Challenging Hikes Los Angeles

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!

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.

Challenging STEEP Adventurous 26%-Moon Night Hike: DeBell to top of Verdugo-Loop

Challenging STEEP Adventurous 26%-Moon Night Hike: DeBell to top of Verdugo-Loop

**Inspiring, Challenging, STEEP Hike: DeBell to top of Verdugo-Loop (Burbank, CA)** **More people will attend then showing: This event is cross-posted on other Meetup groups.** **STATS** Difficulty: 5/10, Moderate-Long with steep sections Length: 5.4 miles, 3 hours + breaks Elevation Gain/loss: 2200' Range: 1500-3000' View: Mountains & City Lights Details: Long Hike, Great views from top ridge **TRAILHEAD INFO** 1500 E Walnut Ave, Burbank, CA 91501 Meet on the street just north of the DeBell Golf Club. Google maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/eguDpkUFKSm5K6fF6 GPS Coordinates: 34.206979447835856, -118.30463651162145 Please arrive by 6:50 pm for a 7 pm start from our cars. We have usually walked to the actual trailhead at the roundabout at the north end of the road by 7:10pm. Change your RSVP ASAP if you can’t make it to give others a chance to hike. Repeat “No Shows” will get last priority on future hikes. If you have any issues, feel free to call or text the leaders! If ANY questions, call Keith (hike leader) 213.507.2221 Night-hiking in LA is amazing! Trails are practically empty, breeze is cool, & the beautiful city below you offers unlimited full-definition entertainment! We take short rest stops as needed. At the peak/midpoint, we take a long break to enjoy a potluck feast (beer/soda/yummy snacks), socialize and/or soak in the beautiful scenery. **COMMON-SENSE NOTES** • Please wear proper hiking boots or shoes with deep tread • Consider wearing long pants as this trail may be overgrown in some sections • Bring plenty of water to drink • Bring a headlamp for optional use after dark • Fun, yummy snacks are always appreciated • Health advisory: Please stay home if you are not feeling well or have recently been exposed to someone who is sick. • Bring a Cheerful Attitude :-) We hike every Tuesday night & for variety we do other trails that are similar to this one (never boring). We hope to see you! Steven & Keith 213.986.SNOW / 213.507.2221 \*\*\* **PLEASE - Know your limits & abilities.** Check weather conditions, dress accordingly & be aware of your surroundings at all times. Watching out for poison oak, snakes, ticks, uneven footing, spectacular views, beautiful fauna all while interacting with awesome (usually) fellow hikers can be extremely hazardous, rewarding & fun. **HIKE RATING SCALE** Rating a hike is subjective, meaning the difficulty of a hike will be in direct relation to how often you hike & the type of hike you prefer. Keep in mind that any hike can have the following: un-even hiking surfaces, various obstructions, water/water crossings or bouldering/rock hopping. A great hike will have all of these! 1 – A long walk 2 – 4 mile hike w/little elevation gain (E.G.) 3 – 5 mile hike w/up to 1000 ft. E.G. 4 – 5+ mile hike w/up to 1500 ft. E.G. (heart rate increases at times) 5 – 7+ mile hike w/over 1500 ft. E.G. (heart rate increasing even more at times) 6 – 7+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. E.G. (at times you might be trying to remember how to perform CPR) 7 – 5+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. E.G. (at times you might be muttering expletives to yourself) 8 – 10+ mile hike w/over 3500 ft. E.G. (at times you might be angry with the hike leader) 9 – 10+ mile hike w/over 5000 ft. E.G. (at times you might be thinking of reporting the hike leader to the authorities) 10 – Use your imagination **DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY** **IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:** I am a volunteer (i.e. not liable for the group). Safety is a priority for everyone in the group. Think of this as hiking with a group of friends. Outdoor sports & other events we plan can be inherently dangerous & accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety & well-being. The Meetup Group & its organizers are not trained leaders & we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. If you choose to sign up for any Meetup events, you are releasing the Meetup Group & it's organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries as stated in paragraph 6.2 of the Meetup “Terms of Service” located on the bottom of the Meetup website. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment & experience.

Mt. Baldy via the Ski Hut Trail

Bear Canyon Trail Maintenance

This is a great opportunity to combine your love of the outdoors with the gratification of making a significant contribution to the environment. Hike will be 8.5 mile loop hike with 600' gain on return with many stream crossings going in from Eaton Saddle and out from Switzer Day-use Area. Work will focus on cutting back brush and fixing tread. Pants & long-sleeved shirt, good boots/hiking shoes are required. Hard hat, gloves and safety glasses can be provided. Please be sure to bring plenty of water and your lunch.

Weekend Warriors: 7.0 Mile Urban Hike San Marino/Pasadena, Fast Pace

Come join us for a FAST-paced urban hike around the winding hills and beautiful streets of peaceful San Marino and Pasadena. Enjoy the scenery, the architecture, the wide streets, and the cool morning air. **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 speed (approximately 16-17 mins per mile), 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**: 7.0 miles, some long street inclines. Elevation gain is 300ft. Approximately 2:00 hours. **SPEED**: Advanced/Fast speed of approximately 16-17 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 16-17 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. **MEETING POINT**: We will meet for introductions at 8:30 am on the northwest corner of Mission Street and El Molino Road in San Marino, CA 91108, and take off sharply at 8:35 am. **RESTROOMS**: There are 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 intersection of Mission Street and El Molino Road. 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. **TIMEFRAME FOR 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.

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/

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).

Sierra Club Griffith Park Thursday Evening Hikes

**If you don't already 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 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. **Covid 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. Masks are optional. Please do not attend if you are ill or have reason to think you might have Covid. **If you test positive for Covid within 5 days after 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 **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) .

Evening Conditioning Hike in La Cañada

Our long-standing Thursday night hike has MOVED from Eaton Canyon/Henninger Flats to La Cañada! We'll enjoy great views of the LA basin and the night sky while getting an aerobic workout. This hike is 5 miles round trip, with 1300' elevation gain, along the Earl Canyon Motorway (which is actually a dirt fire road). At the top we'll pause to enjoy the city views from the lookout point on the concrete slab. No pets please. If you have a service dog, contact hike leader in advance. **Level**: Moderate to strenuous -- you can hike at your own pace. **Bring:** Sturdy footwear, water, clothing layers (jacket or windbreaker), and a flashlight or headlamp. We'll start walking promptly at 7 PM, so please arrive in time to fill out waiver/signup sheet. Or, save time at the trailhead by filling out the online waiver in advance: https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=701Po000028HOOZIA4 . **Cancellation policy:** Steady rain cancels. **Please note, this hike and many more are also posted on the Sierra Club website and Facebook, so we always have more attendees than indicated on Meetup!** https://angeles.sierraclub.org/outdoors/activities You don't need to be a Sierra Club member to attend this hike -- all are welcome.

Griffith Park Hike to Cedar Grove

This hike is 4.6 miles/1224 ft ascent is known to the regulars as the "backyard hike" and it is NOT a Beginner Hike. Most of the elevation gain is in a short period of time. The trail on the steep ascent is hard to find, so a little bit of adventure is required for this hike. This hike is 120 minutes and NO ANIMALS ALLOWED 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 REI) 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. 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. 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: If you know the park well, it is Merry Go Round Lot #2, just at the path to the lower lot. (http://angeles.sierraclub.org/griffith/griffith_park_map.html) If you'd like a visual, here is a map. (http://angeles.sierraclub.org/griffith/griffith_park_map.html) 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