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LA Trail Hikers Meet & Greet (03-24-2015)

201503_meetgreetNew to hiking? Have you been looking to hike with a great group of people, but wanted to meet a few of them first? Are you looking to discover more of natural L.A.? Are you already a LATH hiker who wants to see some familiar faces off the trails? Do you have fun hiking stories to share? Do you have questions about hiking or the LA Trail Hikers? Do you simply want to come out and hang out with some great people for coffee? Do you have questions about hiking gear? Have questions about the upcoming Road Trip hikes (Las Vegas & Utah)?

If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, you’ll definitely want to attend our upcoming LATH Meet & Greet on Tuesday, March 24, 2015 at Holy Grounds Coffee & Tea starting at 6:30pm.

ABOUT THE EVENT: Every so often, we like to meet with our hikers outside of the hiking scene 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). 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 your experience with us. And, it’s always fun to see your friendly faces! 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 our volunteers (LATH Hike Leads & LATH Digital Team Members) to get information on what it’s really like to be out on the hikes we do and how we keep you up to date online. 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  LATH 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. Have a friend who might enjoy hiking? Bring them along!

grandcynTALKING POINTS:
We’ll be going over the following, but not limited to:

  1. Welcome to LA Trail Hikers!
  2. Introductions of LATH volunteers and their contributions
  3. LATH hikes list process & social media presence
  4. What we’ve done: 2014 LATH Hiking Season
  5. Participate: You’ll help us choose our National Trails Day 2015 hike.
  6. General Hiking Tips
    1. Why use hiking poles?
    2. Hiking socks & shoes
    3. Hydration (packs) and using reusable water bottles.
    4. Preparing for Level 5 hikes and up.
  7. What to expect from the Las Vegas Road Trip Hike
  8. Looking Forward: Utah Road Trip Hike
  9. Open Session: Hiking and Group Q&A
  10. Open Session: Sharing Hiking Stories!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Not required to attend, but if you’d like let us know you’re going, feel free to RSVP here: https://www.facebook.com/events/739556399476589/

holygroundsMEETING VENUE: We’ll get together at Holy Grounds Coffee & Tea, in El Sereno (East Los Angeles), at 6:30pm to 9:00pm.  We’ll give you a good 1/2 hour to get your drinks and we’ll get started at about 7pm. 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!

Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Time: 6:30pm – 9:00pm (Order coffee/tea/other drinks)
Location: Holy Grounds Coffee & Tea
Street: 5371 Alhambra Ave. Los Angeles, California 90032
FB Page https://www.facebook.com/holygroundselsereno

MAP: 

By LA Trail Hikers, ago

March & April 2015 LATH Hikes List

Let Spring bring us forward to new adventures!
List Last Updated: 04/14/2015 – 7:30 PM

**  = Hike info is now up-to-date, or it has been recently updated for the specified date when you click through. (Otherwise you’ll see info from the last visit to that trail)
^ = New LATH Hike or Special Event (Information may be pending, if so, will be linked at a later date)

MARCH

APRIL

NEW MAY & JUNE HIKES LIST NOW AVAILABLE HERE: http://latrailhikers.com/2015/05/01/may-june-2015-lath-hikes-list/

HIKE LIST KEY

  • Canceled Hike, Event, or Information
  • Added OR Replacement Hike or Detail
201503hikesSPRING FORWARD LA TRAIL HIKERS!

We’ve completed 2 months of hiking so far in 2015! And that puts many of you ahead in the #52HikeChallenge as we continue our hiking adventures spring.  While we’re talking about Spring, we would like you remember that Daylight Savings begins at 2am on Sunday, March 8, 2015. So make sure sure you change your clocks ahead one hour when you got to sleep on Saturday, March 7, 2015.  Well, as you may already have seen, our LATH Hike Leads have compiled a great list of hikes for March & April 2015, and our LATH Digital Team will keep you up-to-date with all the events as they are posted. You’ll want to keep a note of LATH Meet & Greet on March 24th. If it’s your first time joining the group, you can go and meet some of our hikers, as your LATH/Hiking questions, and participate in some fun activities. If not, you’ll will be able to provide your hiking experience to others and also participate with our group in some good talk activities. On Saturday, April 25th, we’ll also be having our annual LATH Las Vegas Road Trip Hike! And, later in the fall we’ll be going to Zion National Park in Utah for our Fall 2015 LATH Road Trip Hike.  Information for these additional activities will be posted at a later time (for those in this set, closer to their event date). We hope you’re looking to have some great adventures with us and look to more fun with the LA Trail Hikers!

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 hashtag #LATH or #latrailhikers show others what it’s like to be out with our group! Follow us here:
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

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 (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 posting.
– We try to schedule 2-3 months worth of hikes so we always have a fresh new set every so often.

