Challenging Hikes Los Angeles

Griffith Park Hike

**WATCH THIS VIDEO TO LEARN HOW TO FIND LOT #2!** (and it's actually the south end of the lot, not the north) But this vid will make it MUCH easier to find us! **https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2bQpHa7J1k** Welcome! A few notes: This is a group hike that *stays together* as we hike. We wait for people to catch up, we don't split into separate groups with one moving faster than the other. If this group doesn't move fast enough for you, please find another that suits you better. Thanks *** Come join us for a no rush casual hike! The Griffith Park hikes start in the **Merry Go Round parking lot (otherwise known as lot #2)** off Crystal Springs drive. Hikes run about 2-2.5 hours and are about 4-5 miles long. We walk at a casual pace but it will be at times a good work out. We go up and down some steep hills but always stay on the trail. Bring walking shoes and water. Dogs on leash welcome. Note: This is not a "flat" hike and there will be some hills involved! From the 134 westbound get off at Zoo Dr (street will curve around back under freeway), follow it until you are literally facing the zoo parking lot at the stop sign..turn left ..zoo will be on your right as you head south past the Autry museum. Continue past golf course. You will come to a four way stop with ranger station on left and a Merry Go Round sign. Turn RIGHT and proceed to end of street. You will have to make a right here. Go thru this first lot. This is lot #1. Keep going thru lot and over a small hill on road until you come to lot #2. You will see some people parked and standing around. We meet on the south end. Alternatively, you can get off at Forest Lawn Dr from the 134 (head south) and turn left at Travel Town, making your way (south) around the zoo and south onto Crystal Springs. If you are coming from Los Feliz Blvd, turn north on Crystal Springs Dr. past pony rides, along road until you get to the stop sign with Ranger station on the right and Merry Go Round sign. Turn LEFT here til the end of the road. Make a right, this is lot #1. Continue thru this lot and over a small hill until you get to lot #2. You will probably see some people parked and out of their cars already. If you get lost, please text me at 818-261-0879. Allow some extra time if this is your first time finding this lot! There are restrooms a short walk down the hill when you park on the south end of lot #2, located right across from the Merry Go Round. http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/6/d/4/4/600_410787972.jpeg

Morning Hike (Gould Mesa)

**Disclaimer**: New event, new location — thanks for being understanding if anything unexpected comes up. **Join our Discord group:** [Click Here](https://discord.gg/dyjcusEzrr) **Donations:** [Click Here](https://account.venmo.com/u/PasadenaSocial) (please support our group🙏) **Event Details:** Begin gathering at the trailhead at 8:15 AM. We leave at 8:30 AM sharp. Cell service may be limited, so **if you arrive after 8:30, it may be very difficult to find us**. If you think you will be running late, please message the organizer. **Parking**: tbd **Google**: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KvF5Dm3csWxckiBa9?g_st=ac **AllTrails**: Gould Mesa on AllTrails https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/echo-sunset?sh=w1p9lo&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality **Length:** 4.2 miles **Elevation Gain:** 331 ft **Estimate Time:** 2 hours **Type:** Out & Back **Difficulty:** Easy to moderate **Community Rules:** If you disagree with these guidelines, this group is not a good fit for you. Individuals creating drama and problems at the expense of the organizer will be removed from the group. **#1 - Be Polite and Friendly** Be nice. No disrespectful or abrasive talk, no name-calling, and no use of inappropriate language. **#2 - Good Vibes Only** No negative talk of any kind. No complaining. No gossip. No drama. No talk of religion, politics, or other sensitive topics. No wild or extremist opinions. **Please be mindful**. Certain conversations often lead to fights and negativity that your host needs to deal with, so please avoid it. **#3 - Respect Boundaries and Personal Space** Don't Make Others Uncomfortable. Don't give unsolicited attention. If your advances aren't clearly welcomed, take a step back and be respectful. A no is a final answer. Refrain from requesting others' social media or contact info unless you have an established relationship with them. Be aware of social cues indicating discomfort.

