November 15, 2008 (Sat)
10:00 AM
Distance: 4 miles |
Moderately Easy |
(First in a series of urban walks covering the length of Wilshire Boulevard)
Wilshire Boulevard is an icon of Los Angeles, stretching over sixteen miles from downtown to the ocean. The buildings along its length span a veritable cornucopia of architectural styles of the twentieth century from the truly inspired to the mundane.
In this first walk in a series, we will start at the origin of Wilshire Boulevard in downtown and stroll westward for about 4 miles. Along the way we will pass through the Parks District, with its former luxury hotels, and traverse Wilshire Center, once the prime upscale shopping district of Los Angeles. I will point out a few buildings of interest, but mostly this is just an urban walk to enjoy looking at common and not so common urban architecture in all its diversity of styles and uses.
Directions: We meet at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard in downtown Los Angeles at 10 am. We will walk westward to Wilton Place, then take the Metro Red line back to downtown. After the walk we can have a group lunch at the 7th Street Market Place. Rain cancels.
Parking: Is available
under Pershing Square at 6th and Olive, about two blocks
from our starting point. Parking there will cost $6.60.
Alternatively, you can park farther away and take the
Metro to the Pershing Square station. The cost of the
Metro for our return ride will be $1.25.
Questions?
Contact Peter
December 7, 2008 (Sun)
6:00 PM
The Great Outdoors Los Angeles Chapter will hold its Holiday
Party in our own private room at the Castaway Restaurant in
Burbank. We'll enjoy the stunning city views from the perimeter
of the grounds nestled in the hills of Burbank at the top of
Wildwood Canyon Park. The no-host social hour will begin at
6:00 PM followed by a buffet dinner at 7:00 PM.
Register early! We've sold out for this popular event for the last four years.
What’s on the Menu?
The dinner buffet will include a choice of salads, two entrée
selections, a carving station, fresh vegetables, potatoes, dessert
and coffee. So bring your appetite, your friends and enjoy the
season with your Great Outdoors buddies. We will have a raffle
for some wonderful holiday surprises.
What does it cost?
Members: As a thank you to members, the club
will absorb some of the cost and members will pay only $25 per
person. However you must register and pay before November
28, 2008. There will be NO EXCEPTIONS!
Non-members: The cost for non-members is
$45. This includes a 1-year membership to Great Outdoors including
our monthly e-newsletter. You’ll get the discounted
rate on all our trips next year. This is a great way to start
2009 with a commitment to more outdoor activities, new friends,
and other social activities!
The Castaway Restaurant and Banquet Center is located at 1250
Harvard Road, Burbank, CA 91501. The phone number is 818-843-5013.
Registration: You can Register
On Line here. Note: You can only register two people
at a time.
OR you can print and mail the following Event
Form along with your payment.
Directions: From the 5 Freeway north, exit At Olive Avenue
and take a sharp right to First Street. Turn left on First Street,
go one block to Olive and turn right. Proceed north on Olive
(about 1.2 miles), go left on Sunset Canyon Drive, then right
on Harvard Road and follow the signs to the Castaway.
From the 5 Freeway south, exit Burbank Boulevard,
turn left and proceed to Third Street and turn right. Follow
Third to Olive Avenue and turn left. Take Olive to Sunset Canyon
Drive and turn left. Turn right at Harvard Road and follow the
signs to The Castaway.
December 13, 2008 (Sat)
10:30 AM
Distance: 3 - 4 miles |
Moderately Easy |
Join GO for a morning ramble before heading to the malls! We’ll walk the winding streets and narrow stairways of Silver Lake during a leisurely 3 to 4 mile walk. Famous for its eclectic mix of architecture, from little story-book cottages to precariously perched mid-century post and beam homes, the area was developed in the 1920s and became a favored neighborhood of pioneering architects, artists and social misfits. We’ll observe the varied architecture, gardens (and perhaps take a lap on the long stalled pedestrian path if open) and have a chance to meet and visit with other GO members.
Meeting Place: 1328 N Occidental Blvd LA 90026 (the weird modern one)
(Occidental runs parallel to Silver Lake Blvd; it’s one block to the east and between Reservoir and Berkeley).
What to Bring: Sandwich or snack to stash in the fridge to enjoy after our walk; GO provides drinks and desert. Bring water. Rain cancels.
For more information please contact Timothy.