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.
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?
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.

By LA Trail Hikers, ago

2015 LATH Las Vegas Road Trip Hike

2015lasvegasWe are happy to announce our 2015 LATH Las Vegas Road Trip Hike (Save the date)! We’ll be going out to Las Vegas on April 25, 2015, and our intended road trip hike(s) will be in the Mt. Charleston area (about 50 mins from the LV strip). This is your opportunity to start booking your accommodations in Las Vegas (or North Las Vegas if you’d prefer). However, we recommend booking in the area you’ll be staying/enjoying AFTER the hike event. Full details available here:
http://latrailhikers.com/hikes/road-trip-hikes/mount-charleston-nv/

By LA Trail Hikers, ago

January & February 2015 LATH Hikes List

We’re back and ready to conquer 2015!
List Last Updated: 02/25/2015 – 6:00 PM

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

(MARCH)

March/April Hikes List now available here:
http://latrailhikers.com/2015/03/02/march-april-2015-lath-hikes-list/

HIKE LIST KEY

  • Canceled Hike, Event, or Information
  • Added OR Replacement Hike or Detail
  • **  = Hike Details Page is up-to-date, or has been recently updated for the specified date.
  • + = New LATH Hike or Special Event (Information may be pending, if so, will be linked at a later date)
WELCOME TO/BACK LA TRAIL HIKERS!

201501hikesHappy New Year! It’s the start of a new year so why not start with a new Hikes List schedule layout?  We took out all the information from up top and moved it here. We hope this will make it easier to get to the hikes list data much faster, especially if you’re on your mobile phone/tablet. Our LATH Hike Leads have compiled a great list of hikes for you to start off 2015. Aside from the hikes list, in mid December we announced that we’d be going to Zion National Park in Utah for our Fall 2015 LATH Road Trip Hike.  So this year will have so much to look forward to. Enough talk now, let’s get on those trails and have amazing time with all of you as we start another season of hiking as the LA Trail Hikers!

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 on:
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

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 (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 posting.
– We try to schedule 2-3 months worth of hikes so we always have a fresh new set every so often.

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.
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?
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.

By LA Trail Hikers, ago

First LATH Hike of 2015

LA Trail Hikers, it’s a new year and we’re ready for another year of great adventures with you! This will be the first LATH hike of 2015! Come join us on a night hike to get our hiking season started! FYI, the Jan/Feb LATH hikes list is still being ironed out, but should be posted in the following days. In the meantime, let’s get the show on the road!

Click Here: Night Hike Griffith Park – Merry Go Round (Level 4)

By LA Trail Hikers, ago

2014 LATH Year-End Thanks

2014_thankyouDearest LA Trail Hikers,

Congratulations on being part of another amazing LATH hiking season! It’s been a great one, and I’m glad you were all part of it from January, or sometime later in the year. The advocacy for bringing people out to experience, learn about, and understand the needs of nature has continued to thrive through this group. Even though the year has come to a close, we have many achievements to recognize.

fbprofile_blue_5thThis year marked the group’s fifth year anniversary of its foundation, and it’s all thanks to each one of you that we have continued strong since August 17, 2009. When the group first started leading guided hikes, there wasn’t certainty that this little hiking group would be around beyond two years, but that didn’t stop it from moving forward and going beyond expectations. That’s five years of LA Trail Hikers on the trails of Greater Los Angeles!

grandcynThe group has had many great adventures in 2014. We had at least 160 hikes on the 2014 LATH itinerary. The first hike was on January 8th and the last hike was on December 10th. However, along with these hikes came some great side adventures. In March, we traveled to Nevada and took a Road Trip Hike exploring trails at Valley of Fire State Park. March also allowed some LATH volunteers to do some garden maintenance in Amir’s Garden at Griffith Park. In April, in collaboration with the LA Trail Bikers, we participated in the Relay For Life event in the City of Commerce. In June we participated in the National Trails Day and it also brought in the new LATH Digital Team volunteers. In August, we had the LATH Annual Beach Party and celebrated LATH’s 5th year anniversary the next day. Also in August, a few volunteers represented LATH at Yosemite to help raise funds for NatureBridge. October was a highly anticipated month where we went to Arizona to take a Road Trip Hike to the Grand Canyon. It was something we had wanted to do for years, but finally came to fruition. November took a few volunteers back to Yosemite for a second chance at helping NatureBridge in raising funds. Overall, the additional ventures did help many hikers experience new areas and activities they may have not visited or done in the past. If you were able to join us on any of these, I hope the memories will stay warm in your hearts.

lath4In the years that the group has been around, we’ve have had volunteers whose commitment and dedication help the group be what it is.

