Backpacking Los Angeles
Explore Los Angeles backpacking communities

Costa Rica Eco Adventure: Waterfalls, Snorkeling, Zip lines, Rafting, Volcanoes!
Fri, Jun 5, 4:00 PM***¡¡¡ Pura Vida !!!*** Come alone, leave with friends! This is what Meetup is all about. Being able to join and do what you wanted to do . . just not alone. We are going to Costa Rica for 9 nights/10 days of exploration and tropical adventures. . . . **Best Meetup ever!**! To see how fun it is . . . Here are photos from when we did go before [https://photos.app.goo.gl/cswRyeNZp1r6WW9t9](https://photos.app.goo.gl/cswRyeNZp1r6WW9t9) Costa Rica is a playground for the adventurous and an eco-tourist's dream! It is an unspoiled tropical paradise. * Beautiful beaches * Rainforest biodiversity * Misty volcanoes * Roaring rivers * Lush jungles * Exotic flora and fauna * And more!! **And we are going there to enjoy it, learn about it and make memories of a lifetime!** This event is a true Meetup. We are creating it from scratch, and bringing like-minded people together on this adventure. Along the way making lifelong memories and friendships. Together . . . let’s make a Meetup to remember! * Hike around the base of the Arenal Volcano * Selvatura Zip Line Canopy Tour * Guided visit to Finca Luna Nueva Farm * Caño Negro Refuge Tour/Visit * Rio Frio Wildlife Refuge Boat Tour * Hanging Bridges Walking Tour * Ecotermales Hot Springs * Monteverde Night Walk Tour * Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Tour (daytime) * River Floating Tour * Tamarindo Beach * Sunset Sailing * Snorkeling Tour * And more! For a detailed Day By Day itinerary **[Click Here](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8)**[ to fill out our info request form](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8) **Land Tour cost $3350 per person, double occupancy** (we match roommates for those traveling solo, and most of us are doing just that). If you want your own room: **Solo occupancy additional $950** The only way to secure your spot for this meetup is a $300 deposit that is refundable up to 90 days before departure. **[Click here for secure deposit link](https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/24X2UREP9XPKC)** When you make a deposit be sure to fill out this [ATTENDEES FORM](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/11uywUNCIB5ONrpZ-gU_4mk3bvpc4p_nhhL3ewsbkC5A/edit)**.** As we mentioned, . . . the cost is $3350. This is for the "Land" portion only. Airfare is not included. This gives you the flexibility to have a flight with timing that works best for you. Or to use points/miles. I can also help arranging your airfare. To receive an offer, **[CLICK HERE and send me a message.](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=14363992)** **What is Included in this trip:** * **9 Nights hotel accommodation** * **9 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners.** * **Meet & Greet at the airport.** * **Pick-up from airport to our hotel, and hotel to airport at the end of the trip** * **Transportation throughout the trip** * **Private naturalist English speaking tour guide** * **All entrance fees and tours mentioned in the itinerary day-by-day description** * **Daily water bottles for the group** * **Hotel and Added Value Tax** Does not include: ***x*** *International Airfare* ***x*** *Meals other than specified* ***x*** *Optional Tours* ***x*** *All items of personal nature (telephone calls, Laundry, room service, etc.)* ***x*** *Tipping for tour guides and drivers* **Want more info?** **[Click Here to fill out our info request form](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8)** **OR** **RSVP to the event with your email to receive additional info.** **OR** **[CLICK HERE to send me a message](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=14363992)** Whatever is easiest for you! *Still have questions?* **We do a Q & A Zoom once a month.** **[CLICK HERE](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/296044209/)** for our Q & A Zoom. RSVP on that event to get a reminder for the zoom. [Click here for the ](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/305233138/)**[MAIN ](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/288444641/)[location of this event on Meetup](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/305233138/)** RSVP there to post any discussion and to get notice of any comments and discussions. As well as any updates and reminders **We believe in good decent social.** **SOT 2000318-10** **[Click Here to see all our other events](https://www.meetup.com/CulturalArts/Events)**

Griffith Park Hike to Vista View Point- Moderate