January 10, 2009 (Sat) - 10:00 AM
Distance: 5 miles roundtrip/ 1700ft elev. gain |
Moderate |
In the 1890s a train carried Angelinos to a resort perched on the mountain slopes above Altadena. The complex of hotels and taverns was known as “The White City”, because it was painted stark white and visible from the LA basin below. Wind fueled fires have long since destroyed the development; today all that remains are the ruins and a photographic display. We hike the short, steep, trail to the “The White City” and soak in the views. Hardy hikers may continue to Inspiration point.
Meeting Place: We gather at the trailhead at 10:00 AM. To get to the trailhead, drive to the north end of Lake Ave in Altadena (there is an exit off the 210). On your right (east), marked by a sign painted on a stone pillar, is at the beginning of the Sam Merrill Trail to Echo Mountain.
What to Bring: Water to drink along the exposed trail, and snacks to share at our destination. After taking in the view, we’ll retreat to the picnic tables in the grove of coulter pines. Rain cancels (but threat of rain doesn’t…be prepared!)..
For more information please contact Timothy or call (323) 913-3386.
January 17, 2009 (Sat) -
9:30 AM
Distance: 11 miles roundtrip/ 1200ft elev. gain |
Moderately Strenuous |
This hike is close and convenient for those who live on or close to the West side of Los Angeles. The trailhead begins at the dam in Mandeville Canyon at the bottom of Queensferry Road. The first part of our journey is through a narrow riparian canyon (Farmers Fire Road). It is lined with shady Sycamores, California Black Walnut and California Pepper trees. You will be delighted by the sights and sounds of wild parrots and other birds.
This trail is popular with mountain bikers for all its natural contours, ledges and ramps. Farmers Fire Road is ideal for hiking since it is not only shaded but it gains elevation gradually. The path is bordered by a seasonal creek which might be running due to the rain this year. From there we take a steeper but short trail to Sullivan Canyon Fire road. Sullivan Fire Road has panoramic views of the Santa Monica Mountains with Temescal Fire Road clearly visible to West. The rest of the hike along Sullivan and Mulholland Fire roads are exposed with little or no shade available made less disagreeable by the relaxed grade change. As we walk towards the Nike Missile site along Mulholland the San Fernando Valley will reward us with views of the Encino Reservoir and Van Nuys airport.
The Nike Missile site is a relic of the Cold War. At the entrance there is a guard post not unlike many seen in movies of the era. The silos have long been decommissioned and the missiles removed. As you stand atop the silo, you can’t help but wonder what would have happened if we had ever needed to use them…
At the Nike Missile Site there are picnic tables, water fountains and real bathrooms. We will stop there for lunch. After touring the site we will return on the same route.
Directions: Take Sunset Blvd to Mandeville Canyon Rd. Go up Mandeville Canyon Rd. to the first Stop sign. Make a left turn on to Westridge Rd. Follow that street for a mile and a half and make a left turn onto Baylis Road. Queensferry Road is about a third of a mile farther. There is some parking on Queensferry Road and more on Baylis Road. Please be aware of the parking restriction signs. We will meet at the fence just before the trail head at the bottom of Queensferry Road at 9:30AM. Rain cancels.
Meeting Place: We gather at the trailhead at 10:00 AM. To get to the trailhead, drive to the north end of Lake Ave in Altadena (there is an exit off the 210). On your right (east), marked by a sign painted on a stone pillar, is at the beginning of the Sam Merrill Trail to Echo Mountain.
What to Bring: 10 essentials; 2 quarts of water; Lunch; Sunscreen; Lug soled boots; Hat.
For more information please contact Charly Camacho or call (310) 562-5210.
March 14, 2009 (Saturday) - 8:00 AM
Distance: 8-11 miles/ 1200ft elev. gain |
Moderately Strenuous |
Join the GO-LA “Backbone Boys” as we begin to hike the Backbone Trail from its beginning at the Ray Miller Trailhead in Point Mugu State Park in a series of hikes spread over 2009 that will ultimately lead us to hike the entire 58 mile trail all the way to Will Rogers State Historic Park in Pacific Palisades! If the boy scouts do it, why can’t we?
Here is a link to the breakdown of the trail segments:
http://www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/backbonetrailsegments.htm
And here is a link to a map of trails in the area, including the backbone trail:
http://www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/upload/map-explorethetrails.pdf
We’ll meet for breakfast at 8 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, in Santa Monica at Café 50s (11623 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles) and carpool up to the trailhead in Malibu. It is not a loop trail, so we’ll leave a couple of cars at the end of the trail, and then drive up to the Ray Miller Trailhead to start our hike.
