The LA Trail Hikers have been featured on Outdoor SoCal! It’s always great to know that we’re a great resource to the people of Los Angeles and surrounding areas. We’ve come a long way since the group officially got off the ground in 2009. Check out their feature on #LATH at the link below:
Spring is right around the corner, March 20th to be exact. And, it’s probably good to note that it’s time for Spring showers. So, this may require a constant look at weather reports for some upcoming hikes as we try to make sure that the trails we hike are cleared for use. Anyhow, despite the possible wet weather, we do have some great hikes lined up for the group in March and April. During this set of hikes, we’ll have hike where we’ll be giving back to one of our fondest visited areas in Griffith Park, Amir’s Garden. We’ll be hiking to the garden and then participate in some garden maintenance with the current keeper of the garden. In addition, we’ll be participating in a Relay for Life event, in collaboration with our friends, the LA Trail Bikers, to help in the fight against cancer. And to make it a great set, we’ll also heading out on our annual road trip hike to Las Vegas. This year we’ll be going to Valley of Fire State park.
BEFORE YOU CLICK ON A HIKE DETAILS PAGE BELOW, PLEASE NOTE: The hike information on each page may not be up to date with regards to its meeting info/date/time it was linked from. However, it will display (or be created with) the correct information (date, times, and assigned hike lead) as the hike approaches its scheduled date. It does take some work to update these, so we work on the ones with closer upcoming dates first. If a hike has multiple upcoming dates (typically Wednesday night hikes), only the most upcoming date (and info) will be displayed, and will be updated accordingly.
HIKE LIST KEY: Cancelled Hike or Information Added or Replacement Hike * = New LATH Hike or Special Event (Information may be pending, if so, will be linked at a later date)
WHAT IS A HIKING LEVEL?:
Please make sure to gauge yourself based on the hike’s difficulty level by looking at our Hike Level descriptions.
Find out more about hiking levels here: http://latrailhikers.com/about/hike-levels/
HIKE CANCELLATION NOTE: Should any hike need to be cancelled, we’ll try to post on the hike’s detail page and on our Facebook page, about 1 .5 hours prior to the meeting point, so you are aware. Otherwise, the hike is considered a go.
ADDITIONAL HIKE NOTES:
– Weekend hikes are primarily in the morning unless otherwise indicated.
– All hikes are subject to change, cancellation or other modifications. We may even add in additional hikes that may not appear on the original posting.
– We try to schedule 2-3 months worth of hikes so we always have a fresh new set every so often.
2014 LAS VEGAS ROAD TRIP HIKE
On Saturday, March 29, 2014, the LA Trail Hikers will be headed to Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada. While there, we’ll be visiting two different areas which will sure be of great pleasure for our hikers. We’ll caravan from the meeting point, which will be near the Las Vegas strip, and head to the park.
Full Details Road Trip Hike details can be found here: http://latrailhikers.com/hikes/road-trip-hikes/valley-of-fire-state-park-nv/
Oct 11 – LATH Grand Canyon Road Trip
2014 GRAND CANYON ROAD TRIP HIKE (UPDATE) The Grand Canyon Road Trip hike has been set for the morning of: Saturday, October 11, 2014 NOTE:
– It takes about 8 hours to drive to the South Rim of the park from Los Angeles. It might be best to have Friday to travel.
– It is a great time to start asking for time off from work.
– Accommodations & travel arrangements will be responsibility of the attendee.
– We’ll be having different level hikes for different level hikers.
– More details regarding this event will follow as they are set.
– We’ll have a page with all the details posted when we have all the information we need to provide attendees
HOW DO I PARTICIPATE WITH THE GROUP ON THESE HIKES?
1. Read the Hike’s details page.
2. Make sure that the Hike Level accommodates your hiking experience.
3. If, and only if it suits you, then (optional: RSVP via Facebook for the event and) show up the day of the hike with all necessary gear and water (we mention everything you need on each details page per hike).
MY FRIEND SAID I CAN DO THIS HIKE, I SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO IT, RIGHT?
Contrary to popular belief, you know your body and hiking experience better than your friends. Whether you are a first-timer or an experienced hiker, please read our hike details page as the hike may not suite your experience level. We have a better experience if every hike has hikers of the intended level.
