Backpacking Los Angeles

Perfect Weather Hike Goes to the Hollywood Sign!!☀️🙋🏻‍♀️ 🙋 🙋🏽‍♂️

Come join the Perfect Weather Hike for a special mid-week hike to the Hollywood Sign! We can’t park there on Friday or the weekends! But Wednesday is a go! The Innsdale trailhead is the closest and easiest route to the Hollywood Sign. Dog friendly 🐕. Just remember there are coyotes in the park. Rattlesnake season! 🐍 They like to sun on the trails. Do not approach and steer clear if any are on the path. Like all meetups, hike at your own risk. You are responsible for your own well-being. Please bring water, wear sunscreen and proper shoes. Facebook group https://m.facebook.com/groups/1608982546701615/?ref=share&mibextid=S66gvF This is a residential neighborhood. There is NO restroom on this hike. Hike will be cancelled in the event of rain and soggy trails or severe heat advisories.

Griffith Park Hike to Taco Peak@ Merry Go Round Lot

This hike is to Taco Peak, about 5 miles/1600 feet elevation gain. This hike is @ 2 hours For the regulars.. this is basically the Mr. Hollywood Hike minus the stopping at Mr. Hollywood part. After coming off the Hogback Trail. We will continue down the North Trail and up to Taco Peak. Legend for hikes: These hikes run year 'round every Tuesday. In the leader's (subjective) mind, the hikes are generally easiest the first Tuesday of the month and most challenging the last Tuesday of the month, with everything progressive in between. Beginners are encouraged to come to the first Tuesday of the month. Beginners will receive doses of encouragement the second Tuesday of the month to keep up if unable. The 3-4-5 Tuesdays of the month it is expected anyone that can't keep up with the leader will turn back. No animals allowed on hike The fine print: Wildlife (snakes, bobcats, mountain lions etc) seen in the park, be aware of your surroundings and stay alert at all times. We do start ON TIME, no matter how much traffic is on the freeways, inside the park, including if our parking lots are being used by movie crews. Allow yourself enough time for any unexpected surprises. Bring Along: Hiking boots and at least 1 Liter Water. Layered clothing in case it's cold. Long pants in case it's hot, to prevent being bitten by insects. Mosquito and tick spray are recommended. No bright (white) flashlights (it ruins night vision). Red, Blue flashlights are o.k. If you get to the lot after we meet (we start on time!), Sierra Club hikes start at 7:00PM on the opposite end of the lot (next to the stone steps). This hike is to Mt. Hollywood, about 5 miles/1200 feet. From 134 Freeway: (Note, if you are not familiar with Griffith Park Drive, this is a dark single lane route. You are better off taking I5 directions) Exit Forest Lawn. (If coming from Westbound go straight, from Eastbound, Go Right). Make a left on Zoo Drive. Make a right hand turn on Griffith Park Drive. Road weaves through Griffith Park. Continue on road until you hit Crystal Springs Road. Make a right hand turn on Crystal Springs. There's no street sign at the next stop sign. Look for the sign in the median stating "Merry-Go-Round Parking" with an arrow, follow the arrow. Continue up the road. The road forces you to make a sharp right hand turn into a parking lot, this is Lot 1. Go through the parking lot. You'll hit a small dark road (it's lit if it's daylight savings time) which will take you to Parking Lot 2. This is the parking lot where we meet. We meet next to the driveway that takes you down to parking Lot 3. From Interstate 5 (either direction) Go West on Los Feliz. Make a right on Riverside drive into Griffith Park. Go two stop signs and make a left turn. Continue up the road. The road forces you to make a sharp right hand turn into a parking lot. Go through the parking lot. You'll hit a small dark road (it's lit if it's daylight savings time) for a short period of time, followed by a brightly lit lot. Park in the back of the lot (the part you entered in). Meet at the back of the lot, where the driveway to the lower part of the lot is. It's close to the "No Practice Driving Allowed" sign is. Where to meet: See above. If you know the park well, it is Merry Go Round Lot #2, just at the path to the lower lot. If you'd like a visual, here is a map. CLICK ( http://files.meetup.com/262967/PL#2.jpg ) for Visual Map of Driving Directions from Ranger Station Put these coordinates in google maps for exact directions from your location: 34.133525 -118.284731

