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Advanced Hiking Los Angeles

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Griffith Park Semi Beginner Hike @ Merry Go Round Lot

Griffith Park Semi Beginner Hike @ Merry Go Round Lot

Wed, Oct 7, 1:30 AM
From Los Angeles Hiking Group
4.8

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

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8 attendees
21ST ANNUAL GREAT LOS ANGELES WALK 2026 - ROUTE TBD

21ST ANNUAL GREAT LOS ANGELES WALK 2026 - ROUTE TBD

Sat, Nov 21, 5:00 PM
From SO CAL EXPLORERS - Field trips for adults
4.9

**CROSS-POSTED WITH HUMANIST HIKERS, LA & OC WEIRDO MUSIC & ART FORUM** **Date:** Saturday Nov. 21, 2025 at 9:00 AM TO WHENEVER THE HECK YOU FINISH! Join us for the 21st edition of the GLAW, and the 6th one with So Cal Explorers! It's a different route every year. **SAVE THE DATE! Starting location, route, and food recommendations will be announced starting in late September.** **End Point** & **After Party**: location TBD **Distance**: usually around 15-16 miles **Event web page:** [https://greatlawalk.blogspot.com](https://greatlawalk.blogspot.com) Attendees will be encouraged to explore the city in a safe way, and follow proper safety protocols. As they walk through Los Angeles, they’ll document what they see and share that experience with others. It’s not a race – attendees are encouraged to take their time, explore, learn about their city and even build community with others. **Sign up for their newsletter detailing the walk:** To join in, just EMAIL US at *[[greatlawalk@mail.com](http://greatlawalk@mail.com/)]([mailto:greatlawalk@mail.com](http://mailto:greatlawalk@mail.com/))* The Great Los Angeles Walk takes place every year **the Saturday before Thanksgiving.** \- Walk across the city of Los Angeles\. See the city from a new perspective\. \- Meet fellow walkers along the way\. \- This is **NOT** a race or competition. \- This is **NOT** a guided tour (but there is a map). \- Walk at your own pace and stop when and where you like\. **The journey itself is its own point.** L.A. journalist and blogger **Michael Schneider** launched the Great Los Angeles Walk in **2006** as a way to celebrate his tenth year in Los Angeles. Inspired by the book “Wilshire Boulevard: Grand Concourse of Los Angeles,” by Kevin Roderick, he decided to walk the street’s entire length. The Great Los Angeles Walk grew from dozens of participants to hundreds, and continues to expand each year – always the Saturday before Thanksgiving -- as more Angelenos join in to explore their city on foot. **Details to come on where we will gather, our food options during the day and more.** If you're not familiar with the Walk, please go read this wonderful feature in the Los Angeles Times, which perfectly encapsulated what we're all about: **[L.A. isn’t a walking city? The man behind Great Los Angeles Walk would like a word](https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2024-11-08/great-los-angeles-walk-michael-schneider)** As always, the Walk is **completely free**. It is up to the participants to decide how much or how little of the walk they want to do. More recently, the Walk was included in the book "***The Best Things to Do In Los Angeles: 1001 Ideas***" by Joy Yoo Social media users can follow along all day on the walk's **official Twitter feed, [https://x.com/greatlawalk](https://x.com/greatlawalk)** , as we continually post our location. **All the details are here:** *[http://greatlawalk.blogspot.com/](http://greatlawalk.blogspot.com/)* **Video: Why we walk** *[https://youtu.be/m5DASOc424w](https://youtu.be/m5DASOc424w)* **Facebook page**: *[https://www.facebook.com/greatlawalk](https://www.facebook.com/greatlawalk) /* Join their e-mail list: *[[greatlawalk@mail.com](http://greatlawalk@mail.com/)]([mailto:greatlawalk@mail.com](http://mailto:greatlawalk@mail.com/))* Photos from last year: [ https://www.meetup.com/so-cal-explorers/photos/35710054/](https://www.meetup.com/so-cal-explorers/photos/35710054/)

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14 attendees
Doo Dah Parade in Pasadena!

Doo Dah Parade in Pasadena!