DISCLAIMER: LA Trail Hikers and its Leads/Organizers/Volunteers/Participants do not take responsibility for any harm,bodily injury, accidents, or damage to personal property. By clicking “Attending,” or attending the hike, you confirming that you understand that all outdoor activity such as hiking, backpacking, and trekking have an associated danger, and will not hold any hike lead/organizer, participant, LA Trail Hikers, or any group associated pet responsible for any hazard to your well being. Additionally, you will not be allowed to participate with the group if you are not adequately prepared with enough water and the right gear/equipment/nutrition essential to complete the hike. You are fully responsible for yourself.
What is Relay For Life? The Relay for Life Event is about Raising Cancer Awareness, Honoring Cancer Survivors, Remembering Those that have past and to Raise Funds for Research and Services (http://www.relayforlife.org). This is a 24 hour event that will take place:
GROUP SHIRT COLOR: RED (details below).
Some people may dress up as super heroes, but you can simply wear a red shirt to indicate you’re part of our team.
GROUP THEME: Super Heroes (details below)
2013 Relay for Life Participants
EVENT DATE: April 12 and 13, 2014
EVENT TIME: 9am Saturday to 9am Sunday
(It is a 24-hr event, but you do not have to be there all 24 hours. Rather, you get to choose what time frame you want to participate in.)
2) CHOOSE A TIME SLOT TO WALK: Once you’ve registered with our Relay for Life team, let us know what time blocks you can participate walking in by indicating them here: http://bit.ly/ZlDMa7
EVENT ACTIVITIES UPDATE (Added 04-11-2014):
9-10am – Opening ceremonies/cancer speakers/kick off walk/RantRadio will be hosting LIVE FROM 8-3PM. HS Cheer Squad CHEERING everyone on!
10am-12 – Games water balloon toss/ 3 legged race/ bat spin relay/shoe toss/ potatoe sack race/ egg toss/ water relay and watermelon contest!
12pm-2pm – JP dance productions -and Performance by Amber
2-3pm – Zumba by Debbie / Root Beer Ping Pong Tournament- Teen booth
3-12am – DJ Shamrock/ 3-3:30 Bingo mania
3-5pm – Karaoke
5-6pm – Salsa dancing Instructions -Sponsored by Steven’s Steakhouse
6-7pm – Relay Workout – Sponsored by Iron Dog Fitness
7-8:45pm – LIVE BAND -Rock and Roll Relay Band
9-10pm – Luminaria Ceremony
10-12am – Relay Dance party
12:00am-2:00am – Root Beer Pong Tournament Begins!
12-2am – Food frenzy sponsored by Stevens Steakhouse begins for all paid participants-(make sure you get your wrist band!)
12-6am – Family movie night- DJ SHAMROCK
3am-9am – DJ Pakman
6am-7am – Survivor breakfast sponsored by OZZIE’s Diner
8am-9am – Closing ceremonies- Awards given Out Best Themed Booth/ Best Costume/Top New Team/ Top individual Fundraiser/ Top Team Fundraiser.
Our booth will be right when you walk in! Come join us in the fun for this GREAT CAUSE!
ABOUT: This will be 24 hours of fun and fighting cancer. There will be Food, DJ’s, Live Bands, Games, Raffle Prizes, Movies, Luminarias Ceremony and much more. We are asking everyone to consider participating by either joining the team and walking or volunteering at this event. You do not have to stay for the full 24 hours, you can pick a time frame that you would like to walk or you can stay and hangout for as long as you like cheering our team on, selling items at our booth or other volunteer duties. For those who wish to walk at night you may bring your camping gear and camp out.
By joining the team, you can register online and it is only $10.00 to participate. Minimum fundraising is $100.00 and your $10.00 registration goes towards your $100.00 fundraising amount. Fundraising is not required to walk, however each person that raises $100.00 will get a free Relay For Life T-shirt. At the event we will have an E-Z up that we will decorate however we choose. We will also be selling items at the event that hopefully each person that joins our team can help out with. We will provide water and Gatorade. Our goal as a group is to reach $1,000. We hope you can help put out the word.