Wed, Jun 10, 1:30 AMWe will take a 4.5 mile/1200ft elevation gain hike to Vista View Point. We will take the back way to the View Point. Lower Beacon Trail to the Coolidge Trail and then to the Upper Beacon Trail. We will come back on the Fern Canyon Trail. This hike is will take approximately 120 minutes. This is a moderate hike with a sweep. we are not trying to break any land-speed records. but you should know your limitations. **NO ANIMALS ALLOWED ON HIKE** We do leave 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. Where to meet: If you know the park well, it is Merry Go Round Lot #2, just by the first entrance to Lot #2. WE DO NOT MEET BY THE STEPS - IF YOU ARE AT THE STEPS YOU ARE IN THE WRONG SPOT. Put these coordinates in google maps to locate the spot where we meet: 34.133525,-118.284731 The fine print: Wildlife (snakes, bobcats, mountain lions etc) seen in the park, be aware of your surroundings and stay alert at all times. 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 Tuesday's of the month it is expected anyone that can't keep up with the leader will turn back. 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 (available at Sports Chalet) are recommended. No bright (white) flashlights please. Red, Blue flashlights are ok. If you get to the lot after we meet, Sierra Club hikes start at 7:00PM on the opposite end of the lot. 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 road (there are no lights on this road so it will be dark if it is not 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, at the top of the driveway that takes you to the lower lot. It's near to the "No Practice Driving Allowed" sign. Where to meet: If you know the park well, it is Merry Go Round Lot #2, just at the path to the lower lot. WE DO NOT MEET BY THE STAIRCASE - IF YOU ARE AT THE STAIRCASE YOU ARE IN THE WRONG SPOT. Put these coordinates in google maps to locate the spot where we meet: 34.133525,-118.284731

San Juan Capistrano Mission
Sun, Jun 7, 5:00 PM26801 Old Mission Rd, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 Come and join me to visit Mission San Juan Capistrano, founded in 1776 as the 7th of 21 California missions. There is parking beside the Mission and street parking. Admission: Adults 18, Seniors (60+) 15, Students (with ID) $10, Members/Children under 5 are free. Historic Landmark and Museum Mission San Juan Capistrano - [https://share.google/5NgCT397q5NRB4PJX](https://share.google/5NgCT397q5NRB4PJX) NOTE: IF YOU RSVP AND DON'T ARRIVE YOU WILL BE GIVEN A STRIKE. THREE STRIKES MEANS BEING KICKED OUT OF THE GROUP. Notice: I have been trying to put the address on the location section but it would take you to the LA area. When you use Google maps please type in the address. for some reason the page is giving me a hard time. 26801 Old Mission Rd, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Africa Great Migration Photo Safari + Zanzibar Extension! Journey of a Lifetime!
Mon, Jul 6, 2:00 AMWe all have seen Lion King in one form or another . . . It's now time to go to the source. Our meetup is off to Africa for The Great Migration Photo Safari! We did this amazing trip in the summer of 2024 and everybody had a blast! (see photos in the link below) Encounter the exotic wildlife of the Serengeti! Marvel at the lions, zebras, elephants and so many majestic animals we have only seen in the zoo or in movies. On Serengeti's vast, treeless plains tens of thousands of hoofed animals are constantly on the move in search of fresh grassland. This is a once-in-a-life-time opportunity to experience the best game viewing in Africa! **Like every trip we do with Meetup, this one is personally crafted to offer the best places and best use of time.** ***The itinerary is:*** **July 5** Arrival Kilimanjaro Intl Airport and transfer to Arusha **July 6** Arusha to Tarangire National Park **July 7** Ngorongoro Crater full day game drive **July 8** Ngorongoro to Serengeti National Park (Central Seronera area) **July 9** Serengeti (Central) **July 10** Northern Serengeti (Kogatende) **July 11** Northern Serengeti (Kogatende) **July 12** Northern Serengeti (Kogatende) to Lake Natron **July 13** Lake Natron to Arusha **July 14** Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport All of these locations don't mean much to you at the moment, but after the trip you will remember them forever as some of the best places you have ever visited! *How much does this cost?* **African Migration Safari $4998 per person, double occupancy.** **Single supplement $750. I.e. price for a solo accommodation $5748** We offer roommate matching for those, wishing to share and save. \*\*\*Airfare is not included.\*\*\* *RSVP to this event shows your interest, but does not hold your space.* ***The only way to secure your spot for this trip is a $350 deposit:*** **[CLICK HERE FOR SECURE DEPOSIT LINK](https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/WWNZ7X2FKQNDA)** *IF you need an airfare quote,* **[Click here to message Anna](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062)**[ ](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062) **Land Cost includes:** \- 9 nights accommodation \- 3 meals every day \- All park fees to Tarangire\, Manyara\, Serengeti and Ngorongoro\. \- All concession fees to Tarangire and Serengeti\. \- Crater service fees\. \- Professional driver guide \- Open roof land cruiser vehicles \- Drinking water during the safari **We offer an Optional Extension 5-day to Zanzibar:** **Price per person, Double occupancy $870.