This year brought in new volunteers to help us on the digital end. The LATH Digital Team arose in June. They’ve been quite active on our social media accounts and have been updating our followers with hike updates and other types of hiking related posts. It seems that more and more people find us because of these efforts and get them hiking with us, or simply inspired to continue the activity themselves. Although this team puts in their own time and their own posts/updates, they do so in a seamless way to represent one voice, the LATH voice of the online hiking community. I want to take this opportunity to recognize all our Digital team members for doing what they do behind the scenes to keep everyone up to date on the happenings of the group.

lath1And, when talking about the group’s volunteers, we certainly note the folks that lead the group’s hikes, the LATH Hike Leads. Without them, there would be no hiking component to the group. They are the ones taking care of, encouraging, and leading hikers on adventures throughout the year. They are one of the core pieces to the success of the LA Trail Hikers. They are hikers with a passion to help others.

Included in this year’s message, a few of our volunteers were able to send some season-ending messages just for you:

“I wish everyone in this great organization the happiest of holidays and the merriest of New Years! Can’t wait to see y’all on the trail and in Zion in 2015!”
– Peter Flanigan, LATH Digital Team

“It has been a pleasure to hike and lead you all this past year. Hope you all enjoyed the trails along with the many laughs we shared! Thank you again for a great year.. looking forward to an even better hiking year in 2015!! Happy Trails and Happy New year!”
– Janiece Cordova, LATH Hike Lead

“2014 was an amazing year. I hiked beautiful, scenic trails, got to go on exciting road trips, and made many wonderful friendships. I want to wish all of you LA Trail Hikers a happy and blessed 2015. I’m looking forward to hitting the trails with you all.”
– Caesar Estrada, LATH Digital Team

“To all the hikers who joined us in 2014 I hope you enjoyed your experience with LATH. It is my honor to be able to be a hike leader for LATH. I have met so many wonderful people and shared some great experiences this year. I’ve seen beginner hikers become more advanced hikers and many lifelong friendships formed. It is always wonderful to see and be a part of many memorable experiences. Here is to many more in 2015!”
– Diana Herrera, LATH Hike Lead

“This has been an awesome year for me. I feel so blessed to have met so many wonderful people through LATH. Many have inspired me to challenge myself and do things that I didn’t think was physically possible a year ago. I have become more active and living a healthier lifestyle since joining LATH. For that I thank everyone of you whom I’ve met and hope to meet. Let us continue to inspire each other in the coming year.”
– Linh Le, LATH Digital Team

“It has been a pleasure and a privilege to be a hike lead for what I consider a great group of people. What you all should know is that being a hike lead is a two-way street and I get so much back just from all the wonderful people I have met, friends, and truly amazing people that make up our group. Thank you all for the opportunity to participate and give back. Have a fantastic coming year and best of wishes to all.”
– Sylvia Quinteros, LATH Hike Lead

“‘People do not decide to become extraordinary. They decide to accomplish extraordinary things.’ – Edmund Hillary
‘Take Action – Be Extraordinary’ – Tony Ramos”
– Tony Ramos, LATH Hike Lead

I personally want to thank all of our volunteers for all the time they put into working with our hikers, each other, and me on helping make this one great hiking group. You are all very special for helping others ignite their passion for hiking and for making sure their fires stay lit.

 LATH Hike Leads  LATH Digital Team
 Irma Padilla  Peter Flanigan
 Sylvia Quinteros  Catherine Salgado
 Diana Herrera  Linh Le
 Tony Ramos  Busta Groove
 Janiece Cordova  Caesar Estrada
 Carol Martinez  Cindy Pena
 Jason Bazalar  Harvey Fiji
 Justine Orantes
 Laura Sardisco
 Alisa Barraza
 Patty Guerra
 Chris Lockett
 Lia Wong
 Jason Bazalar

lath2In 2014, the group came across many new hikers that became part of the long-standing hiking family that you have all helped us create. Hikers, old and new, continue showing lots of love for the group, and in return we get some awesome people joining in us on hikes. The LA Trail Hikers group is here because of you. So, this is my opportunity to thank each and everyone of you for being part of this group. For believing in it. And, for holding it such high regard. I hope that your experience with this group stays close to your heart. It is a lot of work, but in the end, your smiles make it all worth it.

On behalf of all the LATH volunteers (Hike Leads & Digital Team), thank you from the bottom of my heart for being part the LA Trail Hikers. And, I hope you have a great holiday season with family and friends, and look forward to joining the LA Trail Hikers in 2015!

My best to you,

Jason Bazalar
Founder | Organizer | Hike Lead | Digital Team
LA Trail Hikers

By LA Trail Hikers, ago