Meetup on Orient Express. Autumn in Paris Venice Prague Vienna Budapest Istanbul

The Orient Express. . . you heard about it many times. The romance, the mystery, the adventure! Of course - the opulence too! ***While the original Orient Express train is now part of history, our journey revives its spirit—crossing Europe from Paris to Istanbul, echoing the legendary route that once defined luxury rail travel.*** This experience brings back the magic of the rails—without the inflated cost of old-world extravagance. Instead, we focus on service, comfort, and contemporary refinement, blending iconic train travel with thoughtfully curated experiences. We retrace the route of the original Orient Express using a mix of **modern night trains, high-speed day trains, and select short flights**, creating a seamless and unforgettable journey. Our route takes us to: Paris → Venice → Vienna → Prague → Budapest → Istanbul Included: * Train transportation between 4 cities. * 2 nights on an actual night train with sleeping compartment * Air transportation Paris / Venice and Budapest / Istanbul * 11 nights in First Class hotels with best central locations * Daily breakfast + select lunches and dinners * All transfers (hotels, train stations, airports) * Guided tours in every city * Entrances to many museums. * And more thoughtful touches throughout the journey We travel as a group, and also have the flexibility of hop-on, hop-off tours and museum passes with "skip the line" so you can enjoy complete independence. The trip is designed for curious, like-minded travelers who value both freedom and shared experiences. It is all included in the price! You are free to do your own thing, cater to your special interests, visit other sights and locations in the cities, while still being guided and helped with all the arrangements. A balance of independence when you want it and being included in all group activities when you prefer it. The idea is: come alone, meet new like-minded people and make lifelong memories . . . without being stuck with the "one size fits all" tour formula. Here is a basic thumbnail: · **Paris – 3 nights** Evening flight to Venice · **Venice – 1 night** Night train to Vienna · **Vienna – 1 night** Evening train to Prague · **Prague – 2 nights** Night train to Budapest · **Budapest – 1 night** Evening flight to Istanbul · **Istanbul – 3 nights**. Sleeper Cabins on the trains and First Class centrally located hotels in each city. ***What was The Orient Express?*** *It was long-distance passenger train service that began in 1883 with the original endpoints being Paris to Istanbul. The original name became synonymous with intrigue and was a showcase of luxury with comfort at a time when traveling was still rough and dangerous.* *In Istanbul the Pera Palace Hotel, built in 1892, was the accommodation at the terminus. And we are staying in it!* ***The original Orient Express ceased operation in 1977 and we are not using the original old train. It no longer exists.*** EVERY aspect of this trip is epic. * Visit picturesque and storied cities. * Enjoy trains and experience the enchantment of the rails. * In the end you will have visited 6 countries: France, Italy, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary and Turkey! **The tour starts in Paris on Sep 20 and ends in Istanbul on Oct 03.** ***$5490 total cost per person, double occupancy.*** ***$7090 total cost for solo occupancy.*** PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE AIRFARE. This allows for your flexibility and convenience. We are happy to give you an airfare quote. **To attend: $500 deposit. [CLICK HERE for a Secure Deposit Link](https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/FXWZ8KNQ95EFJ)** Your Deposit is Fully refundable to 90 days before the event (less any PayPal fees). Final payment due 60 days before departure. [CLICK HERE](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8) To receive detailed itinerary and inclusions. [CLICK HERE ](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/281542406/)for the main link for this event RSVP there to get notice on any conversations or discussions. AND/OR if you have questions? [CLICK HERE](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062) to Direct Message to Anna [CLICK HERE](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=273063881) to Direct Message to Marc AND/OR We do a[ ](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/284794370/)**[Zoom Q & A ( CLICK HERE to RSVP on the Q& A zoom)](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/287318466/).** Come to the zoom, ask any questions and meet other attendees. Great way to get the info you want without all the other fluff. We believe in good decent social. We have a set of sister groups we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events too. [CLICK HERE](https://www.meetup.com/ccccc-c/events/)[ ](https://www.meetup.com/ccccc-c/)to see all our other fun and social meetup events. SOT 200318-10 ***Live the adventure instead of only dreaming it!***