Elevation gain is about 1200 feet, and the hike is moderately strenuous. There are spectacular views of the Boney Mountain Wilderness and Sandstone Peak from the Vista Overlook trail segment at the high point of this hike. Sycamore Canyon, where we’ll end the hike, offers one of the finest remaining riparian Sycamore groves in California. There is water along the way, so bring the 10 essentials, a liter of water, and some snacks or lunch. The trail length ranges from 8-11 miles, depending on the option we choose at mile 6, so we’ll see how we are all feeling at that point, but most the miles are on fairly level terrain with little elevation gain or loss after the initial climb, which is gradual.
Questions? Please contact Steve or call (323) 252-1066.
February 13-16, 2009 (Fri-Mon) - 9:30 AM
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park shines as a rich jewel of the California State Park system. The diversity of life and terrain makes this 600,000- acre park one of the richest living museums in the country. The park’s highest peaks are cool and pine covered, while the summer temperatures in the parched badlands can exceed 115 degrees. And though, at first glance, the landscape may seem desolate, the park contains two-dozen lush palm oases. Winter rains may bring the desert floor to life with a sudden burst of wildflowers. Lucky visitors may even spot the park’s largest resident…the peninsular bighorn sheep. About 300 of these elusive, sure-footed creatures make this rough, rocky, terrain home.
Our Camp Site
We have reserved one group campsite (site G-1). The site holds a maximum 20 people (which the park defines as no more than 10 tents). Only 6 cars may be parked at the site. Because parking is so limited, you are required to carpool. Excess vehicles may be parked at the overflow lot, about a ½ mile from our campsite, and will be charged a $6 park admission. Our site has running water, bathrooms with flush toilets, and coin operated showers (quarters). The site includes BBQ pits and shaded picnic tables, and we are within walking distance of the Palm Canyon trailhead. This is a tent site only. No RVs or campers are permitted. No pets will be allowed on this trip.
Carpooling – Parking
Car-pooling is important; not only does it save gas; it cuts down on pollution, and reduces the amount of parkland paved over with asphalt. It’s also more fun to have a traveling companion. I will help coordinate carpooling via email. Etiquette and common sense suggests if you’re sharing a ride and it’s not your car, you pay your fare share. In addition to the cost of the trip, there is a $5 per car admission to the park. Excess vehicles will NOT be allowed to park at our campsite.
Weather
This is winter camping. The perception of deserts is a place of searing heat; that won’t be the case in February. Weather may be mild, with bright sunny days in the low 70s and nippy, windy nights. If a winter storm moves in, (which seems to be our luck), we’ll be greeted with gale force winds, freezing nights and buckets of rain. Be prepared! As we move towards our departure date, I’ll email you with weather advisory. No refunds will be issued to cancellation due to weather.
What to Bring
You will need the usual stuff…your tent, tarp, sleeping bag and bad, cooking supplies, food, cooler, and plenty of water. Hiking boots are advisable on the trail, particularly if you want to go boulder hopping in the palm canyons. Shorts and t-shirts may be suitable for hiking, but pack warm cloths for cold nights and rain gear just in case. Temperatures may fluctuate widely between day and night. A camera is nice to captures memories of the spectacular desert scenery. Throw in a book, game or deck of cards for down time. Forget something? No problem…there are stores in nearby Borrego Spring.
How to Get There
Our campsite is located in eastern San Diego County and lies just west of the Salton Sea. While there are several ways to get there from Los Angeles, a suggested route would be to take the 10 or 60 east to the 15 south. Exit the 15 at Temecula on the 79 east. Continue through Aguanga and Warner Springs to the S2, which connects to the S22, and passes through Ranchita, before descending into Anza Borrego. Follow the signs to the sate park, and proceed to the campsites, not the visitor’s center. We’re in Group site 1.
Activities
2/13 (Friday) – Check in any time after 3PM. Friday evening we’ll have a welcome fire, card and board games.
2/14 (Sat) – 9:30AM- We’ll start the morning with a hike to the park’s largest and most spectacular oasis, Borrego Palm Canyon. In trips past, this is where we’ve spotted bighorn sheep. This is an easy, 3-mile roundtrip hike and we’ll depart from our campsite.
2/14 (Sat) – 2PM – We’ll car caravan to Font’s Point; a stunning vista of the Borrego Badlands.