2013 Relay for Life Participants
Also your friends and family can sign up for our team too! If you know of anyone that is a cancer survivor and would like walk in the Survivor walk or to speak at this event, please give them Diana Herrera’s contact info. Our Team Captains for this event are Carol Martinez & Sylvia Quinteros. Diana Herrera is on the planning committee for the City of Commerce Relay for Life, so if you have any questions, please feel free to contact either Diana, Carol or Sylvia (via FB event). Here is the link to sign up, just search for our team name LATH & LATB Action Heroes or click here.
GROUP THEME: Team color is going to be RED, so hopefully everyone can wear Red T-shirts or capes. The Theme for this year’s event is “Finish the Fight! Super Heroes Unite Against Cancer!” We will be decorating our booth with Super Hero Theme. If anyone has any ideas for decorations or have some you can donate please let us know. The team can organize food to eat during the day potluck/snacks, etc., ice chest will be available. Also, if anyone wants to bring pictures of family or friend affected by cancer to honor at our booth, we will post them up. Any questions please feel free to post or direct to Team Captains.
The LA Trail Hikers start a new hiking season in 2014 with a great set of hikes in January (mixed levels) and February (moderate levels). As you go down the list, make sure that the hike you intend to attend will be of our hiking level experience. If you’re not sure what these levels are, consider the following: Levels 1-3 (Beginner/Easier), Levels 4-7 (Moderate to Advanced Moderate), Levels 8-10 (Experienced higher levels hikers only). You can read our general descriptions of the levels here: LATH Hike Levels. We want to make sure you are well prepared for each hike, as well as be able to keep the group in momentum, so please read the details for each hike by reading each hike details page. Well, we are looking to have a great season opener on Wednesday, January 8, 2014, so we hope to see you there. If not, we’ll see you on either one of our two hikes on Jan 11 (experienced) or Jan 12 (easy). Keep in mind that we’ll be having two Road Trip Hikes this year. First off is our annual Las Vegas Road Trip Hike (details to follow on a future post) in March, and down the line, we’re looking to head out on our first group Road Trip Hike to the Grand Canyon sometime in October (date & details to follow on a future post). But for now, we hope you enjoy the upcoming hikes for the start or our 2014 LATH Hiking Season!
BEFORE YOU CLICK ON A HIKE DETAILS PAGE BELOW, PLEASE NOTE: The hike information on each page may not be up to date with regards to its meeting info/date/time it was linked from. However, it will display (or be created with) the correct information (date, times, and assigned hike lead) as the hike approaches its scheduled date. It does take some work to update these, so we work on the ones with closer upcoming dates first. If a hike has multiple upcoming dates (typically Wednesday night hikes), only the most upcoming date (and info) will be displayed, and will be updated accordingly.
HIKE LIST KEY: Cancelled Hike or Information Added or Replacement Hike
* = New LATH Hike or Special Event (Information may be pending, if so, will be linked at a later date)
2014 LAS VEGAS ROAD TRIP HIKE
The date is set, but the details are still in the works. Make sure you start getting your accommodations and time-off requests for (and around the weekend of) Saturday, March 29, 2014. We’ll let you know what our intended hiking area will be as time allows. All information will be posted ahead of time. We recommend getting accommodations anywhere around the Las Vegas Strip so you can enjoy Vegas after the day of the hike. Don’t worry, the meeting point for the hike will be a drive to a location no too far.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
– Weekend hikes are primarily in the morning unless otherwise indicated.
– All hikes are subject to change, cancellation or other modifications. We may even add in additional hikes that may not appear on the original posting.
– We try to schedule 2-3 months worth of hikes so we always have a fresh new set every so often.
WHAT IS A HIKING LEVEL?: Please make sure to gauge yourself based on the hike’s difficulty level by looking at our Hike Level descriptions.
Find out more about hiking levels here: http://latrailhikers.com/about/hike-levels/
HOW DO I PARTICIPATE WITH THE GROUP ON THIS HIKE?
1. Read the Hike’s details page.
2. Make sure that the Hike Level accommodates your hiking experience.
3. If, and only if it suits you, then (optional: RSVP via Facebook for the event and) show up the day of the hike with all necessary gear and water (we mention everything you need on each details page per hike).