Urban Hike w/ Stairs, Mt. Washington

Join us at 6:00 pm for a brisk pace, moderate + level urban hike in Mt. Washington. The first part includes stairs, then we go through Elyria Cyn and Seaview Trail, which will be flat. Probably the hardest part of the hike is at the beginning. We will climb 3 staircases UP, spread out within the first mile or so. There is an option to skip 1 or 2 staircases if you want to do less and still keep up with the group (see photo). Once we are at the top of MoWa, we can enjoy a flatter route. We'll pause briefly at the top of stairs to sip water. Lots of views and interesting sights **TIPS/NOTES:** Some of the streets have no sidewalks, so we will walk on the street. When a car approaches, we yell out CAR! That is our safety cue for EVERYONE to move to the side of the road and walk **SINGLE FILE** so that the car can pass through. Poison Oak-if we go to Elyria Canyon, there is poison oak so stay on the trail. **LEVEL**: Moderate + for brisk pace, steep hills and long staircases. The average pace is about 20 minutes per mile so we can finish in the vicinity of 2 hours. --This is not a beginner hike. If you find that you are not able to keep up with the group, use your phone to explore at a comfortable pace. There is no "sweep" or volunteer, to accompany or stay behind with folks who get separated. Suggestion: walk up to the Self Realization Fellowship Center and back. **LENGTH**: between 5-5.3 miles, appx 2-2.25 hours. **BRING**: water, exercise clothes, workout shoes with good grip. Running shoes or cross trainers are fine (Elyria and Seaview have short dirt trails), flashlight, phone with GPS in case u leave early or get separated, bug repellant? **MEETUP SPOT**: Aragon Avenue Elementary School, 1118 Aragon, Los Angeles 90065. By the steps to the main entrance near the flagpole **MEETUP TIME:** **6:00 pm sharp**. We have quick introductions and ***leave promptly at 6:05.*** **PARKING:** Along Aragon, Loosmore, or Roseview **RESTROOMS**\-\-\- **ARRIVE EARLIER IF YOU NEED TO USE THE RESTROOMS--** King Taco and Cypress Park library-go before the hike, 1 block down from the school, on Cypress. Please arrive EARLY and give yourself EXTRA time if you stop there. Porta-potties are an option if we see any. **WATER**: None along the way **LIABILITY**: The organizer is an uncompensated and untrained volunteer. By joining this event each member accepts full responsibility for knowing their limits, for all injuries, health issues, material losses, assessing all risks and for getting lost. Each member shall make their guests aware of these policies and releases the host from all liability.

France Culinary Explorer! Food, Wine, Cheese. Cooking Lessons, Tastings AND MORE

Join us on this gourmet gastronomic holiday as we rendezvous with the cuisine & culture of France. This is a foodie’s dream. Around every corner we will find open-air markets, artisanal chocolatiers, macaroon shops, boulangeries, cheesemongers, local butcher shops with the finest cured sausages and hams . . . and YES - world-class wine shops where we can savor the flavors! We will start in Paris, home of some of the world’s most prestigious museums, including the Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, Pompidou, Champs-Élysées, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and so much more. Of course, we get to visit some of them...BUT French cuisine is such a huge part of this country's culture and history! Learning about it and experiencing it, is the main goal of this tour. In Paris, we will savor the culinary artistry of Michelin-starred chefs and indulge in the city's iconic pastries. We will journey to Normandy, where lush landscapes yield exquisite cheeses and apple-infused delights. We will follow the Loire River to discover the vineyards and châteaux of the Loire Valley, where fine wines and gourmet experiences await. Let the flavors of France enchant our palate as we explore these culinary treasures! Cooking classes, gourmet food tastings, wine tours, and enough free time to explore to our heart’s desire with centrally-located first class accommodations. ***The Itinerary in brief:*** **Day 1 Paris** arrival and Welcome Dinner with Corsican Cuisine **Day 2 Paris** sightseeing tour, Seine river cruise,French bread making class **Day 3 Paris** Museum Day. Dinner along Canal Saint-Martin **Day 4 Paris-Auvers Sur Oise Auver.** Pay homage to Van Gogh and the many famous painters who lived there. Paint our own masterpiece! On to Giverny for a visit to the Gardens of Monet. Overnight in Rouen. **Day 5 Rouen - Camembert - Caen.** Cheese tasting **Day 6 Caen - Mont St Michel.** Stop in Calvados. Apple brandy, anybody? **Day 7 Mont St Michel - Rennes - Nantes.** Cooking Class **Day 8 Nantes - Tours** with stops at 3 Chateaux Vineyards for wine and chocolate tastings **Day 9 Tours - Orleans.** Stops at Château of Clos Lucé, Leonardo Da Vinci's home. Visit an underground cave for farming mushrooms. And yes, some mushroom tastings! **Day 10 Orleans - Paris** On the way, a stop at an artisan chocolatier and more wineries **Day 11 Paris.** Visit the famous Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen (the flea market) for some amazing shopping. Farewell Dinner in the Montmartre Area Join us for an unforgettable feast for the senses! For a detailed Day By Day itinerary: **[Click Here](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8)**[ to fill out our info request form](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8) **Price per person, double occupancy: $5320** (we match roommates for those willing to share and save) **Price for single room: $6720** Limited capacity of 24 total. This trip will fill up extremely quickly. RSVP does not hold your space. **The only way to secure your spot is a $500 deposit.** **[Click here for Secure Deposit Link](https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/V6PKYK8VEWPHJ)** Deposit is refundable up to 90 days before the departure (less PayPal fees). *[Click Here](https://forms.gle/Qxx6eSy9tbjezXYg6)*[ and Fill out this Form if you are making a Deposit](https://forms.gle/Qxx6eSy9tbjezXYg6) **\*\*\*Airfare from/to the US is not included\*\*\*** ***[Click Here](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062)***[ to Message Direct to Anna with any questions including airfare quotes.](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062) She can help you arrange the airfare and answer any logistics questions. We do a monthly Zoom with Q & A on all our overseas events. [https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/296044209/](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/296044209/) Come to the zoom and ask any questions. Great way to get the info you want without all the other fluff. As well as meet us and other attendees. [Click here for General Policies](https://www.meetup.com/MoreToExplore/events/282719353/) and useful info about our international trips. The MAIN Meetup post for this event is here: **[France Culinary Explorer](https://www.meetup.com/fork-n-cork/events/298965454/)** (RSVP there for any conversation and comments) We believe in good decent social. This events is cross posted to several other groups and the number of RSVPs on each is not reflective. We have a set of sister groups where we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events too. [Click Here to see all our other fun events](https://www.meetup.com/CulturalArts/Events) Live the adventure instead of only dreaming it! SOT 2000318-10

