LA Trail Hikers

Join us on a hike! You can do it!
Revisit this page: http://latrailhikers.com/upcoming
Last Updated: 03/16/2016 – 2:50 AM

*** MARCH hikes will be appended here until the complete Mar/Apr hikes list is completed ***

HIKES LIST NOTE: Hikes are linked only after they’ve been updated with the correct information. This page constantly updates.
** = New LATH Hike or Special Event (Information may be pending, if so, will be linked at a later date)

January

• Fri – Jan 1 – Level 4 – 8:00 AM – Griffith Park – Dante’s Peak
• Wed – Jan 6 – Level 4 – 7:00 PM – Griffith Park – Vermont – (Canceled Due To Rain)
• Sat – Jan 9 – Level 5 – 8:00 AM – Hollywood Sign
• Sun – Jan 10 – Level 4 – 6:00 AM – Sturtevant Falls – (Canceled Due To Road Closures)
• Sun – Jan 10 – Level 4 – 8:00 AM – Ernest Debs Park (Replacement Hike)
• Wed – Jan 13 – Level 4 – 7:00 PM – Griffith Park – Merry Go Round
• Sat – Jan 16 – Level 4 – 8:00 AM – El Prieto Canyon
• Sun – Jan 17 – Level 2 – 9:00 AM – Lower Arroyo Seco
• Mon – Jan 18 – Level 5 – 9:00 AM – Palos Verdes – Portuguese Bend
• Wed – Jan 20 – Level 5 – 7:00 PM – Griffith Park – Vermont
• Sat – Jan 23 – Level 4 – 8:00 AM – Topanga State Park – Eagle Rock
• Sun – Jan 24 – Level 2 – 9:00 AM – Rose Bowl
• Wed – Jan 27 – Level 5 – 7:00 PM – Griffith Park – Merry Go Round
• Sat – Jan 30 – Level 5 – 8:00 AM – Potato Mountain
• Sun – Jan 31 – Level 7 – 7:00 AM – Inspiration Point (Canceled Due To Rain – Postponed to 2/7)

February

• Wed – Feb 3 – Level 4 – 7:00 PM – Griffith Park – Vermont
• Sat – Feb 6 – Level 3 – 8:00 AM – Monrovia Canyon Falls
• Sun – Feb 7 – Level 5 – 8:00 AM – Griffith Park – Royces Canyon**  (Replaced by postponed Inspiration Point hike)
• Sun – Feb 7 – Level 7 – 7:00 AM – Inspiration Point
• Wed – Feb 10 – Level 5 – 7:00 PM – Griffith Park – Merry Go Round
• Sat – Feb 13 – Level 6 – 8:00 AM – Henninger Flats (Cancelled, replaced by Lower Arroyo Seco)
• Sat – Feb 13 – Level 2 – 8:00 AM – Lower Arroyo Seco
• Sun – Feb 14 – Level 5 – 8:00 AM – Switzer Falls
• Mon – Feb 15 – Level 5 – 8:00 AM – Brown Mountain Dam
• Wed – Feb 17 – Level 5 – 7:00 PM – Griffith Park – Vermont (Canceled Due To Rain, No Replacement)
• Sat – Feb 20 – Level 5 – 8:00 AM – Temescal Canyon – Skull Rock
• Sun – Feb 21 – Level 4 – 5:00 PM – Griffith Park – Vermont
• Wed – Feb 24 – Level 4 – 7:00 PM – Griffith Park – Merry Go Round
• Sat – Feb 27 – Level 4 – 8:00 AM – Whittier – Turnbull Canyon
• Sun – Feb 28 – Level 6 – 7:30 AM – Mishe Mokwa

March

• Wed – Mar 2 – Level 3 – 7:00 PM – Griffith Park – Vermont
• Sat – Mar 5 – Level 4 – 8:00 AM – Griffith Park – Dante’s Peak
• Sun – Mar 6 – Level 6 – 8:00 AM – Topanga State Park – Parker Mesa Overlook
• Wed – Mar 9 – Level 4 – 7:00 PM – Griffith Park – Merry Go Round
• Sat – Mar 12 – Level 5 – 8:00 AM – Hollywood Sign
• Sun – Mar 13 – Level 4 – 8:00 AM – Cherry Canyon Park
• The full March & April schedule is now available here: http://latrailhikers.com/2016/03/16/march-april-2016-lath-hikes-list/

