Backpacking Los Angeles

Vietnam & Cambodia with Angkor Wat! Ancient Kingdoms of Southeast Asia

A Meetup trip in December . . . what can be a better gift for the holidays?! Join our travelers group on a captivating 14-day journey through the heart of Southeast Asia as we explore the vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes of Vietnam & Cambodia (Dec 04-18, 2026) As with all our tailor-made Meetup trips, our expert guides will lead us off the beaten path to uncover the authentic charm of each destination, while comfortable accommodations and delicious local cuisine ensure a truly immersive travel experience. Embark on an unforgettable journey through the vibrant cities and breathtaking landscapes of Vietnam, finishing with the wonders of Cambodia. We begin in Hanoi, where history and culture come alive, then sail the emerald waters of Halong Bay. Step back in time among the imperial treasures of Hue, wander the lantern-lit streets of charming Hoi An, and feel the dynamic energy of Ho Chi Minh City. We conclude your adventure at the awe-inspiring temples of Siem Reap, home to the legendary Angkor Wat. TRIP HIGHLIGHTS: * **Hanoi**; explore Ho Chi Minh sites, Temple of Literature, Old Quarter cyclo ride & water puppet show * Visit rural **craft villages**: conical hat & incense making, home-hosted lunch, village walk * **Ha Long Bay cruise**: limestone islands, floating villages, cave visit, Tai Chi & sunset views * **Hue**: Perfume River boat ride, Thien Mu Pagoda, Khai Dinh’s Tomb & Imperial Citadel * Scenic **Hai Van Pass train** to Danang; explore Dragon Bridge, Cham Museum, Marble Mountain * **Hoi An Ancient Town** (UNESCO), visit tailor shops, pottery village & organic farm with cooking class * **Ho Chi Minh City & Cu Chi Tunnels**; War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace & Ben Thanh Market * **Mekong Delta cruise**: coconut workshops, sampan ride, orchards & lunch in riverside village * **Siem Reap**: dinner with Apsara dance, Angkor temples (Ta Prohm, Bayon, Angkor Wat) * Cambodian cultural immersion: **monk blessing**, village crafts & cooking, **Tonle Sap Lake sunset cruise** For a detailed Day By Day itinerary: **[Click Here](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8)**[ to fill out our info request form](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8) *Trip Itinerary:* * **Hanoi** – 3 nights * **Ha Long Bay (cruise)** – 1 night * **Hue** – 2 nights * **Hoi An** – 2 nights * **Ho Chi Minh City** – 3 nights * **Siem Reap** – 3 nights **Price per person, double occupancy: $4400** (we match roommates for those willing to share and save) **Price for single room: $5300** **RSVP with your email address to receive complete information and itinerary. To secure your spot on this trip, please submit a $450 deposit.** [Click Here for Secure Deposit Link](https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/EM44C56V6RFTC) Deposit is refundable up to 90 days before the departure (less PayPal fees) [Fill Out this FORM if you are making a deposit](https://forms.gle/Tpz4v9jEbc13FSU38) Limited capacity of 24 total. This trip will fill up extremely quickly. **\*\*\*Airfare from/to the US not included. Contact Anna for a quote\*\*\*** ***[Click Here](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062)***[ to Message Direct to Anna.](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062) She can help you arrange the airfare and answer any logistics questions. 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/ccccc-c/events/) We do a [monthly Zoom with Q & A ](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/296044209/)on all our overseas events. 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 ](https://www.meetup.com/MoreToExplore/events/282719353/)for General Policies and useful info about our international trips. Live the adventure instead of only dreaming it! SOT 2000318-10

Bear Canyon 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. Hike will be 8.5 mile loop hike with 600' gain on return with many stream crossings going in from Eaton Saddle and out from Switzer Day-use Area. Work will focus on cutting back brush and fixing tread. 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.