Sun, Nov 22, 6:30 PM
From Los Angeles Hiking Group
4.8

**UPDATES HERE -check back in NOVEMBER** Howdy Doo-Dah everyone! Are you ready for a fun parade this Fall? Get ready for the return of the historic Doo-Dah parade in Pasadena, CA. Save the date, **Sunday, November 22**. The 44th++ annual DooDah parade is back! Kick off begins at 11:00 am, but as with most parades, you need to arrive early and find a spot. It's easy to get there via Metro, walking, or park in the public parking lots for a fee. Please note that there will be some street closures so check the parade website for parking info/getting there. What is this Doo Dah Parade? Here's the link: [About — Pasadena DooDah Parade](https://www.pasadenadoodahparade.info/about) **Meetup spot** \- on the sidewalk near the Apple Store on Colorado\. **Meetup Time:** Parade starts at 11, but to obtain a good spot for all of us, best to arrive earlier. **Cost:** FREE!!!! **Bring**: **TORTILLAS -**(not kidding, bring them for the tortilla toss), Kazoos if u have any, chairs, or you can stand, or sit on the curb; water, sunblock, dinero $$ **GETTING THERE**: Walk, Metro (Memorial Park Metro Station), whatever you are comfortable with ( see the parade link below) **Parade Website**: https://pasadenadoodahparade.info/ **LUNCH OPTION**: After the parade - option to walk to Congregation Ale House for lunch. **How to find me (Maya)** \- I'll be wearing a Santa Hat \( I'll post a pic in November \) **LASTLY**: Please check back again in November for updates. **LIABILITY**: The organizer/host is an unpaid and untrained volunteer. By joining this event each member and their guest(s) accepts full responsibility for knowing their limits, for any and 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.

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

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

Fri, Oct 9, 1:30 AM
From " ¡ ᗯᗩᑎTEᗪ TO ᗪO TᕼᗩT . . . ᒍᑌᔕT ᑎOT ᗩᒪOᑎE ! ! ! ℠ "
4.5

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. 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.

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6 attendees
CA Del Sol Happy Hour! This is a pre happy hour before our 7 pm Halloween walk

CA Del Sol Happy Hour! This is a pre happy hour before our 7 pm Halloween walk

Mon, Oct 12, 11:30 PM
From Los Angeles Hiking Group
4.8

Either extend your weekend or start your new week off right !!!! We will be doing a short less than 1 mile walk to enjoy CA Del Sol happy hour on Cahuenga . We did this event a few times and it was a fun event . Bring as many 5 dollar bills as you like as this is what the online menu states is the price for the happy hour items. This is a pay your own event . Restaurant likes to do one group tab so bringing cash for your share is easiest . Great short social event for first timers. Initially walking to happy hour from north weddington at 4:30 . We will be at restaurant from 5:00 to 630 then walking back to park to start 7 pm halloween walk . If running late you can meet us at restaurant during the 5 to 6:30 window . We will be starting this happy hour and the regular walk from park location . Join us for one or both events

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18 attendees
Fall Colors for 2026 . . . Eastern Sierra AND Hot Springs Hop...

Fall Colors for 2026 . . . Eastern Sierra AND Hot Springs Hop...

Sat, Oct 10, 2:00 AM
From " F*ck It I'm Single " Social fun & friends & adventures.
4.5