HIKE LIST KEY

• Canceled Hike, Event, or Information
• Added OR Replacement Hike or Detail

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/

FOLLOW #LATH ONLINE

The LATH Digital Team keeps you updated on upcoming LATH hikes/events, provide outdoor news/updates, share fun pictures, and help answer your hiking or LATH questions. So make sure you connect with us online!  If you take pictures on our hikes, don’t forget to tag your LATH hike posts, photos, and updates with #LATH #LATrailHikers #WeHikeLA and/or #GoLATH to show others what it’s like to be out with our group!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latrailhikers
Twitter: https://twitter.com/latrailhikers
Instagram: http://instagram.com/latrailhikers
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+LATrailHikers
Tumblr: http://latrailhikers.tumblr.com

HIKE CANCELLATION NOTE: Should any hike need to be cancelled (due to heavy rain or other reasons), we’ll try to post on our website’s 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 listing.
– We try to schedule 2 months worth of hikes so we always have a fresh new set every so often.
– All hikes listed are pre-scouted by our Hike Leads prior to taking the group.
– We require that you bring water to any of our hikes.

HOW DO I PARTICIPATE WITH THE GROUP ON THESE HIKES?
1. Read the details page for the hike you’re interested in.
2. Make sure that the Hike Level accommodates your hiking experience (1 easiest, 10 most strenuous).
3. If, and only if it suits you, then show up the day of the hike with all necessary gear, nutrition, and water (we mention everything you need on each details page per hike).
4. (Optional): RSVP via Facebook so we know you’re going. It also let’s us know what about how many hikers will be attending.

MY FRIEND SAID I CAN DO THIS HIKE, I SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO IT, RIGHT?
We take your safety quite seriously, and would not like for you to attend a hike you’re not ready for.  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.

Hi LA Trail Hikers! The time you’ve all been waiting for has arrived! It’s time for a Utah Road Trip! As some of you may already know, we will not be leading group hikes there as we are not allowed to venture in big groups (as noted by the National Park Service), so instead, we’ll be providing you as much information for you to take on hikes on your own at your desired pace & schedule. We want to make sure you well informed about what to expect on your upcoming trip on Saturday, October 03, 2015.

Zion National Park

If this is your first visit, we hope this will be a very memorable experience! So here are a few things you’ll want to note prior to heading out.  We suggest arriving early to the park to find good parking and get a good start to your day. Remember, Zion National Park uses Mountain Daylight Time (MDT), so they will be one hour ahead. Join us at the end of the day at 5pm for a group picture (info below)

Preparing your car for the Road Trip

— Read the hike’s detail page for this event.
— Make sure your car’s tires are set with the suggested tire pressure.
— Check breaks. Check oil, A/C, and Air filters.
— Keep water handy to drink while you’re on the road.
— Keep a few snacks handy as well.
— You may encounter areas where radio signal is weak, so you may want to pack up some tunes (CD’s, MP3 players, etc.) to keep you going.
— Carpooling to is highly recommended.

Getting to the Park

Travel to time to Zion National Park (Zion Canyon Visitor Center area) may vary depending on your departure point. However, in general travel time from the general Los Angeles area to the park will take anywhere from 6 to 7 hours. Keep in mind that if you need to take longer or additional rest stops, this may increase the total travel time.
Travel Times:
– From L.A. to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, NV (or South or Watchman Campground): 6 to 7 hours
– From L.A. to Las Vegas, NV: 3.5 to 4 hours  (then to Zion National park: 2.5 to 3 hours)
– From L.A. to Mesquite, NV: 5 to 5.5 hours  (then to Zion National park: 1.5 to 2 hours)
– From L.A. to St. George, NV: 5.5 to 6 hours  (then to Zion National park: 1 to 1.5 hours)
– From L.A. to Hurricane, NV: 6 to 6.5 hours  (then to Zion National park: 35mins to 40mins)
– From L.A. to Springdale, NV: 6 to 6.5 hours  (then to Zion National park: 6 to 10 mins)
– From L.A. (thru Zion National Park) to Mount Carmel, NV: 6.5 to 7.5 hours  (then back to Zion National park: 45mins to 1 hour)

