Challenging Hikes Los Angeles

Hollywood Hills Hike

No Hike Today

Hey all! I am taking a couple of weeks off! We will be back to our regular hiking trails on Sunday Nov. 22nd. Until then, stay safe and I'll see you on the trails! Cynthia

Griffith Park Hike

Griffith Park hike through Griffith Park. We will go under 5 miles with some inclines through Griffith Park. Rain postpones. Date can changed depending if there is a concert. Bring sneakers & water.

Fall Nature Hike

Come see the seasonal changes of the Preserve and identify plants by observing their leaves. We will hike a three mile loop, with uphill and downhill terrain. All hiking levels welcome. Let’s identify plants and animals together! Please come prepared with sturdy, closed toed shoes, sun protection and water!

Ferndell Nature Trail Adventure 🌿🥾

🌿 **Sole Sisters Hiking Group: Our First Outdoor Adventure!** 🥾☀️ 🥾 **DIFFICULTY: EASY / BEGINNER-FRIENDLY** Let's get outdoors, enjoy some fresh air, and connect beyond our usual gatherings! For our first outdoor adventure, we'll explore the beautiful **Ferndell Nature Trail in Griffith Park**, a hidden little oasis in the heart of Los Angeles. This peaceful, shaded nature walk winds through lush greenery, towering ferns, charming bridges, and a gentle stream with little waterfalls. It's the perfect setting for a leisurely morning stroll and some good conversation! **🌿 Nature Walk Details** 📍 **Location:** Ferndell Nature Trail, Griffith Park 📌 **GPS Address:** The Trails Cafe 2333 Fern Dell Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068 🕙 **Meeting Time:** 10:00 AM 🥾 **Difficulty:** Easy / Beginner-friendly 🌳 **Distance:** Approximately 0.5 mile round trip ⏳ **Walking Time:** 45–60 minutes at a relaxed pace 🚗 **Parking:** Free street parking along Fern Dell Drive **Where to Meet:** Let's meet by the **The Trails Cafe sign** at 2333 Fern Dell Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90068, near the upper end of Ferndell Nature Trail. Free street parking is available along Fern Dell Drive, although spots can fill up on weekends. Please arrive 10–15 minutes early to allow time for parking and finding the group so we can begin our walk together at **10:00 AM!** 🌿🥾 **A Little Extra Adventure?** Since this is a relatively short nature walk, anyone who wants to get a few more steps in is welcome to walk the trail a second time! That would bring our total distance to approximately one mile. Completely optional, of course! **What to Bring:** Comfortable walking shoes, water, sunscreen, and your adventurous spirit! The trail is mostly shaded, with gentle inclines and packed-dirt pathways. ☕ **After Our Walk:** For anyone who wants to linger a little longer, we can stop by the nearby Trails Cafe for coffee, a snack, and more conversation! 🚙 **Carpooling Encouraged!** Parking is free but can be limited, especially on weekends, so carpooling is a great option. If you'd like to carpool, please RSVP to the event and let me know you're interested. I'll share our carpool meeting address with those who RSVP so we can coordinate rides. Whether you're an avid hiker or simply enjoy a peaceful stroll in nature, everyone is welcome! Looking forward to kicking off our first Sole Sisters adventure together. Here's to fresh air, friendship, laughter, and meaningful connections! 💚

Sunday Night Hike At Griffith Park

**TIME CHANGE — HIKE STARTS AT 2:30 PM** **Intermediate++ / Advanced Conditioning hike** **Join us for a challenging but fun Sunday evening hike in Griffith Park. Expect steep climbs, rugged trails, great views, and sometimes exploratory sections or light rock scrambling.** **This hike is best for** **experienced hikers who are comfortable with sustained uphill climbs, steep grades, uneven terrain, and a brisk pace. Typical hikes are about** **4–6 miles with 1,200–2,000 feet of elevation gain** **and usually take around 3** **hours.** **Please come prepared with:** * **At least** **2 liters of water** * **Hiking shoes with good traction** * **Sun protection** * **Long pants or sleeves when appropriate** * **Trekking poles if you use them** **We will keep a steady pace and stay together as a group. Please make sure the distance, elevation gain, terrain, and pace are a good match for your current fitness level before signing up.** **These hikes are meant to be a strong workout, but also a chance to explore, enjoy the views, and have fun with a great group of hikers. 🥾🌄** **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**

Sierra Club Griffith Park Tuesday Evening Hikes

**If you don't have a current waiver card, please come early (\~6:40pm on) to sign the required waiver form ("participation agreement") and get your *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. **Contagious disease 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. Please do not attend if you are ill or have reason to think you might have a contagious disease. **If you test positive for a contagious disease 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).

