Challenging Hikes Los Angeles

Fall Nature Hike

Come see the seasonal changes of the Preserve and identify plants by observing their leaves. We will hike a three mile loop, with uphill and downhill terrain. All hiking levels welcome. Let’s identify plants and animals together! Please come prepared with sturdy, closed toed shoes, sun protection and water!

Ferndell Nature Trail Adventure 🌿🥾

🌿 **Sole Sisters Hiking Group: Our First Outdoor Adventure!** 🥾☀️ 🥾 **DIFFICULTY: EASY / BEGINNER-FRIENDLY** Let's get outdoors, enjoy some fresh air, and connect beyond our usual gatherings! For our first outdoor adventure, we'll explore the beautiful **Ferndell Nature Trail in Griffith Park**, a hidden little oasis in the heart of Los Angeles. This peaceful, shaded nature walk winds through lush greenery, towering ferns, charming bridges, and a gentle stream with little waterfalls. It's the perfect setting for a leisurely morning stroll and some good conversation! **🌿 Nature Walk Details** 📍 **Location:** Ferndell Nature Trail, Griffith Park 📌 **GPS Address:** 2333 Fern Dell Dr, Hollywood, CA 🕙 **Meeting Time:** 10:00 AM 🥾 **Difficulty:** Easy / Beginner-friendly 🌳 **Distance:** Approximately 0.5 mile round trip ⏳ **Walking Time:** 45–60 minutes at a relaxed pace 🚗 **Parking:** Free street parking along Fern Dell Drive **Where to Meet:** Let's gather near the large "Ferndell" entrance sign at the lower end of the trail, close to the intersection of Fern Dell Drive and Los Feliz Boulevard. Please arrive a few minutes early so we can start together at 10:00 AM. **A Little Extra Adventure?** Since this is a relatively short nature walk, anyone who wants to get a few more steps in is welcome to walk the trail a second time! That would bring our total distance to approximately one mile. Completely optional, of course! **What to Bring:** Comfortable walking shoes, water, sunscreen, and your adventurous spirit! The trail is mostly shaded, with gentle inclines and packed-dirt pathways. ☕ **After Our Walk:** For anyone who wants to linger a little longer, we can stop by the nearby Trails Cafe for coffee, a snack, and more conversation! 🚙 **Carpooling Encouraged!** Parking is free but can be limited, especially on weekends, so carpooling is a great option. If you'd like to carpool, please RSVP to the event and let me know you're interested. I'll share our carpool meeting address with those who RSVP so we can coordinate rides. Whether you're an avid hiker or simply enjoy a peaceful stroll in nature, everyone is welcome! Looking forward to kicking off our first Sole Sisters adventure together. Here's to fresh air, friendship, laughter, and meaningful connections! 💚

Culver City : Fall Classic Stair Hike #4 - 6 miles, 3 hours

Get into the Halloween spirit with a spook-tacular stair hike—with some major league Fall Classic vibe mixed in! Our loop begins at Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area near La Brea Avenue, where we’ll tackle a newly-built set of stairs before crossing the La Cienega bridge toward Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook. There, we’ll take on the famously challenging Culver City Stairs. Along the way, we’ll celebrate teamwork, perseverance, and a little postseason magic. The World Series is scheduled to end today and we hope the Dodgers are in it the entire way–even to a scary, nail-biting game 7! Expect plenty of elevation, great views, and enough stair climbing to make your legs feel haunted—in the best way. The route is approximately 6 miles, with 1,061 feet of cumulative elevation gain and loss. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the corner of La Brea Avenue and Don Lorenzo Drive. Free street parking is available on Don Miguel Drive and Don Zarembo Drive. What to Bring \- At least 2 liters of water \- Hiking shoes or boots \- Layers \- Snacks \- Sunscreen \- Sunglasses \- A hat Wear a touch of Halloween spirit or Dodger Blue if you’d like—but come ready to climb!