<<DISPERSED CAMPING>> Big Bear / Holcomb Valley, Labor Day Weekend

**Escape from the blistering heat this Labor Day Weekend while disperse camping in Holcomb Valley, just a few miles north of Big Bear Lake. We’ll spend the entire weekend at about 8,000’ elevation, under relatively cool, pleasant conditions.** **Thank you, Kamil and Erika, for organizing this trip!!** **Once you set up camp you’re free to just chillax, go on a hike, or go search for gold, if your soul desires.** **We have room for just a few more vehicles that can join us.** **By signing up you represent one vehicle, the number of occupants in each vehicle doesn’t matter. Adults only, please.** **In general, we’ll be camping somewhere just off a forest service road, past Holcomb Valley Campground.** **Look at a map to see the general area where we’re talking about.** **If you would like to participate in this event please join the waitlist and we will provide you with more details later, including the exact coordinates of our campsite.** **Kamil and Erika will be scouting the area for potential campsites prior to the trip.** **>>>>Waitlist priority will be given to those who have camped with us in the past.** **Our plan for now is to meet at Holcomb Valley Campground at 1130 Saturday morning and we’ll caravan a few miles up the forest road to our pre-scouted and claimed campsite.** **If you have any questions, please comment below.**

Mt. Waterman Trail Maintenance

This is a great opportunity to combine your love of the outdoors with the gratification of making a significant contribution to the environment. We will be giving this trail some much needed TLC. There are trees that need to be cleared and storm damaged tread repairs. Hike will be up to 6 miles round with 1600' gain from starting from the Buckhorn Trailhead. Shorter hike options also possible. Pants & long-sleeved shirt, good boots/hiking shoes are required. Hard hat, gloves and safety glasses can be provided. Please be sure to bring plenty of water and your lunch. Event will be cancelled if it rains.

Mt Langley in one day

Let's hike Mt Langley - the 9th highest 14er in CA - on one long day. It's about 5k' of gain and somewhere over 20 miles RT. You have to have done something like that recently, but this is just a Class 1 hike. We'll spend the night at the Cottonwood Campground (or thereabouts, either tenting or in our cars) and start for the peak early, maybe 3am. We'll hike at a slow to moderate pace, no tigers. I recently did some CO 14ers so I should still be somewhat acclimatized. If you aren't, expect the last part to take some time. Bring the 10 essentials, bottles of oxygen, and your team of bearers and beaters. Everyone gets added to a waiting list. To get off it, leave a comment or send me a DM with a recent similar hike you did.

Sunset Cruise the Hollywood coast in a Luxury Yacht!