MY FRIEND SAID I CAN DO THIS HIKE, I SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO IT, RIGHT?
Contrary to popular belief, you know your body and hiking experience better than your friends. Whether you are a first-timer or an experienced hiker, please read our hike details page as the hike may not suite your experience level. We have a better experience if every hike has hikers of the intended level.
DISCLAIMER: LA Trail Hikers and its Leads/Organizers/Participants do not take responsibility for any harm,bodily injury, accidents, or damage to personal property. By clicking “Attending,” or attending the hike, you confirming that you understand that all outdoor activity such as hiking, backpacking, and trekking have an associated danger, and will not hold any hike lead/organizer, participant, LA Trail Hikers, or any group associated pet responsible for any hazard to your well being. Additionally, you will not be allowed to participate with the group if you are not adequately prepared with enough water and the right gear/equipment/nutrition essential to complete the hike. You are fully responsible for yourself.
As another LATH hiking season passes by, and another year comes to a close, it strengthens my heart know that our ‘little group that could’ has been able to inspire and motivate so many new and established hikers, just as it has been doing for the past few years. Throughout this 2013 hiking season, as with all prior years, I continue to be approached by hikers who fondly express their appreciation for the creation and efforts of the group. You can imagine my humble gratitude when I receive such kind words and stories of motivation and success from these uplifted individuals. It seems this group delivers a type of encouragement that is reflected in the expressions and smiles of our hikers as they establish, or continue to develop, their hiking skills with the LA Trail Hikers.
The group is composed of many different individuals, all with different stories and backgrounds. Something to be quite proud of, I would say, given we live in one of the biggest melting pots of cultures, Los Angeles. However, the group is nurtured by the help of some of these individuals. To make the magic happen, it takes the time and commitment of some very special volunteers. Everything from organizing, leading, to delivering updates online, the essential duties of these individuals makes our group what it is. This year has been quite a triumph, and I would like to make sure that the hardworking folks, that deliver their efforts behind-the-scenes, receive a special thanks for having made our 2013 LATH Hiking season a success. The following are the ones that really deserve your thanks, as well as mine:
Peter Flanigan – LATH Twitter Manager
Diana Herrera – LATH Hike Lead
Tony Ramos – LATH Hike Lead
Carol Martinez – LATH Hike Lead
Effin Gentry – LATH Hike Lead
Janiece Cordova – LATH Hike Lead
Jose Luis Gonzalez – LATH Hike Lead
Irma Padilla – LATH Hike Lead
Mona Ibrahim – LATH Hike Lead
Jorge Jimenez – LATH Hike Lead
Sylvia Quinteros – LATH Hike Lead
Gianni Manzano – LATH Hike Lead
Patricia De Leon – Former LATH Hike Lead
If you have learned about and/or joined us on a hike any time during 2013, it may have been thanks to the perseverance of these amazing people. They are personally commended on my end for being such a great team to work with. Believe me, they do more than you imagine, but do it with great pride and enthusiasm. And for this, I am thankful and quite appreciative. With the 2014 LATH Hiking Season (our 5th year doing this) right around the corner, I can only hope that the these individuals continue to excite the hearts of hikers, new and experienced. And, if not with our group, then in their own way. In addition, I do have one more special thanks to give.
My last, but quite meaningful, noted recognition goes out to each hiker who has been joined us this year. Yes, you. Without you, we are not a group. Without you we would not be where we are now. Without you, we would not have reach all the peaks, turn-back points, waterfalls, and destinations of every hike we’ve ventured. Without you, we would not be the LA Trail Hikers. You are the significant detail in making it all happen. I thank you for being part of our hiking family and hope that you continue to join us for many more adventures and smiles as begin a new chapter in this group’s history.
On behalf of the LA Trail Hikers, may you, and your loved ones, share in a prosperous New Year that will continue to fill your year with many adventures and smiles.