Roads to Take:
From the Los Angeles area you will mostly be traveling on the 15 fwy North. You will pass Las Vegas, Mesquite, St. George, and Washington. Just before leaving Washington, UT there will be signs noting that if you want to continue to Zion you will need to get on the 9 hwy (Utah State Route 9). Along the 9, you’ll pass the city of Hurricane and La Verkin. Make sure you pay attention because there is one fork after Hurricane and one after La Verkin. However, you will need to stay on the 9 the rest of the way. You’ll pass Virgin, Rockville, and Springdale. Continue on the 9 until you get to the park entrance. The Zion Canyon Visitor Center will be on the right hand side after entering the park.

Caravan From Hurricane to Zion

If you are staying outside/west of the park and would like to follow a caravan into the park on Saturday morning, a group of hikers will be meeting at 7:00am (MDT) and will depart for the park at 7:10am:
7-Eleven Parking Lot
1180 W State St
Hurricane, UT 84737

Entrance Fee

$30 per Private Vehicle. This pass will be valid for 7 days. Cash or Credit Card accepted at Park Entrances. When entering the park, make sure you also get your park map from the Park Ranger. Interagency Annual Passes are also valid for entrance.
More info here: http://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/feesandreservations.htm

So, where should I go once inside?

If you’re not sure where to start, we suggest you go to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.  This is the place where you will park and leave your car once you enter the park.

LATH Hike Leads will be outside the Zion Canyon Visitor Center area from 8:00 AM to 8:45am (MDT) to help guide you in the right direction and provide you information about hikes and the park. Come by if you have any questions about hikes & the park, learn about where to get started, where shuttles depart, say hi, or just to let us know you’ll be in the park that day. Some people may want to use this location as a place for form small groups that hike at the same pace or to do specific easy or intense hikes. From there you’ll be off on your own adventure. Note: Parking at the visitor center is usually full by 10am, so please get there early.

It is not required to stop by the Visitor Center area if you already know what your plans will be for the day. Meaning, you can simply start your hike if you want to get started earlier. But it will be good to let the hike leads know that you’ll be there for the day.

In this details page. we’ll taking from information from the Zion 2015 Fall Map and Guide.

What’s the weather going to be like?

We’re expecting a high of 78F during the day and a low of 48F at night on Saturday.

Prepare for your day trip

Before you get to the park, you want to make sure you pack for your full day of adventure. There aren’t restaurants inside the park (with exception of the two at the Zion Lodge). So, make sure you pack a good lunch and some snacks. Make sure to pack plenty of water (2-3 liters at minimum) and an  electrolyte supplement.  Pack all your hiking essentials, such as hiking poles, sunscreen, a hat, hiking pant/shorts, hiking shoes/boots with grip, water/river sandals (for those going into the Virgin River, or visiting The Narrows), extra pair of socks, a flashlight, a small first-aid/band-aid kit, and a (hydration) pack to everything into. You may also want to put any valuables in a small zip-lock bag to prevent them from getting wet if you’re going into any water areas. You may also want to read up on the hikes (below) to see if there is anything else you may want to take to ensure an enjoyable hike.

— Pack all your day’s hiking water and snacks.
— Pack all your hiking gear and essentials.
— Hat, (Hydration) backpack, sunscreen, light hiking clothes, extra water, comfortable shoes for hiking, and after hike snacks.
— Leave unnecessary items back at your accommodations so you have plenty of space in your vehicle.
— Parking at certain stops in the park may be limited in spaces, so please consider carpooling (consolidating car rides) on the day of the hike. Ideally prior to going to the meeting point.
— We’ll try to consolidate even more at the meeting point prior to the caravan to the park.
— We’ll take about 1 hour to get to the park after we leave the meeting point.
— We suggest you getting a good night’s rest on Friday night.
— We need you to be 100% on the morning/day of the hike.
— Alcohol in (or potentially in) your system is not good for our group atmosphere. Being hungover and dehydrated is not a suitable state to be in for this event. So if you do find yourself in this situation, we please urge you to reconsider attending the hike/event so you don’t make yourself an issue for the group.
— You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy Las Vegas, or the rest of the park, after the intended event.