Hollywood Hills Hike

Hike - Kenneth Hahn

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Challenging STEEP Adventurous Sunset Night Hike: DeBell to top of Verdugo-Loop

Challenging STEEP Adventurous Sunset Night Hike: DeBell to top of Verdugo-Loop

**Inspiring, Challenging, STEEP Hike: DeBell to top of Verdugo-Loop (Burbank, CA)** **More people will attend then showing: This event is cross-posted on other Meetup groups.** **STATS** Difficulty: 5/10, Moderate-Long with steep sections Length: 5.4 miles, 3 hours + breaks Elevation Gain/loss: 2200' Range: 1500-3000' View: Mountains & City Lights Details: Long Hike, Great views from top ridge **TRAILHEAD INFO** 1500 E Walnut Ave, Burbank, CA 91501 Meet on the street just north of the DeBell Golf Club. Google maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/eguDpkUFKSm5K6fF6 GPS Coordinates: 34.206979447835856, -118.30463651162145 Please arrive by 6:50 pm for a 7 pm start from our cars. We have usually walked to the actual trailhead at the roundabout at the north end of the road by 7:10pm. Change your RSVP ASAP if you can’t make it to give others a chance to hike. Repeat “No Shows” will get last priority on future hikes. If you have any issues, feel free to call or text the leaders! If ANY questions, call Keith (hike leader) 213.507.2221 Night-hiking in LA is amazing! Trails are practically empty, breeze is cool, & the beautiful city below you offers unlimited full-definition entertainment! We take short rest stops as needed. At the peak/midpoint, we take a long break to enjoy a potluck feast (beer/soda/yummy snacks), socialize and/or soak in the beautiful scenery. **COMMON-SENSE NOTES** • Please wear proper hiking boots or shoes with deep tread • Consider wearing long pants as this trail may be overgrown in some sections • Bring plenty of water to drink • Bring a headlamp for optional use after dark • Fun, yummy snacks are always appreciated • Health advisory: Please stay home if you are not feeling well or have recently been exposed to someone who is sick. • Bring a Cheerful Attitude :-) We hike every Tuesday night & for variety we do other trails that are similar to this one (never boring). We hope to see you! Steven & Keith 213.986.SNOW / 213.507.2221 \*\*\* **PLEASE - Know your limits & abilities.** Check weather conditions, dress accordingly & be aware of your surroundings at all times. Watching out for poison oak, snakes, ticks, uneven footing, spectacular views, beautiful fauna all while interacting with awesome (usually) fellow hikers can be extremely hazardous, rewarding & fun. **HIKE RATING SCALE** Rating a hike is subjective, meaning the difficulty of a hike will be in direct relation to how often you hike & the type of hike you prefer. Keep in mind that any hike can have the following: un-even hiking surfaces, various obstructions, water/water crossings or bouldering/rock hopping. A great hike will have all of these! 1 – A long walk 2 – 4 mile hike w/little elevation gain (E.G.) 3 – 5 mile hike w/up to 1000 ft. E.G. 4 – 5+ mile hike w/up to 1500 ft. E.G. (heart rate increases at times) 5 – 7+ mile hike w/over 1500 ft. E.G. (heart rate increasing even more at times) 6 – 7+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. E.G. (at times you might be trying to remember how to perform CPR) 7 – 5+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. E.G. (at times you might be muttering expletives to yourself) 8 – 10+ mile hike w/over 3500 ft. E.G. (at times you might be angry with the hike leader) 9 – 10+ mile hike w/over 5000 ft. E.G. (at times you might be thinking of reporting the hike leader to the authorities) 10 – Use your imagination **DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY** **IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:** I am a volunteer (i.e. not liable for the group). Safety is a priority for everyone in the group. Think of this as hiking with a group of friends. Outdoor sports & other events we plan can be inherently dangerous & accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety & well-being. The Meetup Group & its organizers are not trained leaders & we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. If you choose to sign up for any Meetup events, you are releasing the Meetup Group & it's organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries as stated in paragraph 6.2 of the Meetup “Terms of Service” located on the bottom of the Meetup website. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment & experience.

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.