Challenging Hikes Los Angeles

Hollywood Hills Hike

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.

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).

Sierra Club Griffith Park Thursday Evening Hikes

**If you don't already 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 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 5 days after 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 **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) .

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

Let's start the holiday with a challenging workout and 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**: 5.5 miles, 13 long staircases up and 5 down + steep hills. The elevation gain is 1400 ft., which is at the higher end for stair hikes. 2h-2 1/4h. **SPEED**: Brisk, faster than moderate hikes, but still 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.** (LATECOMERS: If you are running a few minutes late meet us at the corner of Prospect Ave and Deloz Ave.) **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.

The circuitous route to Mount Hollywood :)

This hike will take us up the shady single track trail to bee rock, we will than go up the cardiac trail to mount hollywood so we get a decent workout. We will hike back down the 3 mile trail to vista del valle and return down the bill eckert trail. Hike is about 6 1/2 miles with 1.200' gain approx. We hike at a moderate pace, but this is not a hike for beginners. There is no designated trail sweep so you'll need to be able to hike by yourself if you can't stay with the group. Hike starts promptly at 8:30. Dusclaimer: Hike leader us an un-paid volunteer, by joining this event you assume all responsibility for your safet.

Runyon Canyon Conditioning Workout hike

This is an Intermediate/advanced hike for physical conditioning to prep for harder mountain hikes. There is some steep downhill requiring hiking shoe tread. The uphill is gradual but constant. Pace is Intermediate/advanced. You can do one loop and exit or multiple. I usually do 3. Each takes about 50 minutes. I normally arrive at 8:55am. We will leave at 9 am sharp. MEETING PLACE : I will be right inside the green iron gate near the water fountain just off Mulholland Parking : parking lot near entrance gate. More parking on Mulholland but pay attention to signs. RAIN CANCELS This is a loop I do weekly. Each loop is approximately 2 miles/50 minutes. You can do as few or as many as you want. We'll go down the fire road to East ridge then come up West ridge fire road. I usually do 3 laps. You can exit at the Mulholland gate after any lap. Our Policy: Profile photo: Anyone interested in joining this event must have a profile photo showing his/her face. This is a requirement of L.A. Hiking. Without it, you will not be allowed to sign up for an event. Waiting list priority: People who hike with with L.A. Hiking regularly will be given priority when they are on the waiting list. Advanced hikes: Anyone interested in participating in advanced hikes (>3,000' elevation gain or distance > 10 miles or Difficulty Level > = 7) will be subject to prescreening before his/her name will be added to the list. Therefore, interested hiker must share with the event host his/her recent hiking background to establish proficiency before his/her name will be added to the list. Guests are not allowed on advanced hikes. Early departure: If a hiker needs to be separated from the group for any reason, he/she must inform the event host. Not knowing a hiker's where about may prompt the event host to report a hiker's missing to proper authority for further actions. No show: If you sign up for an event but did not show up, you will be removed from the next event you sign up. No minor: Meetup user agreement and our liability waiver can not be agreed to by a minor. Therefore, you and your guest must be over 18 to participate in our events. No drug: Zero tolerance for all illegal drug use. *** Warning: If you have prior medical condition or a family history of illnesses pertaining to heart, lungs, brain, etc. that can be aggravated by heat and physical exertion, this is not the hike for you. If you have never done a hike of this distance or difficulty before, this hike will be very difficult for you. It may well be your death march. The mountain is not going anywhere. We will schedule this event again in the future. Do it when your mind and body are ready. Hiking is a recreation, not a suicide mission. Release of Liability: The organizer (me) of this trip is a volunteer and is not a professional guide. The function of the organizer is only to organize this trip. Each person who signs up for a trip/hike/or outing is responsible for his or her own safety and the safety of his or her guests. By signing up for this trip, or any other event organized by me, you are acknowledging that you are aware and have made your guests aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with any outdoor activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge the organizer (me) of this hike from and against any and all liability arising from your and your guest's participation in the group activities. L.A. Hiking, its organizer, assistant organizers, event organizers are not responsible for any injuries or accidents that may occur carpooling to and from this event, or for any injuries or accidents incurred before, during, and after this event. If you sign up or participate in an event you acknowledge that you freely and voluntarily agree to assume all risks of injuries and damages arising from, as a result of and associated with this event. Read less

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/**

Trail Work on Echo Mountain

Urban Hike with Stairs in Beachwood (Hollywood), Level: Moderate+

Join us for a great workout to explore unique parts of town and to meet new people! We'll do a beautiful urban hike in the historic area of Beachwood. We will meet two blocks above Franklin Village and head towards the upscale hill areas of Beachwood Canyon and Hollywoodland via long staircases and winding roads. The second half will be mostly downhill taking us on a pretty trail above the Hollywood Reservoir. We will get to enjoy lots of natural greenery and interesting architecture including glimpses of several castles and mansions. The views are pretty spectacular and include the Hollywood sign, DTLA and the canyon. **LEVEL**: Intermediate PLUS for speed, length and some of the staircases. We love to socialize and encourage newcomers, but please note that moderate+ level cardio fitness and walking speed are required. **LENGTH**: 6.7miles, 7 long stair cases up and 4 down + moderately steep, long uphill roads. The elevation gain is 1150ft, but stairs make it harder than it sounds. +/- 2 1/2h. **SPEED**: Workout speed; we are faster than moderate hikes, but still 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 as the two trail sections are not steep), sunscreen and water. Dogs are not allowed on the trail section. **RESTROOMS**: There is a Gelson's two blocks south of our meeting spot. We'll pause at the port-a-potties at Hollywood Reservoir at the half point of the hike. **MEETING POINT**: We meet at the corner of N. Bronson Ave. and Canyon Dr. ( a small traffic circle) at 9.00 am for introductions and take off sharply at 9.05 am. (If anyone is arriving a few minutes late you can skip the first part of the hike and drive up to the intersection of Hollyridge Dr. and Graciosa Dr., (either intersection is fine), but finding the spot and parking will be easier at the official meeting point.) **PLEASE NO CRASHING**: Urban hikes do not work well with large groups, so, unfortunately, I have to limit the group size. I "overbook" events in anticipation of some last-minute dropouts, so you cannot count on the availability of those spots. Waitlist, if needed, generally clears in order, but priority may be given to members with good attendance records and a posted picture (LA Hiking group rule). **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 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

Evening Conditioning Hike in La Cañada

Our long-standing Thursday night hike has MOVED from Eaton Canyon/Henninger Flats to La Cañada! We'll enjoy great views of the LA basin and the night sky while getting an aerobic workout. This hike is 5 miles round trip, with 1300' elevation gain, along the Earl Canyon Motorway (which is actually a dirt fire road). At the top we'll pause to enjoy the city views from the lookout point on the concrete slab. No pets please. If you have a service dog, contact hike leader in advance. **Level**: Moderate. **Bring:** sturdy footwear, water, clothing layers (jacket or windbreaker), and a flashlight or headlamp. We'll start walking promptly at 7 PM, so please arrive in time to fill out waiver/signup sheet. Or, save time at the trailhead by filling out the online waiver in advance: https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=701Po00001xi3xQIAQ . **Cancellation policy:** Steady rain cancels. **Please note, this hike and many more are also posted on the Sierra Club website and Facebook, so we always have more attendees than indicated on Meetup!** https://angeles.sierraclub.org/outdoors/activities You don't need to be a Sierra Club member to attend this hike -- all are welcome.