Perfect Weather Halloween Hike in Griffith Park! 👻🎃🧛‍♀️

Join us every Saturday on this friendly social hike, with optional plank challenge at the vista viewpoint / helipad. Followed by optional breakfast/lunch at the Village Bakery and Cafe. For this week’s Halloween hike 👻🎃🧛‍♀️we will do the hike in reverse. From the meeting point we will start with a 20-30 minute urban hike up the hill, through the neighborhood past the Disney house and Halloween decor to the Commonwealth park entrance, then up the paved fire road past the Cedar Grove and water tank, to the Vista Point with 180 views of the ocean through downtown and optional plank challenge, onto fire roads, an option to 360 views at Glendale Peak, then return via 5-points, Beacon Hill with views of Burbank and Glendale and down Cadman Trail to our starting point. We will give a 5-minute grace period for arrival for introductions. 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. As well as North East over Burbank and Glendale Steady incline approx 900ft elevation gain. We’ll gather at each split in the trail to make sure all are accounted for. Dog friendly 🐕. Just remember there are coyotes and rattlesnakes (summer) 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 hiking shoes. Shoes without good grip may slide on dirt and granite trails. 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.

Owen Brown Grave Hike at 4PM

**Our first hike after the clocks go back, so we will not start the hikes at 4;00PM!!** **CANCEL IF RAIN.....I wont know until early Sunday afternoon.** 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 as we return to the canyon views on this weekend! We start in Altadena and hike above El Prieto Canyon, checking out the secluded grave of abolitionist Owen Brown. Most of the trail is gradual up and down, from pathways to fire roads which eventually lead to a creek. **Note! We start this hike on a residential street. Please Google 4552 El Prieto Rd in Altadena. This is where we will park and start the hike! Look for the brown "Owen Brown Gravesite" sign at the start of the asphalt road at the end of culdesac. Look at the photo for this hike, you will see the address marked! Check the map pin at the bottom of this event page!** **Allow yourself a few extra minutes to find this street if it is your first time.** **My text is 818-261-0879-please contact me beforehand to work out any questions!**

Saturday in the Santa Monica Mountains 2026 #6 - Verdugo Peak

Hike #6 in the 2026 Saturday in the Santa Monica Mountains series, is a strenuous 11 mile, 2800 gain hike in the Verdugo Mountains. The trail starts with a challenging steep ascent to Mount Thom and then mellows out along the ridge with panoramic views of the city. We'll take Verdugo Motorway past Tongva Peak to brunch at Verdugo Peak with a relaxed descent down Brand Motorway. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and a good attitude. Hiking poles and footwear with good traction are recommended as some portions of the trail are covered in scree. Rain, excessive heat, and Red Flag alert cancels. This is a Front Country hike. A medical form is recommended, but not required. If you have one, please carry it with you. Copies of the form will be available to fill out at the trailhead as well. Outing to be conducted to Sierra Club hike safety guidelines, group to hike together with participants following the leader and in front of the sweep.

Mount Baldy via Devil’s Backbone + Food & Drinks

⚠️ 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/CNRhLnMO

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, 4:00 p.m. Good idea to arrive around 4:15 so that we can start at 4:00 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/

Whiting Woods Loop and Verdugo – 6.3 miles, 2000’ elevation gain

Ice House Canyon Trail Hiking

**Whats App Group** [https://chat.whatsapp.com/FjOx9EXXKTuAUhMeCdPyLJ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/FjOx9EXXKTuAUhMeCdPyLJ) Sun Nov 01, 2026 Ice House Canyon Trail Hiking Meeting Point: 09:00 am Starbucks Wilshire Union Center, Los Angeles Reserve Carpool or Driver [https://www.extremelyshy.com/losangeles&8b428j](https://www.extremelyshy.com/losangeles&8b428j) * * Carpool: You will be assigned to a vehicle and receive the driver info through email one day before the event. Let the driver scan your QR code to access your carpool service. Keep a group with your driver. * Driver: You will receive driver instruction and passenger info assigned to you through email one day before the event. Scan the QR code from the passenger to provide your carpool service to get paid The Ice House Canyon Trail is a strenuous, popular 7.2 to 9.0-mile round-trip hike in the San Gabriel Mountains near Mount Baldy Village, California, gaining roughly 2,550 to 2,600 feet of elevation up to Icehouse Saddle Trail Overview & Stats * **Distance:** \~7.2 to 9.0 miles round-trip (to the saddle) * **Elevation Gain:** \~2,550 – 2,578 feet * **Difficulty:** Hard / Strenuous * **Estimated Time:** 5.5 to 6 hours **What’s included** * Gas, Vehicle use, Driver effort. **Liability** The organizer and any/all assistant organizers and other attendees are in no way responsible and liable for your personal safety and health state, before, during, and at any time after this event. You acknowledge you are solely responsible for your health, safety, and well-being before, during, and at any time after the event as stated previously. All attendees shall forever hold harmless the organizers and other attendees and unconditionally waive any liabilities resulting from attending and/or participating in this event.

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).

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