** **Solo room - $1285** **\*\*Airfare from Arusha (Kilimanjaro Airport) to Zanzibar is not included\*\*** **To sign up for Zanzibar, pay the [$200 deposit through this secure link](https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/32XB7TRQ46TNW)** For more information about this or any of our other international events, fill out this form: **[INTERNATIONAL MEETUPS INFO REQUEST](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8)** Have more questions? [Click here to message Anna ](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062) [Click here to message Marc](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=273063881) AND/OR We do a monthly Q & A Zoom: Meet others attending, be social, or come and get any questions answered. [Click Here to RSVP to our Zoom](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/297487010/) 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 other attendees. To see pictures from our Photo Safari adventure in 2024 [CLICK HERE](https://photos.app.goo.gl/kjwDb2nQn8oKTv557) We believe in good decent social. We have a set of sister group we post our local free, local/reginal camping, and our overseas events too. [Click Here ](https://www.meetup.com/CulturalArts/Events)for our other events: Live the adventure instead of only dreaming it! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SOT 200318-10

Serengeti Photo Safari! See the Great Migration "Africa’s Best Wildlife Show"
Sat, Jun 27, 2:00 AM\*\*\*This groups is already full. Check out our next departure: [July 05-14, 2026 ](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/312373648/)**[HERE](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/312373648/)**\*\*\* We all have seen Lion King in one form or another . . . It's now time to go to the source. ***Our meetup is off to Africa for The Great Migration Photo Safari! We did this amazing trip in the summer of 2024 and everybody had a blast! (see photos in the link below)*** ***Encounter the exotic wildlife of the Serengeti! Marvel at the lions, zebras, elephants and so many majestic animals we have only seen in the zoo or in movies.*** On Serengeti's vast, treeless plains tens of thousands of hoofed animals are constantly on the move in search of fresh grassland. This is a once-in-a-life-time opportunity to experience the best game viewing in Africa! **Like every trip we do with Meetup, this one is personally crafted to offer the best places and best use of time.** ***The itinerary is:*** **June 26** Arrival Kilimanjaro Intl Airport and transfer to Arusha **June 27** Arusha to Tarangire National Park **Jun 28** Ngorongoro Crater full day game drive **June 29** Ngorongoro to Serengeti National Park (Central Seronera area) **June 30** Serengeti (Central) **July 01** Northern Serengeti (Kogatende) **July 02** Northern Serengeti (Kogatende) **July 03** Northern Serengeti (Kogatende) to Lake Natron **July 04** Lake Natron to Arusha **July 05** Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport All of these locations don't mean much to you at the moment, but after the trip you will remember them forever as some of the best places you have ever visited! *How much does this cost?* **African Migration Safari $4998 per person, double occupancy.** **Single supplement $750. I.e. price for a solo accommodation $5748** We offer roommate matching for those, wishing to share and save. \*\*\*Airfare is not included.\*\*\* *RSVP to this event shows your interest, but does not hold your space.* ***The only way to secure your spot for this trip is a $350 deposit:*** **[CLICK HERE FOR SECURE DEPOSIT LINK](https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/WWNZ7X2FKQNDA)** *IF you need an airfare quote,* [Click here to message Anna ](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062) For more information about this or any of our other international events, fill out this form: **[INTERNATIONAL MEETUPS INFO REQUEST](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8)** **Land Cost includes:** \- 9 nights accommodation \- 3 meals every day \- All park fees to Tarangire\, Manyara\, Serengeti and Ngorongoro\. \- All concession fees to Tarangire and Serengeti\. \- Crater service fees\. \- Professional driver guide \- Open roof land cruiser vehicles \- Drinking water during the safari Have more questions? [Click here to message Anna ](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062) [Click here to message Marc](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=273063881) AND/OR We do a monthly Q & A Zoom: Meet others attending, be social, or come and get any questions answered. [Click Here to RSVP to our Zoom](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/297487010/) 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 other attendees. To see pictures from our Photo Safari adventure in 2024 [CLICK HERE](https://photos.app.goo.gl/kjwDb2nQn8oKTv557) One other thing to think about . . . or two actually. Since you made it all the way to Africa . . . and you have been thinking of Mount Kilimanjaro or trekking the Gorillas in Uganda . . . Why not add one of those trips and save yourself the travel back for that? For those seeking the ultimate adventure, we also offer a **[Mt Kilimanjaro Trek](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/302872805/)** where you can challenge yourself with the climb while soaking in the breathtaking scenery and wildlife. OR/AND experience the awe-inspiring **[Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/305800297/)**. These three incredible journeys are seamlessly scheduled back-to-back, allowing you to combine them for an unforgettable African adventure! We believe in good decent social. We have a set of sister group we post our local free, local/reginal camping, and our overseas events too. [Click Here ](https://www.meetup.com/CulturalArts/Events)for our other events: Live the adventure instead of only dreaming it! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SOT 200318-10