Flat Top to Paradise Hill to Peanut Lake Hike

Join us, as we hike to Lincoln Heights, El Serreno and Montecito Heights! We will go to Flat Top,Lincoln Heights Hill Top View, Paradise Hill, and finally to Peanut Lake in Deb’s Park! There will be some great views of downtown LA! The most challenging part of this hike is going up the very steep Telluride street! If you came to my Secret Gem Stairhike back in April, and remember the animals while we were on Paradise Hill. I am trying to get the owner to bring the animals back to Paradise Hill for this hike. Hiking shoes or trail runners are recommended. But regular running shoes should be fine. About 6 miles and 1150 ft of elevation game. If there is a waitlist, and you no-show to one of my past events, you will be removed, to allow somebody else to go on the hike. Meeting place - Hillside Elementary School 120 E Avenue 35 Los Angeles CA 90031 United States Parking- free street parking on Avenue 35 and Griffin. The parking restriction signs do not apply on the day of the hike! Start time – 9:30 AM after introductions. The hike will start at 9:35 AM.

Back to Beaudry

The weather looks favorable for this hike as the temps look to ease up a bit. For those who haven't done the hike, its a moderately strenuous hike about 6 miles long with 1,500' of elevation gain. Its a nice bang for the buck workout that is relatively quick, with nice views and varied terrain. There is plenty of street parking, and we have a 10 minute grace time before we hit the trail. We will take a moderate pace, and take our break at Tongva Peak, there is no designated trail sweep so if you can't keep up with the group, you may need to hike out on your own. Because of the elevation gain, this is not a beginner hike. Disclaimer: Event organizer is an un-paid volunteer, by joining this event you accept full responsibility for your own safety and are aware of your physical abilities.

Griffith Park Hike to Vista View Point- Moderate

We will take a 4.5 mile/1200ft elevation gain hike to Vista View Point. We will take the back way to the View Point. Lower Beacon Trail to the Coolidge Trail and then to the Upper Beacon Trail. We will come back on the Fern Canyon Trail. This hike is will take approximately 120 minutes. This is a moderate hike with a sweep. we are not trying to break any land-speed records. but you should know your limitations. **NO ANIMALS ALLOWED ON HIKE** We do leave 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, just by the first entrance to Lot #2. WE DO NOT MEET BY THE STEPS - IF YOU ARE AT THE STEPS YOU ARE IN THE WRONG SPOT. Put these coordinates in google maps to locate the spot where we meet: 34.133525,-118.284731 The fine print: Wildlife (snakes, bobcats, mountain lions etc) seen in the park, be aware of your surroundings and stay alert at all times. 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. 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 tick spray (available at Sports Chalet) are recommended. No bright (white) flashlights please. 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. 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 road (there are no lights on this road so it will be dark if it is not 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, at the top of the driveway that takes you to the lower lot. It's near to the "No Practice Driving Allowed" sign. Where to meet: If you know the park well, it is Merry Go Round Lot #2, just at the path to the lower lot. WE DO NOT MEET BY THE STAIRCASE - IF YOU ARE AT THE STAIRCASE YOU ARE IN THE WRONG SPOT. Put these coordinates in google maps to locate the spot where we meet: 34.133525,-118.284731

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, 3:30 p.m. Good idea to arrive around 4:15 so that we can start at 3:30 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/

Sunday Night Hike

**TIME CHANGE — HIKE STARTS AT 2:30 PM** **Intermediate++ / Advanced conditioning hike** **Join us for a challenging but fun Sunday evening hike in Griffith Park. Expect steep climbs, rugged trails, great views, and sometimes exploratory sections or light rock scrambling.** **This hike is best for experienced hikers who are comfortable with sustained uphill climbs, steep grades, uneven terrain, and a brisk pace. Typical hikes are about 4–6 miles with 1,200–2,000 feet of elevation gain and usually take around 3 hours.** **Please come prepared with:** * **At least 2 liters of water** * **Hiking shoes with good traction** * **Sun protection** * **Long pants or sleeves when appropriate** * **Trekking poles if you use them** **We will keep a steady pace and stay together as a group. Please make sure the distance, elevation gain, terrain, and pace are a good match for your current fitness level before signing up.** **These hikes are meant to be a strong workout, but also a chance to explore, enjoy the views, and have fun with a great group of hikers. 🥾🌄** **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/**