Admirably yours,
Jason Bazalar
Founder | Organizer | Hike Lead
LA Trail Hikers
It’s not easy getting started in an activity that we’ve never tried, or know much about, including hiking. The LA Trail Hikers group is composed of hikers with different experience levels. Those with years of hiking experience, and those with none. A while back the LATH Hike Leads talked about having a Beginner Hiker initiative which would make sure that we would provide entry level hikes for those just getting started with the group and/or activity. Of those who have committed to this agenda since then, Patricia De Leon was one of the hike leads who believed in and encouraged hikers to get started by leading quite a few of these beginner hikes. She was one of the first hike leads our new hikers would experience their first hikes through. Earlier this year, Patricia honorably stepped down as a LATH hike lead to pursue trails and adventures that would allow her to grow as a hiker in her own way. The group has quite understanding, and wished her the best in her future plans along a new path.
Today, the LA Trail Hikers would like to recognize her commitment and leadership, with the group, by giving her special thanks on behalf of all the LATH Hike Leads and every hiker who has hiked under her guidance. Although she is no longer leading for the group, she has noted that she would remain active when possible as a fellow hiker. For all her time and great judgement, and all the hikers who you have inspired, we thank you Patricia!
Patricia De Leon LATH Hike Lead: 2010-2013
LATH FB Profile: “In pursuit of providing a better hiking experience, she will be providing beginners a better sense of preparedness and information. Her experience moving from beginner to hike lead has given her just the right attitude to help those starting off with the group.”
If you have ever hiked with Patricia, you may want to send her a personal thank you by leaving her a comment below:
The LA Trail Hikers will be having an Open House Thursday, November 14, 2013. And you are invited to come!
ABOUT THE EVENT: Every so often, we like to meet with our hikers outside of the hiking scene to get to share hiking tips, give you information about LATH, hear your fun hiking stories and have a great time seeing everybody in their casual everyday clothes (non-hiking attire). And, if you’re new to the group, this is a great starting place to get to know what the LA Trail Hikers are all about. We’ll be answering general questions about the group, type of hikes we do, recommend and talk about hiking equipment, and anything else you wanted to know about regarding hiking with us. It’ll be just the right place to tell us about any future hikes you might want the group to consider doing. And, it’s always fun to see friendly faces outside of their normal hiking attire. If you’re new to the group, or are considering joining us for a hike, this is a great opportunity for you to meet with current hikers and hike leads to get information and an idea of what it’s really like to be out on the hikes we do. Any other ideas, comments, or suggestions will be welcome. We’ll tell you how you can Rediscover Los Angeles!
WHO SHOULD ATTEND: All new, potential, and current hikers are encouraged to attend. This event is quite social and everyone tends to have a great time sharing stories and advice. It will really get new or upcoming hikers well prepared for a LATH hike. And, it will keep regular hikers informed with up-to-date information.
TALKING POINTS:
Well be going over the following, but not limited to:
November & December 2013 Hikes
2014 LATH Hiking Season
Dog/Kid hike gauging.
General Hiking Tips
Looking Forward: Grand Canyon Road Trip Hike
Hiking Gear Recommendations (boots/shoes, socks, items to carry
Why use hiking poles?
Any addtional Hike Lead Presentations
LATH Toy Drive
Hiking and Group Q&A
MEETING VENUE: We’ll get together at Holy Grounds Coffee & Tea, in El Sereno (East Los Angeles), at 7:00pm to 9:00pm. This will be our first time being hosted at by this coffee house. They’ve been generous enough to save us a section of their outdoor patio for our event and in return it would be great if you support their small business by purchasing a drink or food item. All members/fans of LA Trail Hikers, first-time hikers, and those simply interested in hiking are welcome to join in on this event. We hope to see you there!
The holidays are here and our hike leads have scheduled a great set of hikes for the months of November and December. This time around, we are having a LATH Open House event where you can come meet the hiking group, get some hiking advice, and enjoy some good social time with us off the trails. In addition, to make this holiday season a little more special for some, we’re going to designate four of the following hikes as toy drop-off points for our first LATH Toy Drive. We’ll be providing full information regarding the toy drive in a separate posting for you to bring a new/unwrapped toy, to our hike leads to collect. We’ll then give them to a designated facility/organization to give to those who could use them a little more this time of year. As you know may already know, when the holidays are right around the corner, it’s usually the indication that our hiking season is coming to a close . But fear not, for there is plenty of hiking before our hike leads take a Winter Break (Dec 16 to Jan 8) to enjoy some well deserved time off. We’ve also included some information about our upcoming 2014 LATH Hiking season which will include a Road Trip to Grand Canyon National Park. So take the time to look at all the hikes and start adding them to your schedules. We look forward to having you join us on a hike and, as always, Rediscovering Los Angeles!