Mt Kilimanjaro Trek! One of the 7 Summits. Join us on this bucket list adventure
Fri, Jun 19, 2:00 AM**Our Meetup is off to another hiking adventure! Mt Kilimanjaro, as the tallest mountain in Africa, is included in the 7 Summits of the world.** **It is a bucket-list item for all hard-core hikers and mountain lovers.** We did this trek with Meetup in the summer of 2024 and it was a true experience of a lifetime (see photos below) Let's get to some numbers. It is 5,895m/19,340ft BUT . . . our starting elevation for the trek is 3795m/12541ft As such elevation gain is 2100m/6799ft To compare Everest Base Camp trek, is about 2754m/9035ft elevation change. And Mt Whitney is about 1828m/6000ft elevation change. The key to being able to succeed in this endeavor lays in the route and the support system. We are taking the Lemosho Route via the Northern Circuit. The Northern Circuit route is the longest and newest of the seven established Kilimanjaro routes. It's one of the best routes because it has the best acclimatization profile. This results in one of the highest summit success rates. Add to that stunning views, and comparatively relaxed pace. It is also much less crowded than the other Kilimanjaro routes. As far as our support system: We will be accompanied by experienced guides, porters and cooks. They are certified, ensuring our safety and comfort. Porters will carry our gear. We will have a high ratio of guides to hikers. Our guides will go our pace and support each and everyone of us, regardless of fitness level and pace. In other words...you go your own speed and we all get there safe. More about our trek/trip. As with all our international trips, we picked the best season/time of year to go for weather and wildlife. Lemosho and Northern Circuit is a scenically spectacular and varied route. At the lower elevations it has an abundance of wildlife such as elephant, buffalo, eland and lion which come over to forage during dry season. **Each of our trips is personally crafted to offer the best places and best use of time.** *But I don't have the needed gear?!* You don't need much more than the standard trekker's equipment. We will provide you with a list of what is already included and what can be rented there. *Does this include food?* All meals on the trek potion are included and a cook travels with us! *What is lodging like?* We are sleeping in new and comfortable tents (carried during the day by porters) *I am new at this.* That's OK. We do plenty of prep Zooms before we depart. And in California we have a number of local outdoor day or weekend outings you can test out with us. *How dangerous is this? What if I get sick or hurt?* We will be walking on an established, well used trail the entire time. **Our trip INCLUDES emergency insurance.** We are also Certified Wilderness First Responders and our guides are members of (AMREF) Flying Doctor. **Plain and simple, safety is our primary goal.** *How much does this cost?* **Kilimanjaro Mountain Trek $3950 per person, double occupancy. Land only (airfare not included). Solo supplement $600** Trip Cost includes: \- 9 nights accommodation \- 3 meals everyday on the trek \- All Fees & Entrances and Taxes \- Camping equipment such as tents\, tables\, chairs\. \- Lead Guide\, Assistant Guides\, Porters and Cook *RSVP to this event shows your interest, but does not hold your space.* ***The only way to secure your spot for this trip is a $300 deposit:*** ***[CLICK HERE FOR SECURE DEPOSIT LINK](https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/8P9NUAVQM8UEN)*** *Deposit is refundable up to 90 days before the departure (less PayPal fees).* *IF you need an airfare quote,* [Click here to message Anna](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062) For more information about this or any of our other international events, fill out this form: **[INTERNATIONAL MEETUPS INFO REQUEST](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8)** To see pictures from our Kilimanjaro adventure in 2024 [CLICK HERE](https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPkfkUp6sEZVQ-xse1di_K19d1QVmSb5KOLeIjynRoWGv_XFLXI8wBfT61XxAHavg?key=U2tKajBuOGRiZkxBOUtTUG1GbUVRVmlDaERCeG5n) We do a monthly Q & A Zoom: Meet others attending, be social, or come and get any questions answered. [Click Here to RSVP to our Zoom](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/296044209/) The MAIN location where this event is posted: [https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/302872805/](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/302872805/) (RSVP there for any conversation and comments) 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 ](https://www.meetup.com/CulturalArts/Events)for our other events: Live the adventure instead of only dreaming it! SOT 200318-10
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