FRANCE CULINARY EXPLORER~Food, Wine, Cheese. Cooking Lessons, Tastings & MORE.

Join us on this gourmet gastronomic holiday as we rendezvous with the cuisine & culture of France. This is a foodie’s dream. Around every corner we will find open-air markets, artisanal chocolatiers, macaroon shops, boulangeries, cheesemongers, local butcher shops with the finest cured sausages and hams . . . and YES - world-class wine shops where we can savor the flavors! We will start in Paris, home of some of the world’s most prestigious museums, including the Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, Pompidou, Champs-Élysées, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and so much more. Of course, we get to visit some of them...BUT French cuisine is such a huge part of this country's culture and history! Learning about it and experiencing it, is the main goal of this tour. In Paris, we will savor the culinary artistry of Michelin-starred chefs and indulge in the city's iconic pastries. We will journey to Normandy, where lush landscapes yield exquisite cheeses and apple-infused delights. We will follow the Loire River to discover the vineyards and châteaux of the Loire Valley, where fine wines and gourmet experiences await. Let the flavors of France enchant our palate as we explore these culinary treasures! Cooking classes, gourmet food tastings, wine tours, and enough free time to explore to our heart’s desire with centrally-located first class accommodations. ***The Itinerary in brief:*** **Day 1 Paris** arrival and Welcome Dinner with Corsican Cuisine **Day 2 Paris** sightseeing tour, Seine river cruise,French bread making class **Day 3 Paris** Museum Day. Dinner along Canal Saint-Martin **Day 4 Paris-Auvers Sur Oise Auver.** Pay homage to Van Gogh and the many famous painters who lived there. Paint our own masterpiece! On to Giverny for a visit to the Gardens of Monet. Overnight in Rouen. **Day 5 Rouen - Camembert - Caen.** Cheese tasting **Day 6 Caen - Mont St Michel.** Stop in Calvados. Apple brandy, anybody? **Day 7 Mont St Michel - Rennes - Nantes.** Cooking Class **Day 8 Nantes - Tours** with stops at 3 Chateaux Vineyards for wine and chocolate tastings **Day 9 Tours - Orleans.** Stops at Château of Clos Lucé, Leonardo Da Vinci's home. Visit an underground cave for farming mushrooms. And yes, some mushroom tastings! **Day 10 Orleans - Paris** On the way, a stop at an artisan chocolatier and more wineries **Day 11 Paris.** Visit the famous Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen (the flea market) for some amazing shopping. Farewell Dinner in the Montmartre Area Join us for an unforgettable feast for the senses! For a detailed Day By Day itinerary: **[Click Here](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8)**[ to fill out our info request form](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8) **Price per person, double occupancy: $5320** (we match roommates for those willing to share and save) **Price for single room: $6720** Limited capacity of 24 total. This trip will fill up extremely quickly. RSVP does not hold your space. **The only way to secure your spot is a $500 deposit.** **[Click here for Secure Deposit Link](https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/V6PKYK8VEWPHJ)** Deposit is refundable up to 90 days before the departure (less PayPal fees). *[Click Here](https://forms.gle/Qxx6eSy9tbjezXYg6)*[ and Fill out this Form if you are making a Deposit](https://forms.gle/Qxx6eSy9tbjezXYg6) **\*\*\*Airfare from/to the US is not included\*\*\*** ***[Click Here](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062)***[ to Message Direct to Anna with any questions including airfare quotes.](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062) She can help you arrange the airfare and answer any logistics questions. We do a monthly Zoom with Q & A on all our overseas events. [https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/296044209/](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/296044209/) Come to the zoom and ask any questions. Great way to get the info you want without all the other fluff. As well as meet us and other attendees. [Click here for General Policies](https://www.meetup.com/MoreToExplore/events/282719353/) and useful info about our international trips. The MAIN Meetup post for this event is here: **[France Culinary Explorer](https://www.meetup.com/fork-n-cork/events/298965454/)** (RSVP there for any conversation and comments) We believe in good decent social. This events is cross posted to several other groups and the number of RSVPs on each is not reflective. We have a set of sister groups where we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events too. [Click Here to see all our other fun events](https://www.meetup.com/CulturalArts/Events) Live the adventure instead of only dreaming it! SOT 2000318-10

Riding - Camping - Tubing down the KERN river 🏍 ⛺️ 🧿💦✌️😃

Sail the Hollywood coast in a Luxury Yacht!