Skip to content

Beginner Hiking Los Angeles

Discover hiking communities for beginners in LA

TGIF Full Moon Hike                Harvest Moon

TGIF Full Moon Hike Harvest Moon

Sat, Sep 26, 1:30 AM
From Los Angeles Hiking Group
4.8

**## Details** **TGIF Full Moon Friday Night Hike to Mt Hollywood** **Harvest Moon** **Intermediate level - elevation gain 1200 feet.** **Pot luck dinner party at the top! Bring your favorite dish or specialty. Please bring your own plate, cup, and utensils.** **5 miles round trip - not a beginner hike however beginners have been known to make it, nonetheless. No child left behind....** **NOTICE\*****\***********************************\*****We will meet at 6:30 at the STEPS of Parking Lot #2 (the Merry Go Round parking lot) - North end of the lot.**************************** **Hike on various trails and roads to get to the top where we have picnic tables at Mt. Hollywood.** **We will share the food we bring at the top.** **This will be a 3 plus hour event. We should be back to the parking lot by 10:00 PM. OK to leave early if you know the way back.** **Dogs Ok, owners must be on a leash 🦮** **DISCLAIMER: Group organizer and assistant organizers assume no liability; hike at your own risk. By being a member of this group you hereby agree to assume all risks and liability related to or resulting from any group functions. You agree that neither you nor any third party will hold any of the group's leaders, officers, or representatives liable for any injury, loss, or damage to your own person or any members of your family, friends, acquaintances, children, pets, or property, arising directly or as a consequence from a group activity. You also agree that your membership of this group is based on an "at will" basis.** **Lee Zebold, Eagle Lightning and Scott Hathaway** **Hike Leaders/Coordinators**

  • Photo of the user
  • Photo of the user
  • Photo of the user
34 attendees
Griffith Park Hike to Mt. Hollywood @ Merry Go Round Lot

Griffith Park Hike to Mt. Hollywood @ Merry Go Round Lot

Wed, Sep 23, 1:30 AM
From Los Angeles Hiking Group
4.8

This hike is to Mt. Hollywood, about 5 miles/1600 feet elevation gain. This hike is @ 2 hours 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 Tuesdays of the month it is expected anyone that can't keep up with the leader will turn back. No animals allowed on hike The fine print: Wildlife (snakes, bobcats, mountain lions etc) seen in the park, be aware of your surroundings and stay alert at all times. 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. 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 are recommended. No bright (white) flashlights (it ruins night vision). Red, Blue flashlights are o.k. If you get to the lot after we meet (we start on time!), Sierra Club hikes start at 7:00PM on the opposite end of the lot (next to the stone steps). This hike is to Mt. Hollywood, about 5 miles/1200 feet. 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: See above. If you know the park well, it is Merry Go Round Lot #2, just at the path to the lower lot. If you'd like a visual, here is a map. 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

  • Photo of the user
  • Photo of the user
  • Photo of the user
6 attendees
FRIDAY--Easy Night walk around Silverlake

FRIDAY--Easy Night walk around Silverlake

Sat, Sep 26, 2:15 AM
From Los Angeles Hiking Group
4.8

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.

  • Photo of the user
  • Photo of the user
  • Photo of the user
31 attendees
Sierra Club Griffith Park Tuesday Evening Hikes

Sierra Club Griffith Park Tuesday Evening Hikes

Wed, Sep 23, 2:00 AM
From Sierra Club Griffith Park Section: Evening Hikes and More!
4.9

**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).

  • Photo of the user
  • Photo of the user
  • Photo of the user
17 attendees
Perfect Weather Hike in Griffith Park! ☀️🙋🏻‍♀️ 🙋 🙋🏽‍♂️

Perfect Weather Hike in Griffith Park! ☀️🙋🏻‍♀️ 🙋 🙋🏽‍♂️

Sat, Sep 26, 4:00 PM
From Los Angeles Hiking Group
4.8

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 breakfast/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 hike on the main fire roads with Tiffany or option for advanced inclines with Gary. Route varies: Cadman trail to 5-Points, Beacon Hill, Helipad/Viewpoint, Glendale Peak, Cedar Grove, down Commonwealth and through neighborhood 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. Meet afterwards 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 Meeting point is in a residential neighborhood with street parking. 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.

