Beginner Hiking Los Angeles

Sunday Night Hike at Griffith Park

**⏰ HIKE TIME CHANGED TO 4:30 P.M. FOR A LITTLE MORE DAYLIGHT.** **⚠️ 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. If you have a serious fear of heights or are uncomfortable with steep, exposed terrain, this may not be the hike for you. Some sections include narrow trails, steep drop-offs, scrambling, and uneven footing.** **🥾 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**

Reservior Hike (if no rain)

**There may be some rain coming this weekend. I'm going to schedule this hike and if it's too soggy on Sunday we'll reschedule for next week!** **I will announce a cancellation here an hour or so before the hike if I feel it's not feasible.** Come join us for a loop walk around the reservoir by Watershed Park, we will start at the JPL parking lot (at our usual spot), then walk thru the park, across Devils Gate dam and then circle back up again, getting a good look at all the water now in the reservoir and ponds! **Park and meet at the JPL parking lot, WATCH THE VIDEO LINK below to see where we park!** 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! We meet at the JPL dirt parking lot. Take the 210 east or west and get off at Windsor and head north (towards the mountains)... make your way down to the parking lot which is a very big dirt lot. Watch this video to show you exactly how to get into the parking area! **https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvy4P6wHxMs** Please give yourself some extra time if this is your first time coming here. My number is 818-261-0879.

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.

FRIDAY--Easy Night walk around Silverlake

Silverlake can be quite beautiful at night. Walk is mostly easy 2.2 miles RT around the lake. Walk is approx. 1 hour. There is short uphill on this walk--approx. 10 minutes Some members go to the local Oyster bar afterwards. **Rain will cancel walk. Dogs ok as long as on leash.** Parking: Street parking. There is more parking when you park along the lake --along W. Silverlake Dr.

6.0 Mile Urban Hike South Pasadena (incl. Stairs/Steep Inclines), Fast Pace

Come join us for a FAST-paced urban hike around the winding hills and beautiful streets of peaceful South Pasadena. Enjoy the scenery, the Craftsman and Mid-Century Modern architecture, the cooler evening air, and the setting sun. **NOTE**: Before signing up, be sure to review the safety guidelines and policies below, including the 'No Crashing'/'Guests Must Also Sign Up' policy and the 'Timeframe for Cancelling an RSVP/Signup' policy. **LEVEL**: Advanced/Fast for speed (approximately 17-18 mins per mile), a few staircases, and some long street inclines, otherwise moderate plus. We are a friendly group that loves to socialize and encourages newcomers, but please note that moderate+ level of cardio fitness and fast walking speed are required. **LENGTH**: 6.0 miles, a few staircases, and some long street inclines. Elevation gain is 900ft. Approximately 2:00 hours. **SPEED**: Advanced/Fast speed of approximately 17-18 mins per mile. We will try to take a quick pause to re-group at the top of stairs and steep hills but our regulars like to keep up a good solid fast pace of about 17-18 minutes per mile. There will be no sweep, so bring your phone for navigation just in case you fall behind or want to leave early. **BRING**: Exercise outfit, workout shoes, and sufficient water. Also, be sure to bring a flashlight for when it's dark. **MEETING POINT**: We will meet at 6:00 pm in front of the South Pasadena Library (1100 Oxley Street, South Pasadena, 91030) for introductions and take off sharply at 6.05 pm. **RESTROOMS**: At the library. None along the way (unless you count any random Port-a-Potties that we might come across along the route). **PARKING**: Free street parking around the library area. Parking at your own risk. **'NO CRASHING'/'GUESTS MUST ALSO SIGN UP':** All participants MUST sign up through the Meetup app and check in with the leader upon arrival. If someone is a bringing a guest, then that guest MUST also sign up as well through the Meetup app *before* the hike if space is available. There are NO exceptions. The waitlist, if any, generally clears in order. Members with a good attendance record and a posted picture (LA Hiking Group rule) may get some priority. **CANCELLING AN RSVP/SIGNUP**: Please sign up only if you think there's a realistic chance that you will make the hike. If folks sign up and then decide that they can't make it, please be sure to change your RSVP to "Not Going" at least 24-36 hours before the scheduled time for the hike in order: (1) allow me to more accurately predict the number of participants on the hike, and (2) allow people on the waitlist to join the hike within a reasonable amount of time of the hike. Waiting until the last minute to cancel (or simply not showing up) is not fair to me and to other LA Hiking members. **PROFILE NAME AND PIC**: Be sure to update your profile to indicate at least your first name, and include a picture showing your face, per group policy. This is for your safety and to discourage non-signed-up crashers. **LIABILITY**: The organizer is an untrained and unpaid volunteer. By joining this event each member accepts full and total responsibility for knowing their limits, for all injuries and health issues, assessing all risks, for any material losses, for falling behind, and for getting lost. Each member fully releases the host from any and all liability.

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).

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, 14 long staircases up and 6 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.** **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.

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 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 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.

Mt Lukens via Dunsmore Canyon – 9 miles, 2700’ elevation gain

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, 5:30 p.m. Good idea to arrive around 5:15 so that we can start at 5:30 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/

Westridge-Canyonback Loop hike

Westridge-Canyonback Loop hike Westridge-Canyonback Loop hike. 5 miles, 1100 feet elevation, 3.5 hours. Meet at Upper Canyonback Trailhead at 8:00 AM near the eastern firegate. Join us for a moderately paced hike in LA’s “Big Wild.” We’ll head down Upper Canyonback trail, which features sweeping canyon views to the west and downtown LA to east, until we reach Mandeville Canyon. We’ll turn and come back up by way of Westridge Trail, passing by the old Nike missile tower and its panoramic views. Bring 2 liters water, snacks, sunblock, sturdy footwear, hat. No dogs. Heat Advisories, Watches and Warnings and Rain cancel the hike. At the trailhead, participants will need to sign a participation waiver, which can be reviewed ahead of time. Level: Moderate Cancellation Policy: Rain, red flag warnings, and heat advisories, watches, and warnings will cancel Trailhead address: Upper Canyonback Trailhead (17026 Mulholland Drive, Encino, CA 91436) Note: This is a provisional outing. Level: Moderate Cancellation Policy: Heat Advisories, Watches and Warnings and Rain cancel the hike. Sun, Sep 13, 2026; 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM (Pacific)

Trail Work on Echo Mountain