If you decide to go into the river, you may want to bring an extra change of clothes and a towel along with river/water sandals.

Travel in small groups

When heading out, make sure you keep your groups to a size of a max of 12 people. This is a Park requirement for wilderness areas. (Group size limit for Mystery, Spry, Behunin, and Echo Canyons is six people). Although you may want to group up with other visitors, make sure you respect this number and keep your groups of 12 consistent while in the park.

— Please be considerate to other visitors and hikers.
— Don’t leave any trash.
— No alcohol allowed in the park.
— Have a fun time hiking.

You will be riding Park Shuttles

To get around the park, you’ll be riding the free park shuttles that take you to different starting points. Once you know where you’ll be hiking, you’ll need take a shuttle to take you to the closest drop off point. Keep in mind that shuttles DO NOT run all night. So you should make arrangements to get to get back before the last shuttle leaves the northern most shuttle stop (Temple of Sinawava) which leaves at 7:30pm. If you do not catch this last bus, you’ll need to walk all the way back to the visitor’s center. So make sure you try to catch a shuttle prior to this to go back. Keep in mind that it does get dark in the park, so you may want to exit the park valley before it gets too dark. These are also the stops were you note when going to your specific hike.
– Shuttle Stops (image on right) taken from the Zion Map & Guide.
– Full shuttle Fall time schedule can be seen here.

Hikes in the Park

Zion hosts a variety of hikes with different distance and difficulty levels. You’ll want to read up on the different hikes so you know the intensity, distance, hike recommendations, and associated shuttle stop for it.  Here are the hikes you may be interested. These are taken from the Zion Map & Guide.

Easier Hikes:

Moderate Hikes:

Strenuous Hikes:

“Stay on established trails and watch your footing, especially at overlooks and near drop-offs. Avoid cliff edges. Watch children closely. People uncertain about heights should stop if they become uncomfortable. Never throw or roll rocks because there may be hikers below.” – National Park Service

Join us for a group picture!

At the end of the day, we will be getting together at the Canyon Junction shuttle station at 5pm (MDT) for a group picture with a great background. If you available, please come by so we can catch the last bit of sunlight for a gorgeous background picture.

Some areas require a Permit

Permits are required for all overnight trips, including climbing bivouacs, all through-hikes of The Narrows and its tributaries, all canyons requiring the use of descending gear or ropes, and all trips into The Subway and Left Fork.

All permits (including those with reservations and those awarded though the lottery) must be obtained in person the day before or the day of the trip at the Zion Canyon or Kolob Canyon Visitor Centers.

More information on Permits can be found here:
http://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/wildernesspermitinfo.htm

Information about specific Wilderness trails can be found here:
http://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/traildescriptions.htm

Park Bridge work closures

There will be some work done prior and after the intended Zion visit. So if you intend on coming a few days before (prior to Friday) or staying a few days after (after Sunday), please make sure you may encounter some closures as noted here:
http://www.nps.gov/zion/learn/news/wrclosure.htm

Campground Information

If you’ll be staying at South or Watchman campgrounds, the following page may provide some infomation:
http://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/campgrounds-in-zion.htm

Keep in mind that there are no showers available within Zion National Park. Pay showers are available in Springdale and east of the park. The availability of these services varies throughout the year.

LIFE GUARD TOWER #: 17 (the pit is just to the right of life guard tower)
Stay to your left as you enter the beach lot entrance. Remember to bring cash for beach entry.

Hey LA Trail Hikers, it’s time to enjoy a day in the sun at our annual LATH Beach Party on Saturday, August 15, 2015!  We’ll be taking a day off trails to celebrate the accomplishments of our LATH hikers with an all day beach party! This event starts early in the morning for some good swimming/sunbathing, and continues through the night for a great evening with a bonfire. Some hikers spend all day with us, and others come for part of the day or night. And best of all, it’s a potluck style event, so bring any good food and non-alcoholic beverages to share with everyone!