2/14/ (Sat) – 6PM- Our traditional GO potluck. Our potlucks rival any Vegas buffet. You bring entrée, salad, side dish, or dessert to share; GO provides plates, napkins and cutlery.
2/15 (Sun) – 9:30AM- Hike to Hell Hole Canyon. This is a perennial favorite; a five-mile roundtrip trek starting in a wide wash, and ending up at a shady palm oasis. Pack a lunch and bring sturdy shoes for bouldering.
2/16 (Mon) – Check out time is noon.
Registration/ Refunds/ Warm-Up
There will be no warm-up for this trip. Your registration will be confirmed by email after we receive your completed registration form and a check for the amount of the trip made payable to Great Outdoors. You must cancel by January 30, 2009 to receive a full refund for this trip. Refunds will be made after that date only if a suitable replacement camper registers.
Questions? Please contact Timothy or call (323) 913-3386.
Download the trip notes for your reference and mail the registration form along with your payment.
February 21(Saturday) - 10:00 AM
Distance: About 2 miles |
Moderately Easy |
Echo Park Lake didn’t start out as a man-made lake. Instead, its earliest use by the city was as a reservoir, storing water in a section sometimes known as the city’s "West End" in 1868.
Come join GO for a historical walk around the lake and Echo Park neighborhood, see the home of Amiee Semple McPherson, Victorian and Craftman style of Angelino Heights and other sites of this eclectic urban area. The tour is a 90 min walk covering about 2 miles, with some stairway climbing involved.
Meet at 10 AM at Echo Park Boat House, 751 Echo Park Ave (at the intersection of Echo Park Ave and Laguna). Plenty of street parking is available; there is also a parking lot on Echo Park Avenue behind Sunset Boulevard.
Bring water. After the walk we can go for lunch at a local restaurant. Rain cancels.
Contact: Matthew or call (213) 482-2627
March 7(Saturday) - 9:45 AM
Moderately Easy |
Can you tell the difference between a seal and a sea lion? A monkey and an ape? Which animal has the longest embryonic diapause? Or what that even is? Well, questions both profound and mundane will be pondered during this Saturday morning zoo ramble.
The Los Angeles Botanical Garden is the nation’s second largest zoo; it boasts a collection of more than 1,200 animal and 7,500 plants. Its renowned primate collection includes gorillas, chimpanzees and orangutans in state of the art habitats. Aside from exhibiting animals, the zoo participates in programs to breed endangered species, and works to protect habitats so animals may be introduced back into the wilds. Our zoo ramble will be led by a zoo docent and include a look-see at zoo highlights and the bird show. Bring a sack lunch (zoo food is pricy and sucks!).
Zoo admission is $12 for non-members ($9 for seniors 62+). If we assemble a group of 15 paid entries, we may enter as a group and admission is $9. Zoo members enter free. Rain cancels. Meeting place will be at the entrance to the zoo.
The zoo is located in Griffith Park at 5333 Zoo Drive (for driving directions visit the zoo website at www. lazoo. org)
Questions? Please contact Timothy or call (323) 913-3386.
March 21(Saturday) - 10:00 AM
4 Miles roundtrip/ 600 ft elevation |
Moderately Easy |
This is one of the most popular hikes in the San Gabriel Mountains. It is a delightful streamside stroll under alder, oak, maple and spruce. There will be some stream crossings so be prepared with shoes that will grip the rocks and logs. We visit the old campsite and then descend into the narrow “Royal Gorge” of the Arroyo Seco. Here we’ll get a close up view of Switzer Falls and the numerous pools and cascades that dot the shady area. We will have lunch in the area and then head back the way we came. This hike will have a leisurely pace and all levels of hiking experience will enjoy this outing.
What to bring: Snacks, lunch, and water. Rain cancels.
Parking: An Adventure pass is required for parking. Please bring the pass if you have one or they can be purchased at the ranger station at the intersection of Angeles Crest and Angeles Forest Highways.
Directions: We gather and carpool from the Griffith Park Fountain at the corner of Los Feliz and Riverside Drive at 10am or at the Switzer Picnic Area lower parking lot at the beginning of the trail at 11 am. The Switzer Picnic Area is ½ mile past the junction of the Angeles Crest and Angeles Forest highways.
Questions? Please contact Bob or call (323) 660-6240.
PO Box 8332, Van Nuys, CA 91409-8332