Beginner Hiking Los Angeles

Griffith Park Semi Beginner Hike @ Merry Go Round Lot

A New Year with new resolutions (or re-instated old ones) Come out for our traditional semi beginner hike. It's a semi hilly 4.30-mile hike. This hike is @ 120 minutes. Most of the elevation gain is going up @ 200 steps in the middle of the hike. Total elevation gain for this hike is approximately 930 ft **NO ANIMALS ALLOWED ON HIKE** 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. Where to meet: If you know the park well, it is Merry Go Round Lot #2, adjacent to the first entrance into lot #2. IF YOU ARE BY THE STAIRCASE YOU ARE IN WRONG SPOT. WE DO NOT MEET BY THE STAIRCASE. We meet directly opposite of the staircase on the other side of the lot Put these coordinates in google maps for the exact spot that we meet: 34.133525,-118.284731 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 The fine print: Wildlife (snakes, bobcats, mountain lions etc) seen in the park, be aware of your surroundings and stay alert at all times. 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 tic spray (available at Sports Chalet) are recommended. No bright (white) flashlights. 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, but there should be a sign in the median stating the Merry Go Round is to the right. Make a right hand 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. 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, next to the first entrance into lot #2. WE DO NOT MEET BY THE STAIRCASE. We meet directly opposite of the staircase on the other side of the lot http://angeles.sierraclub.org/griffith/griffith_park_map.html http://files.meetup.com/262967/PL#2.jpg Put these coordinates in google maps for exact directions from your location: 34.133525,-118.284731

Eagle Rock: Fall Classic Stair Hike #2 - 6.5 miles, 2.5 hours

We return to a familiar neighborhood for a morning doubleheader! Start with a gentle walk through a little-known section of a little-known corner of NELA, rife with solid local architecture and one street that is so steep the sidewalk has stairs! Then we immediately go on a green, leafy walk through one of Pasadena's western-most neighborhoods, filled with charming stairways and a virtual arboretum of mixed tree varieties. You can ponder the Dodgers record-tying 14th consecutive post-season appearance as you hike 1,300 stairs. During a timeout we'll talk about the upcoming Wilderness Travel Course to get you ready for outdoor adventures. Meet at 9:30am in front of the old-timey Cindy's Restaurant, Colorado Boulevard and Townsend Avenue (1500 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90041). Street parking is limited so arrive early and be prepared to sign the required Sierra Club waiver. Bring water and wear good walking shoes. Heavy rain cancels.

Halloween 2026 Night Hike #3 (Oct/18)

Note: We have three Halloween night hikes on the calendar this year. Locations are different, but the content I present will be more or less the same. If the attendance list is full for your preferred night, please join the wait-list. I'm almost always able to accommodate everyone as the weekend approaches. **Overview:** Spooky season is upon us so let's celebrate all of the creepy-crawlies and things that go bump in the night with a hike in Griffith Park including a stop at the Observatory. This event will be part hiking and part "ghost stories". The hike will start while it's still a bit light, giving us the opportunity to see the diurnal animals settle down for the evening, and the nocturnal animals begin to stir. We'll pay special attention to any silhouettes in the treetops, and listening for call from owls, coyotes, frogs, and insects. After returning to our meeting spot, we'll sit around a faux campfire and share tales of spookiness we've encountered while out hiking. Please bring a blanket or chair in case we don't have enough picnic tables. Feel free to bring refreshments, and if you brink enough to share, even better! And if you like, please come in costume as long as it doesn't interfere with easy hiking. I'm classifying this hike as advanced beginner. Total distance is about 2.5 miles, with about 500 feet of elevation gain. Here are a few of the topics we'll be learning about: \- Natural history of the area \- Lunar cycle \- Evolution of fear \- Adaptations of nocturnal animals \- Why a lot of humans are scared of the dark \- Why sounds seem different at night \- Ghost stories and hauntings of the area I've capped attendance for this event, so, if full, please join the waitlist and I'll try to accommodate as the event gets closer. **Location:** Griffith Park in Los Angeles, CA **Starting point:** Western Canyon Rd parking lot. Look for the SoCal Sciences Hikes banner, and the guy with long hair, beard, and cowboy hat. **Distance:** Approximately 2.5 miles **Duration:** About 3 hours **Elevation gain:** \~500 ft **Terrain:** Dirt trails, rocky washes **Difficulty:** Advanced Beginner **Age:** 18 and older. Contact me to discuss exceptions. **Pets:** No pets allowed **Recommended gear:** \- Footwear suitable for dirt paths and rocky washes \- Clothing suitable for the weather \- Water \- Snacks \(if desired\) \- Binoculars\, monocular\, or spotting scope \- Journal or notebook if you're into that sort of thing \- Sun protection \- Headlamp or flashlight **Cost:** This event is free, but if you enjoy your time and learn something, tips/donations are graciously accepted in person or at buymeacoffee.com/codycolborn **No Show Policy:** In order to host as many people as possible, we keep track of no shows. After two no shows, you will be placed on the waitlist when signing up for a new event, and moved to the "going" list if space is available the night before the event. **Questions:** If you have any questions, please message me through Meetup or text 424-244-0334.

