Hello — I’m Deborah Vankin, a wellness author for the L.A. Instances. I’m undecided about you, however 2025 has been a whopper of a 12 months up to now. Particularly because the fires in January compelled us indoors, robbing us of the chance to benefit from the nice Los Angeles outdoor throughout the coolest time of the 12 months.
Which is why it’s time for a hike. I usually hit the paths after I have to reset. Although I often hike solo, I discover group hikes notably invigorating — particularly with individuals I don’t but know. We’re actually assembly on frequent floor, a shared love of the outside.
We’d like to ask 30 L.A. Instances subscribers to hitch us on a reader hike on Saturday, March 8 at 9 a.m. The inaugural occasion in our subscriber-exclusive climbing occasion sequence, this previous June, explored the Decrease Arroyo Seco Path; the second, led by my colleague Jaclyn Cosgrove in October, traversed the Gabrielino Path alongside the Arroyo Seco. This time, we’ll be climbing the urban-adjacent path Elysian Park West Loop.
The hike is a straightforward 2.4 mile loop, that’s flat a lot of the best way, with just a few transient however light inclines. It’s certainly one of my favourite locations to take out-of-towners as a result of it appears like each a distant nature escape and a scenic tour of a few of L.A.’s most dramatic metropolis views. Sights embody elements of the L.A. River, Dodger Stadium and the downtown L.A. skyline. The combination of scents and sounds — birdsongs commingled with freeway visitors and music, the scent of untamed sage and wafting barbecue smoke — all really feel uniquely L.A. to me.
We’ll meet on the trailhead on Elysian Park Drive, simply off of Stadium Method. Park within the lot at Grace E. Simons Lodge and stroll again down Elysian Park Drive till you get to Stadium Method. You’ll see the trailhead in your left. There are not any bogs on this hike, however you need to use one on the lodge after you park.
As I did final time, I’ll lead the group in just a few light stretches to loosen us up earlier than we stroll. I’ll additionally share what I’ve realized concerning the geography and historical past of the world throughout our hike. The occasion ought to take about two hours strolling at a leisurely tempo.
Please convey sturdy, snug footwear, a hat, sunscreen and water. On-leash canine are welcome, too. I do know just a few of my colleagues will convey theirs. (I’d convey my cats however they’re climbing wimps!)
This occasion is free to the primary 30 subscribers who join. Attendees should be 18 years or older and should signal a waiver previous to the hike.
You possibly can snag a spot right here on eventbrite.com. See you on the market!
An L.A. Instances-led hike
Elysian Park West Loop