Griffith Park 9 Peaks (Moderate Pace)

Organizer: Mike Cheng Location: Griffith Park, CA Hike Difficulty: Advanced, Level 7/10 Distance: 11.5 miles Elevation Gain: 3000' Time: 7 hours Trail condition: Single file, rocky trail, no shaded Water: Minimum 3 liters Guest: no Dog: no Toilette: at the trail head Parking: Parking lot *** What to bring: hat, sunscreen, hiking poles, energy bar, lunch, snacks, water, and the usual stuff. Trail description: We will be hiking on single-file trails and fire roads. The trail leading up to Beacon Hill is steep. It has a 25-35% grade. The trail to Mt. Bell and Mt. Chapel are very steep. It has a 35-45% grade. In addition, the trail has a base of loose rock and sand. It is slippery. you will need to use hiking poles here. The trail leading up to Cahuenga Peak is rocky and steep. Its grade is 30-40%. Our Policy: Profile photo: Anyone interested in joining this event must have a profile photo showing his/her face. This is a requirement of L.A. Hiking. Without it, you will not be allowed to sign up for an event. Waiting list priority: People who hike with with L.A. Hiking regularly will be given priority when they are on the waiting list. Advanced hikes: Anyone interested in participating in advanced hikes (>3,000' elevation gain or distance > 10 miles or Difficulty Level > = 7) will be subject to prescreening before his/her name will be added to the list. Therefore, interested hiker must share with the event host his/her recent hiking background to establish proficiency before his/her name will be added to the list. Guests are not allowed on advanced hikes. Early departure: If a hiker needs to be separated from the group for any reason, he/she must inform the event host. Not knowing a hiker's where about may prompt the event host to report a hiker's missing to proper authority for further actions. No show: If you sign up for an event but did not show up, you will be removed from the next event you sign up. No minor: Meetup user agreement and our liability waiver can not be agreed to by a minor. Therefore, you and your guest must be over 18 to participate in our events. No drug: Zero tolerance for all illegal drug use. Warning: If you have prior medical condition or a family history of illnesses pertaining to heart, lungs, brain, etc. that can be aggravated by heat and physical exertion, this is not the hike for you. If you have never done a hike of this distance or difficulty before, this hike will be very difficult for you. It may well be your death march. The mountain is not going anywhere. We will schedule this event again in the future. Do it when your mind and body are ready. Hiking is a recreation, not a suicide mission. Release of Liability: The organizer (me) of this trip is a volunteer and is not a professional guide. The function of the organizer is only to organize this trip. Each person who signs up for a trip/hike/or outing is responsible for his or her own safety and the safety of his or her guests. By signing up for this trip, or any other event organized by me, you are acknowledging that you are aware and have made your guests aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with any outdoor activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge the organizer (me) of this hike from and against any and all liability arising from your and your guest's participation in the group activities. L.A. Hiking, its organizer, assistant organizers, event organizers are not responsible for any injuries or accidents that may occur carpooling to and from this event, or for any injuries or accidents incurred before, during, and after this event. If you sign up or participate in an event you acknowledge that you freely and voluntarily agree to assume all risks of injuries and damages arising from, as a result of and associated with this event.

Culver City : Fall Classic Stair Hike #4 - 6 miles, 3 hours

Get into the Halloween spirit with a spook-tacular stair hike—with some major league Fall Classic vibe mixed in! Our loop begins at Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area near La Brea Avenue, where we’ll tackle a newly-built set of stairs before crossing the La Cienega bridge toward Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook. There, we’ll take on the famously challenging Culver City Stairs. Along the way, we’ll celebrate teamwork, perseverance, and a little postseason magic. The World Series is scheduled to end today and we hope the Dodgers are in it the entire way–even to a scary, nail-biting game 7! Expect plenty of elevation, great views, and enough stair climbing to make your legs feel haunted—in the best way. The route is approximately 6 miles, with 1,061 feet of cumulative elevation gain and loss. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the corner of La Brea Avenue and Don Lorenzo Drive. Free street parking is available on Don Miguel Drive and Don Zarembo Drive. What to Bring \- At least 2 liters of water \- Hiking shoes or boots \- Layers \- Snacks \- Sunscreen \- Sunglasses \- A hat Wear a touch of Halloween spirit or Dodger Blue if you’d like—but come ready to climb!

Search and Rescue Open House

For more info, visit: smsr.org Visit this family-friendly, educational day celebrating 75 years of volunteer wilderness rescue. The event takes place right at their rescue station in Sierra Madre. **Rescue Station Tours:** Go inside the headquarters to explore the nerve center where the team coordinates wilderness searches and emergency operations. **Gear & Technology Displays:** Get a close-up look at specialized technical rock, snow, and ice rescue gear. Members will showcase their mission-critical tracking software, satellite messengers, and drone/UAS equipment. **Preventative SAR & Hiking Safety:** Team members will host public outreach sessions covering wilderness survival basics, heat exhaustion awareness, and steps to take if you get lost in the San Gabriel Mountains. **Kid-Friendly Activities:** The event is designed for all ages, offering interactive safety activities, fun learning experiences for children, and photo opportunities. Chat directly with the all-volunteer crew to learn about real missions, or speak with recruiters if you are interested in joining the team's upcoming January 2027 training class.