  • Photo of the user
  • Photo of the user
2 attendees
Urban Stair Hike in Echo Park, Level: Moderate++

Urban Stair Hike in Echo Park, Level: Moderate++

Wed, Sep 30, 1:00 AM
From Los Angeles Hiking Group
4.8

Come join us for a challenging workout, for exploring interesting neighborhoods and for meeting new people! We'll do an urban stair hike in the hilliest, residential part of Echo Park going through the cutest narrow streets, the steepest hills and hidden staircases. We will be awarded gorgeous views of multiple parts of LA. **LEVEL**: Intermediate Plus for speed. Extra PLUS for the amount of stairs/steep hills we will be climbing. We are a friendly group that loves to socialize and encourage newcomers, but please note that moderate++ level of cardio fitness and brisk walking speed are required. **LENGTH**: 4.9 miles, 1350 ft gain, (which as a stair hike may be tougher than it sounds) 10 long staircases up, 6 down + steep hills. Baxter alone is 232 steps! +/- 2h. **SPEED**: Above 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 (hiking shoes are not necessary as trail sections are short), flashlight (any color), if you have one and water. **LOCATION**: We'll meet at 6pm for introductions and take off sharply at 6.05pm. We meet at the street corner of Echo Park Ave. and Baxter St. (If you are running up to 15min minutes late meet us at the corner of Lemoyne St. and Cerro Gordo St.) **-DO NOT FULLY TRUST THE GPS LINK. DEPENDING ON YOUR PHONE AND APP IT MAY BE SLIGHTLY OFF!** **-TAKE ECHO PARK AVE. INTO THE MEETING AREA TO AVOID SCARY HILL DRIVING!** **PARKING**: Street parking. If we fill up the spots right at the intersection you can go behind the school and find easy parking on Valentine St. **RESTROOMS**: None, (possibly port-a-potties on the way) **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.

  • Photo of the user
  • Photo of the user
  • Photo of the user
6 attendees
430kMonthly events
calendar icon
60mMembers
people1 icon
4.5App store rating
appStore icon
200kGroups
people2 icon

Frequently asked questions

Meetup is a platform where you can discover and join local groups based on common interests. There are events to attend both online and in person, perfect for meeting new people and expanding your social calendar.

Beginners can explore beginner-friendly hiking groups in Los Angeles using Meetup. Simply search using keywords related to beginner hiking and the Los Angeles area to find groups that match your hiking level.

Yes, you can find weekend hiking events tailored for beginners in Los Angeles on Meetup. Sort events by the date to plan your hiking adventures coming up this weekend.

Most hiking groups on Meetup warmly welcome new members, especially beginners. These groups are designed to connect people with shared interests and often cater to all experience levels.

To RSVP for a hiking event, select the event you're interested in on Meetup and click the RSVP button. Doing so lets the host know to expect you and sometimes provides further event details.

Joining Meetup is generally free for users. However, some specific hiking events might have a nominal fee set by the group's organizer to cover costs like parking or entrance fees.

Not all hiking events include gear rental. It's best to check the event details on Meetup as some hosts may offer gear advice but most expect participants to have their own equipment.

Yes, you can join as many hiking groups on Meetup as you like. It keeps your options open for exploring different trails and meeting a variety of hiking enthusiasts.

Many beginner hikes are family-friendly. Group descriptions on Meetup will usually specify if children are welcome to join, making it easier for you to plan family outings.

Hiking groups often specify the difficulty level on Meetup. Beginner groups will choose trails that are easier and more suitable for those just starting to hike.

Attending hiking events through Meetup is a great way to connect with new people who share your interest in exploring the great outdoors. Interaction during activities is a natural part of the experience.

Meetup provides opportunities for connection, but friendships naturally depend on personal interactions and sustained participation in group activities.

Meetup aims to provide safe experiences, but individual group organizers manage events, and it's essential to assess conditions and personal safety choices beforehand.

Check the current schedule on Meetup to see if any beginner hiking events are happening tomorrow in Los Angeles. It's updated regularly with availability information.

Events on Meetup are created by independent organizers, not directly by Meetup. They coordinate specifics about the hike, including location and time.