Autumn and Fall Colors is really an east coast thing . . . EXCEPT for the Eastern Sierra. Nowhere else in California does the foliage explode in color like this. The Quaking Aspens and the Cottonwoods turn and it is glorious. Take a look at pix from past times we have gone [https://photos.app.goo.gl/4H8pH2uSezGKoH1h8](https://photos.app.goo.gl/4H8pH2uSezGKoH1h8) For the Fall Colors portion we will be driving to all the best spots (and short short photo hikes. Didn't you mention Hot Springs too? YES!!! On the way to the prime fall colors spots we will be making our way to the local natural mineral hot springs. The autumn temps will make it perfect for a series of Hot Springs dips. **FALL COLORS** **&** **HOT SPRINGS HOP** **One event and we get TWO amazing adventures.** **Likely Saturday route:** (for Fall Colors) * Twin Lakes * Virginia Lake * Green Creek * Lundy Canyon (for Hot Springs and other sites) * Buckeye Hot Springs * Travertine Hot Springs * The Hot Spring (for fun or point of interest) * Bodie **Likely Sunday:** (for Fall Colors) * June Lake Loop * Convict Lake * McGee Creek * Round Valley * Lake Sabrina ( For Hot Springs and other sites) * Wild Willys and more Willy's * Layton Springs * Hot Creek geological site * Shepherd * Rock Hot Tub * Crab Cooker * Hilltop Hot Tub (aka Pulky's Pool) * Keogh Hot Ditch (the free one) * Keogh Hot Springs (for fun or point of interest) * Mono Tufa or Mono Fissures more Mono * Crowley Columns * Obsidian Dome We have done the Hot Springs Hop AND the Fall Colors before on the group as SEPRATE events. We are combining for more fun and adventure and value. **To attend this event:** 1. RSVP on this event 2. [CLICK HERE for the payment link. https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/MSHLSM3F75ZPS](https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/MSHLSM3F75ZPS) 3. [Click Here and fill out our Attendees google form](https://forms.gle/7LktppE3Uqo67XSs5) [https://forms.gle/7LktppE3Uqo67XSs5](https://forms.gle/7LktppE3Uqo67XSs5) (this is also what the carpool info gets built from) **RSVP alone does not save your spot. Our events always fill.** **Includes:** * Two nights camping / Three Days * Firewood or charcoal or propane fire pits. * Flush restrooms * Hot Showers available * Perfect for the beginner and first timers. * Most come solo - - - Come alone and leave with friends. Gear: The only specialized gear you need is Tent, Sleeping bag, Sleeping Pad (yoga mat). Everything else is household items you already have. This is Tent camping. No RV. No Trailers. No giant campervans. Food: You bring your own food. This way you know your allergies or diet needs. You are also able to prepare and eat at times convenient to you. There will be communal fire pits to use for cooking in the evening. Bring any cooking gear or stoves you wish. Restaurant, general store located by our site. So you can make it super civilized camping. Location? Exact info goes out only to confirmed attendees. It goes out with all the finalized event info. We don't want crashers, ex's or stalkers "just showing up." Also . . . this event will fill. People "just showing up" hoping there is an extra space will result in them being in your place. That's a big bummer. Refunds or Cancel? * Refunds given if cancel is made more than two weeks in advance of the event start date/time. * IF less than two weeks notice of cancel 100% credit is given towards a future event. Credits do not expire. * *[General Policies](https://www.meetup.com/MoreToExplore/events/282460572/)* ***Questions?*** [CLICK HERE to send a Direct Message](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=273063881) ***More Questions?*** [CLICK HERE for our monthly ](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/302675324/)**[Q & A CAMPING Zoom](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/302675324/)**[.](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/302675324/) **Q:** I'm a first-timer or newbie? Is this event a good first event or good for inexperienced? **A:** Yes. Perfect if less experienced. It's easy camping and easy hikes. ***What do I need?*** *[Newbie Camping Advice All things GEAR](https://www.meetup.com/MoreToExplore/events/282543094/)* *[Newbie Camping Advice All things FOOD](https://www.meetup.com/MoreToExplore/events/282543120/)* **Carpools?** Yes there are carpools. They are encouraged but not required. Save gas and money and emissions. Carpool Matrix available to confirmed attendees only. Our [Carpool info](https://www.meetup.com/MoreToExplore/events/282458970/) **Dogs?** Dogs OK on trail and in campsite. Must be on leash in camp. **Kids?** Kids ok on trail and in campsite. Leash is optional. Kids under 18 are 1/2 cost. (message for a separate link) Dogs are free no matter what age. **Fun?** No matter your age or species . . . you will have fun. Adults of all ages are welcome too!! * **[Click Here for the main group where posted.](https://www.meetup.com/twofeet/events/311412613/)** * **[Click Here and fill out our google "interest" form](https://forms.gle/7LktppE3Uqo67XSs5)** (there is a box for "interested and keep me in the loop") * **[CLICK HERE](https://www.meetup.com/twofeet/join/) to join in on the other fun events planned.** Note: Of course the number RSVP'd is not the number attending. People can (and do) RSVP but do not take care of payment. They RSVP to take care of it late. This event is limited to 40. When it does fill, . . . the payment link will be deactivated. If the payment link works . . . there is still space. That being said . . . do not wait or delay. Event will fill. Don't be left out. **Notice:** We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, age, disability, gender, gender preference, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, national identity, marital status, familial status, religion, political beliefs or even for belly button lint. We welcome all, . . . and that includes you!!

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4 attendees
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Frequently asked questions

Meetup helps people find and connect through local groups. It offers a platform to join events based on shared interests, like advanced hiking.

Search Meetup for advanced hiking groups in Los Angeles. You can use filters to find specific hiking activities and join communities that match your interests.

Yes, Los Angeles features numerous advanced hiking trails. Through Meetup, you can join groups that focus on tackling these more challenging hikes.

For advanced hikes, sturdy boots, a backpack with water, snacks, a map, or GPS are recommended. Always check the group's event page for specific requirements.

Log in to Meetup, search for hiking events in LA, and RSVP to join. Review the event details and connect with other participants if needed.

While anyone can join, advanced hikes are best suited for experienced hikers. Make sure to assess your skill level before attending an event.

Many events are free, but some may have costs for permits or guides. Check event details for pricing information.

Local group hosts manage events on Meetup. They plan the location and itinerary. Communication about specific event details is usually in the event description.

Absolutely, attending events solo is common. It's a great way to meet new hiking friends who share your passion for advanced trails.

While Meetup facilitates connections, making friends depends on your participation and engagement in groups and events.

Hiking in Los Angeles is generally year-round, but summer can be hot. Most advanced hikers enjoy winter and spring for cooler, more agreeable conditions.

Yes, advanced hiking groups often target challenging terrains to provide a rigorous experience for participants seeking more demanding trails.

Not always. Events are organized by enthusiasts or guides. Some might have professional leaders, but check event details for this info.

Yes! Meetup allows you to start your own group. You can organize events and gather like-minded hikers for advanced trails around LA.

Not every trail is covered. The availability of hikes depends on group interests and organization. If there's no group for a specific trail, you might start your own.