Brand Library Loop - Wednesday 6/6/12

Back to the Verdugos via an old standard ascent modified into a leisurely loop (the last 2/3 is leisurely – the ascent is still strenuous).

The trail gets steep at several points (it follows a ridge leading up towards Mt Thom) but there are great views along the way and plenty of chances to stop and rest. There's a little bit of 'scrambling' at a few of the steeper parts of the trail but overall this is not a difficult trail if you are reasonably in shape. Good hiking shoes/gear is recommended – and bring plenty of water. We’ll have cider and snacks at the junction of Verdugo & Brand motorways just before we descend the Brand Library fire road.

Meet at 5:30 PM at the Miss America Green Cross statue adjacent to the parking lot next to the Brand Library & Art Center inside Brand Park (1601 West Mountain Street, Glendale CA). 

Google route map http://goo.gl/maps/HWnS

Bagging Glendale Peak

Another successful (no one lost or injured) Wednesday sunset hike - this time bagging the elusive Glendale Peak (34.124874,-118.287767) - which we almost missed! Given the elevation, 1240 FT, we were able to forego oxygen bottles and opted for pear cider (the pic is post-cider)!

We DID miss visiting the summit of Bee Rock, a beehive-shaped sandstone outcropping that is an example of exposed marine sedimentary rock widely seen throughout the Santa Monica Mountains. The Old Zoo loop includes a long level section of Vista Del Valle Drive and the Bramblers were streaming by at a fast clip - so fast that we didn't notice the outcropping until we were well south of it.

Next week we'll be back in the Verdugos for a Brand Library loop - details to follow soon.

Old Zoo Loop - Wednesday May 30, 2012

We're leaving the Verdugo mountains this week to trek through the far eastern end of the Santa Monica mountains, aka Griffith Park! This is Neil's contribution - a loop hike starting at the Carousel parking lot and passing through the old Los Angeles Zoo and up to Vista Del Valley Drive, around Mt. Glendale, and return via the Fern Canyon trail.

Route map: http://g.co/maps/5jkwk

We'll meet at the parking lot at 5:25 PM and start heading up the trail at 5:30 PM sharp. Bring sun protection and good shoes - we'll have some cider and snacks to share.

Brand Ramblers Redux - Wednesdays May 2012

The Brand Ramblers' hiatus is over and we're back with regular weekly Wednesday evening hikes.

We're already repeated the classic Las Flores to Mt. Thom hike in May and just completed the Beaudry Loop yesterday with 11 Bramblers and a few bottles of cider (see posted pics).

Next week (5/30/2012) we've embark on a new trek - a 6.5+ Old Zoo loop (contributed by Neil Symes).

The following week (6/6/2012) we'll do a Brand Library loop in the Verdugo mountains - details to follow soon.

Stair Trek and beyond

While the Bramblers have been on hiatus since we scrubbed the 11/20 3rd annual return to Mt Baldy due to bad weather some of us have started to attend the legendary LA stairway treks put together by Dan Koeppel and his compatriots in the Big Parade LA and the Los Angeles Stairstreet Advocates.

Upcoming January 2011 hikes are listed on the LA Stairstreet Advocates Facebook page, and range from an brisk 2.5 miles evening stroll of 14 stairways in Los Feliz' Franklin Hills, thru a moderate late afternoon 6 stairways/6 miles in Mt. Washington, to the ultimate (and original) extreme all-day (8 AM-6 PM) 68 stairway/24 miles "Stair Trek"!

We've already made a couple commitments to the milder treks - stay tuned for more information, updates and photos from these excellent urban adventures.

Brand Park to Mt Thom Sunset Hike - Wed 9/22

View Brand Library to Mt. Thom in a larger map
Back to Brand Park for a sunset hike up one of the ridges to Mt. Thom.

Meet in the library parking lot at 5:30 PM and bring your hiking kit.

Carousel the the Stars - Wed. Sept. 15

View Larger Map
A return to Griffith Park and a leisurely sunset stroll up Fern Canyon, pass Mt. Glendale (yes - can you believe it?!) and across Hogback Ridge to Mt. Hollywood. Perfect hiking weather too!

We'll meet in the Merry-Go-Round parking lot just before 5:30 PM and head up the Fern Canyon trail. If you're running late you can easily catch up and call ahead to we can plan for a rendezvous.

Bring water, snacks, and a flash light - cider will be provided.

Carousel to the Stars is just a clever name for this pleasant and scenic light-to-moderate hike from the eastern side of Griffith Park to the center point peak Mt. Hollywood which sits behind the Griffith Observatory.