANGED TO 5PM DUE TO HEAT** **⚠️ PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE HIKE DESCRIPTION BEFORE SIGNING UP ⚠️** **🥾 Intermediate+ Conditioning Hike** **This is a strenuous hike for strong, experienced hikers. It is not a beginner hike, a casual social walk, or a good choice for anyone currently rebuilding fitness. Participants should be comfortable with steep climbs, sustained uphill efforts, and maintaining a brisk pace on rugged terrain.** **🥾 Adventure • Exploration • Challenge** **Expect steep climbs, rugged terrain, hidden trails, occasional bushwhacking, and some rock scrambling (using your hands occasionally on rocky or steep terrain). This is not a typical park hike.** **🥾 Hike Details** **• 4+ miles** **• 1,200+ feet of elevation gain** **• 2.5–3 hours** **• Steep grades up to 40%** **• Fire roads, single-track trails, and occasional scrambling** **💧 What to Bring** **• At least 2 liters of water** **• Grippy hiking shoes** **• Long sleeves and long pants recommended** **• Hiking poles optional** **• Snacks** **🍜 🌮🍔A few of us may grab dinner after the hike at a nearby restaurant. Anyone interested is welcome to join us.** **If you're unsure whether this hike is a good fit, please contact me before signing up.** **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/**

Sierra Club Griffith Park Tuesday Evening Hikes

**Please come early (\~6:40pm on) to sign the required waiver form ("participation agreement") and get your *new PINK waiver card*, good until the end of 2026.** Come and enjoy a great evening of hiking and conversation with fellow hikers. These conditioning hikes range in level from fairly easy (level 1) through moderate (levels 2 and 3) to advanced hikes (levels 4, 5, and 6). All levels have hills; terrain is sometimes steep with uneven footing. Because hikers are expected to maintain the pace set by hike leaders, newcomers should not hike above level 3 and may wish to start at level 2. >>>**On Tuesday & Thursday evenings, we offer \*simultaneous\* hikes at a variety of levels.** **While some levels may not be offered on a given evening, we try to cover a range of levels.**<<< Hikes are led by trained leaders and last approximately 2 hrs. Hikes begin at 7pm; newcomers should get there early to fill out a waiver and should carry the waiver card with them on the hikes. There are usually 30-60 people at the hikes. **What to bring:** Bring water and a light jacket in case it gets cold. Hiking boots/shoes or other shoes with good traction are necessary for the harder hikes (levels 3-5) and are strongly encouraged for all hikes; tennis shoes with good tread may be sufficient for the more moderate hikes (levels 1 & 2). Flashlights are optional; many leaders discourage their use except in emergencies. If flashlights are used, red lights are preferable as they interfere less with night vision. Please, no radios or other sound-producing devices that others can hear. If earbuds are used, please leave one out to maintain awareness of surroundings. Leashed, well-behaved dogs are at the discretion of the leader. This is a front country outing. **Covid Considerations:** Note that both vaccinated and unvaccinated people may be present; everyone is encouraged to keep their distance and respect each others' need to do so. Masks are optional. Please do not attend if you are ill or have reason to think you might have Covid. **If you test positive for Covid within 3 days of a hike, please let us know through Meetup or by emailing GPNighthikes at gmail dot com.** 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 (also known as the Upper Merry-Go-Round parking lot): 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).