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.

Halloween 2026 Night Hike #2 (Oct/17)

Note: We have three Halloween night hikes on the calendar this year. Locations are different, but the content I present will be more or less the same. If the attendance list is full for your preferred night, please join the wait-list. I'm almost always able to accommodate everyone as the weekend approaches. **Overview:** Spooky season is upon us so let's celebrate all of the creepy-crawlies and things that go bump in the night with an hike in Whittier Narrows Recreation Park. This event will be part hiking and part "ghost stories". The hike will start while it's still a bit light, giving us the opportunity to see the diurnal animals settle down for the evening, and the nocturnal animals begin to stir. We'll pay special attention to any silhouettes in the treetops, and listening for call from owls, coyotes, frogs, and insects. After returning to our meeting spot, we'll sit around a faux campfire and share tales of spookiness we've encountered while out hiking. Please bring a blanket or chair in case we don't have enough picnic tables. Feel free to bring refreshments, and if you brink enough to share, even better! And if you like, please come in costume as long as it doesn't interfere with easy hiking. I'm classifying this hike as beginner. Total distance is about three miles, with little elevation gain. Here are a few of the topics we'll be learning about: \- Natural history of the area \- Lunar cycle \- Evolution of fear \- Adaptations of nocturnal animals \- Why a lot of humans are scared of the dark \- Why sounds seem different at night \- Ghost stories and hauntings of the area I've capped attendance for this event, so, if full, please join the waitlist and I'll try to accommodate as the event gets closer. **Location:** Whittier Narrows Recreation Park in South El Monte, CA **Starting point:** Parking Lot of Area D. Look for the SoCal Sciences Hikes banner, and the guy with long hair, beard, and cowboy hat. **Distance:** Approximately 3 miles **Duration:** About 3 hours **Elevation gain:** minimal **Terrain:** Dirt trails, rocky washes **Difficulty:** Advanced Beginner **Age:** 18 and older. Contact me to discuss exceptions. **Pets:** No pets allowed **Recommended gear:** \- Footwear suitable for dirt paths and rocky washes \- Clothing suitable for the weather \- Water \- Snacks \(if desired\) \- Binoculars\, monocular\, or spotting scope \- Journal or notebook if you're into that sort of thing \- Sun protection \- Headlamp or flashlight **Cost:** This event is free, but if you enjoy your time and learn something, tips/donations are graciously accepted in person or at buymeacoffee.com/codycolborn **No Show Policy:** In order to host as many people as possible, we keep track of no shows. After two no shows, you will be placed on the waitlist when signing up for a new event, and moved to the "going" list if space is available the night before the event. **Questions:** If you have any questions, please message me through Meetup or text 424-244-0334.

Mandeville Trail (7:30 start!)

Meet at 7:20, leave at 7:30 sharp. Yes, you heard that right. Because the forecast is calling for temperatures at 90 or above, we will start early to beat the heat. The trailhead is at the very end of Westridge Road. About 6 miles. Dog friendly hike. What to bring: Water Solid shoes A good mood

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

Los Feliz : Fall Classic Stair Hike #3 - 3.5 miles, 2 hours

Wander the Los Feliz Hills and take in spectacular views of Los Angeles. See the sights of some well known landmarks such as the Griffith Park Observatory and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Ennis House and climb 400+ stairs to condition for your upcoming winter hikes. Not only is this a classic hike but it is also during the Fall Classic that hopefully will include the Los Angeles Dodgers. There will also be the opportunity to learn about the Sierra Club’s upcoming Wilderness Travel Course. Meet 6:30PM at the Coffee Bean at Hillhurst and Ambrose (2081 Hillhurst Ave 90027). Bring water and wear good walking shoes. Flashlights/headlamps encouraged. Heavy rain cancels.

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).

Beaudry Loop evening Hike

Join me for a 6miles evening hike. Let's finish the day with clear mind so we enjoy the rest of the week days. It's been a while since our last hike around this area. Let’s hike again and enjoy the great mountains, nice views of downtown LA, beautiful sunset announcing the end of the day, and the perfect weather.
We are starting at 5:00pm at the trail head going N and come down S. (only)

What to bring:
2 liters of water, hiking poles, Hiking shoes, and a snack.
It’s 6 miles loop hike moderate pace.
Elevation: 1,500’ gain
Parking: street parking. Usually is plenty of parking. disclamer: 
Be aware that The Organizer, Assistant Organizers and event hosts in this group are not professional guides. The function of the organizer is only to organize the event. Each person who signs up for an event is responsible for his or her own safety and the safety of his or her guests. By signing up for a hike, or any other event organized by this group, 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, Assistant Organizers and event hosts of this Meetup Group from and against any and all liability arising from your and your guest's participation in the group activities.

Sunrise Hike -Teepee

Mount Wilson via Little Santa Anita Canyon && Lunch

⚠️ Most attendees and all event communication will be through our YoPro Hikes community on Heylo. 👉 Please join our Heylo group here for full details, updates, meeting location, and group communication: https://heylo.com/invite/5V7FKboe