Mount Baldy via Devil’s Backbone + Food & Drinks

⚠️ Most attendees and all event communication will be through our YoPro Hikes community on Heylo. 👉 Please join our Heylo group here for full details, updates, meeting location, and group communication: https://heylo.com/invite/CNRhLnMO

Strawberry Peak 🍓 via Redbox Canyon

⚠️ Most attendees and all event communication will be through our YoPro Hikes community on Heylo. 👉 Please join our Heylo group here for full details, updates, meeting location, and group communication: https://heylo.com/invite/CNRhLnMO

~ INDIAN COVE ~ Group Site Camping Joshua Tree Nat’l Park

**>>>>LATEST UPDATE: 2 NIGHT OPTION, FRIDAY ADDED<<<<** **FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, RAIN OR SHINE** **We will be camping at INDIAN COVE CAMPGROUND, GROUP SITE, on Halloween, Saturday, October 31, 2026.** **Although they allow up to 20 people we’re capping the group at 15 people and we are allowed up to 8 vehicles, max, at the group campsite.** **Please join the waitlist.** **There is a campsite fee of $5.50 PER PERSON, payable in advance.** **PLEASE PAY BY OCTOBER 1 to ensure group campsite fee is 100% covered.** **>>>>Fee is refundable only if the trip gets canceled.** **You’re completely free to go explore on your own, or just chillax at camp.** **>>>NATIONAL PARKS PASS IS REQUIRED FOR EACH VEHICLE ENTERING THE PARK.** **Purchase online or pay at the gate.** **October 31 is the last day of Daylight Savings. That means we’ll enjoy an extra hour of sleep, overnight, into Sunday morning.** **If you have any questions please comment below.**

Weekly FightBackFridays Trump/Musk Protest

Pasadena City College near Harbeson Hall, 1570 Colorado Blvd, Pasadena Bring your own protest signs or borrow some of ours Daily permit parking is available in PCC lots 4 or 5, or there is also street parking nearby

Informational Posting-Learn New Skills-Make New Friends-Experience New Adventure

**INFORMATIONAL POSTING ONLY-See Website** **[www.wildernesstravelcourse.org](http://www.wildernesstravelcourse.org/)** Dear Group Members, particularly the recent swell of new, never-been-backpacking-before-but-want-to-start members: There is a great Sierra Club opportunity that is about to begin….an opportunity that only happens one time each year and it is one of the best outdoor learning experiences the Sierra Club has to offer. This is the Angeles Chapter Wilderness Travel Course (WTC). Some of you have taken the course and are now leaders and/or knowledgeable hikers. For those of you who have not, enrollment in WTC is something you should consider now. The Wilderness Travel Course helps build outdoor skills so hikers can be safe in the backcountry. The course runs for ten weeks and includes four field trips (two one day and two weekend outings). Students learn map and compass navigation skills for competent hiking off-trail, snow travel, rock scrambling techniques, first aid, nutrition and lots more. The course is followed by unforgettable experience backpacking trips, most of which take place in the High Sierra, Sequoia and Yosemite during the summer months. WTC moves you from being a day hiker to a more serious adventurer. You will acquire skills in trip planning, preparation, equipment and wilderness safety to take you into the backcountry in all seasons, beyond roads and trails with new friends that share your interest in the outdoors. Again, the course runs only one time each year and takes place in Southern California in four locations as follows: West Los Angeles (Wednesdays beginning Jan 6th;Orange County (Tuesdays beginning Jan 12th) Long Beach/South Bay (Wednesdays beginning January 20th); San Gabriel Valley (Tuesdays beginning Jan 26th); The four geographic areas fill up well in advance of the class start date so register early. **FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER FOR THE COURSE GO TO: www.wildernesstravelcourse.org**

FRIDAY--Easy Night walk around Silverlake

Silverlake can be quite beautiful at night. Walk is mostly easy 2.2 miles RT around the lake. Walk is approx. 1 hour. There is short uphill on this walk--approx. 10 minutes Some members go to the local Oyster bar afterwards. **Rain will cancel walk. Dogs ok as long as on leash.** Parking: Street parking. There is more parking when you park along the lake --along W. Silverlake Dr.

Trail Work on Echo Mountain