BEFORE YOU CLICK ON A HIKE BELOW, PLEASE NOTE: When clicking on the links below, keep in mind that the associated hike information page may not be up to date with regards to its meeting info/date/time it was linked from. However, it will display (or be created with) the correct information (date, times, and assigned hike lead) as the hike approaches its scheduled date. It does take some work to update these, so we work on the ones with closer upcoming dates first.
LA TRAIL HIKERS – WINTER BREAK
December 16, 2012 – January 7, 2013
During this time, the LA Trail Hikers group is dormant and will not schedule or lead any hikes. This allows our hikers and hike leads to enjoy the holiday season and take a well deserved break until we return the following season.
HIKE LIST KEY: Cancelled Hike or Information Added or Replacement Hike
* = New LATH Hike or Special Event (Information may be pending, if so, will be linked at a later date)
LATH TOY DRIVE
This year, during December LATH Hikes, you can bring a new or unwrapped toy to contribute to our first toy drive. We’ll be giving all collected toys to an appointed facility for distribution. Bringing a toy will not be required to attend any of the specified hikes. However, if you can do so, any contributions will be greatly appreciated.
Fall 2014 – LATH Road Trip – Grand Canyon
2014 LATH HIKING SEASON
– First Hike of the 2014 LATH Hiking Season will be: Wednesday, January 8, 2014.
– During Fall of the 2014 season, the LA Trail Hikers will be going on Road Trip hike to Grand Canyon!
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
– Weekend hikes are primarily in the morning unless otherwise indicated.
– All hikes are subject to change, cancellation or other modifications. We may even add in additional hikes that may not appear on the original posting.
– We try to schedule 2-3 months worth of hikes so we always have a fresh new set every so often.
WHAT IS A HIKING LEVEL?: Please make sure to gauge yourself based on the hike’s difficulty level by looking at our Hike Level descriptions.
Find out more about hiking levels here: http://latrailhikers.com/about/hike-levels/
HOW DO I PARTICIPATE WITH THE GROUP ON THIS HIKE?
1. Read the Hike’s details page.
2. Make sure that the Hike Level accommodates your hiking experience.
3. If, and only if it suits you, then (optional: RSVP via Facebook for the event and) show up the day of the hike with all necessary gear and water (we mention everything you need on each details page per hike).
MY FRIEND SAID I CAN DO THIS HIKE, I SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO IT, RIGHT?
Contrary to popular belief, you know your body and hiking experience better than your friends. Whether you are a first-timer or an experienced hiker, please read our hike details page as the hike may not suite your experience level. We have a better experience if every hike has hikers of the intended level.
DISCLAIMER: LA Trail Hikers and its Leads/Organizers/Participants do not take responsibility for any harm,bodily injury, accidents, or damage to personal property. By clicking “Attending,” or attending the hike, you confirming that you understand that all outdoor activity such as hiking, backpacking, and trekking have an associated danger, and will not hold any hike lead/organizer, participant, LA Trail Hikers, or any group associated pet responsible for any hazard to your well being. Additionally, you will not be allowed to participate with the group if you are not adequately prepared with enough water and the right gear/equipment/nutrition essential to complete the hike. You are fully responsible for yourself.
The LA Trail Hikers have been featured on Outdoor SoCal! It’s always great to know that we’re a great resource to the people of Los Angeles and surrounding areas. We’ve come a long way since the group officially got off the ground in 2009. Check out their feature on #LATH at the link below:
The LA Trail Hikers start a new hiking season in 2014 with a great set of hikes in January (mixed levels) and February (moderate levels). As you go down the list, make sure that the hike you intend to attend will be of our hiking level experience. If you’re not sure what these levels are, consider the following: Levels 1-3 (Beginner/Easier), Levels 4-7 (Moderate to Advanced Moderate), Levels 8-10 (Experienced higher levels hikers only). You can read our general descriptions of the levels here: 
2014 LAS VEGAS ROAD TRIP HIKE