Sierra Club Griffith Park Thursday Evening Hikes & Potluck

**Come and enjoy a slightly shorter hike, followed by an optional potluck!** > > > If you don't have a current waiver card, please come a bit early (from 6:40pm on) to sign new required waiver form ("participant agreement") and get your new (pink) waiver card, good until the end of 2026.<<< Come and enjoy a great evening of hiking and conversation with fellow hikers. These conditioning hikes range in level from fairly easy (level 1) through moderate (levels 2 and 3) to advanced hikes (levels 4, 5, and 6). All levels have hills; terrain is sometimes steep with uneven footing. Because hikers are expected to maintain the pace set by hike leaders, newcomers should not hike above level 3 and may wish to start at level 2. >>>**On Tuesday & Thursday evenings, we offer \*simultaneous\* hikes at a variety of levels.** **While some levels may not be offered on a given evening, we try to cover a range of levels.**<<< Hikes are led by trained leaders and last approximately 2 hrs. Hikes begin at 7pm; newcomers should get there early to fill out a waiver and should carry the waiver card with them on the hikes. There are usually 30-60 people at the hikes. **What to bring:** Bring water and a light jacket in case it gets cold. Hiking boots/shoes are necessary for the harder hikes (levels 3-5) and are strongly encouraged for all hikes; tennis shoes with good tread may be sufficient for the more moderate hikes (levels 1 & 2). Flashlights are optional; many leaders discourage their use except in emergencies. If flashlights are used, red lights are preferable as they interfere less with night vision. Please, no radios or other sound-producing devices that others can hear. If earbuds are used, please leave one out to maintain awareness of surroundings. Leashed, well-behaved dogs are at the discretion of the leader. This is a front country outing. **After-hike potluck/cookout:** The hikes will be a little shorter and will be followed by a potluck dinner near our parking lot. The potluck begins after the hikes, usually at around 8:30pm. If you prefer to just bring and eat your own food, that's fine too! **Covid Considerations:** Note that both vaccinated and unvaccinated people may be present; everyone is encouraged to keep their distance and respect each others' need to do so. Masks are optional. Please do not attend if you are ill or have reason to think you might have Covid. **If you test positive for Covid within around 5 days of a hike, please let us know through Meetup or by emailing GPNighthikes at gmail dot com.** 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 (also known as the Upper Merry-Go-Round parking lot): 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) .

Explore Griffith Park

Please read this entire write up. This is a moderately strenuous hike. The hikes are about 2 hours long and about 4 miles, and those miles include steep ascents and descents, most often on single track trails. Some trails can be uneven and slippery. We move at a fairly rapid pace. but pause occasionally to enjoy the scenery, smell the flowers, and take pictures of the amazing views. No two hikes are the same, and we go all over the park. Please don't be late, as we aim to leave on time, 5:00 p.m. Good idea to arrive around 4:45 so that we can start at 5:00 p.m. Don't forget to bring water and wear good hiking shoes with lug soles. A note re time -- hike start times change occasionally, depending on the weather and the time of year. Please check the start time when you sign up, but an e-mail will be sent out whenever the time is changed. . Please be aware that Assistant Organizers, Event Hosts, and support hikers are volunteers organize hikes without compensation and assume absolutely no responsibility for you or your guests. By signing up for a hike, or any other event organized by this group, you are acknowledging that you are aware and made your guests aware of the risks, dangers, and hazards associated with any outdoor activity, and you accept, and fully assume all such risks, dangers, and hazards, and further agree to release, and discharge the Organizer, Assistant Organizers, and Event Hosts from, and against any, and all liability arising from your and your guest's participation in the group activities. Please see the Meetup terms of service agreement http://www.meetup.com/terms/

Echo Park Urban Hike with Stairs.

Please join us as we go to parts of Echo Park most people haven’t been to. The [Echo Park Trash Club ](https://www.instagram.com/p/DatLQo9EsDY/?img_index=3&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==)recently did a great job cleaning the area near one of the staircases we will do! We will see a great view of downtown LA, the remnants of the old Belmont Station Red Car Line, the old Queen of Angels Hospital, the staircase Steve Martin drove down in LA Story, and the Victorian homes of Angeleno or Angelino Heights! At 4:37 of this video, you can see Steve Martin driving down the staircase! https://youtu.be/tss7KksgO6U?is=5h4AaEobMsjFhCfc The LA dodgers will be losing in Philadelphia, so we can explore this area without game day traffic. About 6.5 miles and 800ft of gain, with 11 staircases! Meeting point 1311 Bellevue Ave Los Angeles, CA 90026 Google Maps https://maps.app.goo.gl/WnQy8pQfGvCPgQc76?g_st=ic Apple Maps https://maps.apple/p/PCFTyT.IjCCkqZ PARKING: FREE Street parking along Bellevue and Edgeware LIABILITY: The organizer is an uncompensated and untrained volunteer. By joining this event each member accepts full responsibility for knowing their limits, for all injuries, health issues, material losses, assessing all risks and for getting lost. Each member shall make their guests aware of these policies and releases the host from all liability.