SOCIAL EVENT: LA Trail Hikers – Beach Party 2015

EVENT DATE: Saturday, August 15, 2015

EVENT TIME: 8:00am – 10pm (All Day Event)

LIFE GUARD TOWER #: 17 (the pit just to the right of life guard tower)
Stay to your left as you enter the beach lot entrance.

MEETING POINT:
Bolsa Chica State Beach
Life Guard Tower # 17 (pit is just to the right of it)
17851 E Pacific Coast Hwy
Huntington Beach, CA 92649

The entrance to the beach is on Pacific Coast Highway, about one and a half miles south of Warner Avenue.
Bolsa Chica State Beach is slightly south of Seal Beach and north of Huntington Beach.

EVENT DESCRIPTION: The sun is out and the LA Trail Hiker are ready for their 2015 Beach Party! Join us to enjoy the wonderful combination of great food, friends and families at Bolsa Chica State Beach! This event is open to all our LATH Hikers.

EVENT RSVP:  Let us know you’re be attending! RSVP via FB at:
https://www.facebook.com/latrailhikers/events

POTLUCK INFO: This is a potluck-style event so bring a dish and drinks to share with others.  Bringing something to the beach party?  If you have any portable cooking tools/Propane BBQ Grills (no charcoal grills), please feel free to bring them. Keep in mind that people like to volunteer to cook around the clock. NO ALCOHOL ALLOWED. Let us know what goodies you’ll be bringing by putting your name and the items in the following form:

POTLUCK SIGNUP FORM
Bringing food, non-alcoholic beverages, utensils, or something else ?  Let us know: http://bit.ly/q9bGTB

BEACH GEAR: So what should you take with you? It’s very important that you bring a chair and don’t forget your beach towels and a sweater for later that night. You’ll want to have plenty of sunscreen and other beach-related items. However, we recommend you taking any of the following to make your day/evening at the beach a great experience:

• Sunscreen – You’ll be glad we reminded you.
• Water – Keep in mind you’ll probably get thirsty and may want to have some around.
• Beach Chairs – You’ll use these plenty for enjoying a relaxing beach day/night
• Beach Blankets – When you want soak some sun, take an after-swim nap, or take a break from sitting/standing.
• Towels/Swimwear – Think ahead and prepare for some fun in the water.
• Coolers/Insulated Lunch Boxes – If you plan on bringing some food/refreshments that need to stay cold, you might consider bringing one.
• Beach/River/Water Sandals – You may want to get into the water but with foot protection, so these may come in handy.
• Sports Equipment – Bicycle, Football, Hula Hoops, Volleyball & net, and any other type of fun sports equipment you might want to share.
• Beach Umbrellas – Keeps you under the shade.
• Plastic Bag – Keep your wet clothes separate.
• Throws/Blankets – Later in the evening you may want to cozy up with a blanket as it will get cold at night.
• Sweaters/Long Pants – Again, it does get colder later in the evening. Keep yourself warm.
• Firewood – Have any extra wood laying around? Bring some for our fire pit.
• BBQ/Cooking Utensils – Do you have portable cookware? We’ll need some where to cook those burgers.
• No enclosed tents. However, EZ-UP/Canopies and open tarps are okay. 
• Other Recommendations? – Post them on our FB Event page.

BEACH PARKING LOT FEE: $15.00 per vehicle (9 persons or less per vehicle).  $20.00 for over-sized vehicles. It is best to arrive prior to 10 am to get good parking. It gets very crowded this time of year, so if you don’t want to spend hours waiting in line and trying to find parking, it is advised that you come early or later in the evening, not midday.  If you come after, you may get locked out out of a full parking lot. And they will only allow people in once a number of people have left. So please get there earlier in the day.

DOG FRIENDLY?: Not really. No Dogs on sand, they can be on a leash on paved multi-use trail (bike path) only. We recommend leaving your pets at home, or with a designated caretaker while you’re at this event.

BOLSA CHICA STATE BEACH INFO:

• http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=642

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 attending the event, you confirming that you understand that all outdoor activity such as bicycling, swimming, and all other beach activity may 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. We are not responsible for any loss or personal injury.

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