Back on Trail and Blog

While the blog may have suffered some neglect, the Brand Ramblers have been hitting the trail with some regularity in 2016. We even started a few weeks ahead of the time change to Daylight Savings and now with some fresh blood joining the Wednesday hikes we're hitting a good stride (and may even get back to the dreaded Vital Link and Brand Library before it gets too hot). Already we've revisited the Deukmejian Wilderness twice, returned to El Prieto canyon, Eaton Falls, Griffith Park's Old Zoo Loop, added Whiting Woods to Mt. Verdugo, and joined a semi-monthly departmental trek to Echo Mountain. The most bittersweet hike was last year's Joel Scott memorial hike (the Beaudry Loop) to honor our friend and epic Brambler Joel.

JPL Gabrielino Trail - 4/8/2015

Back to a favorite trail as we get the Spring season into gear. We cross several streams and there was plenty of flow.

We even visited for a while with a California newt and were serenaded by a chorus of frogs as we hiked out in the descending darkness.

This is a gorgeous and quite accessible 5-mile hike - don't miss a chance to visit.

Google Map for Directions

Griffith Park Old Zoo Loop - 3/25/2015

Four 'Bramblers' revisited the Old Zoo Loop hike, aka "Bomi's Trail" on a pleasant Spring evening. As we quickly recalled - the initial ascent has a lot of altitude gain. We paced ourselves, and refreshed, the remainder was a perfect sunset ramble above the City of Angels.

There is a great lookout point about 3/4 of the way - and we took advantage of it for a lingering break, watching the sun setting on the towers of downtown.

Back on the trail - Old Zoo Loop

The Brand Ramblers are officially back on the trail for Spring 2015. We've started off on Wednesday 3/18 with an old favorite - the Las Flores motorway (fire road) route to Mt. Thom in the Verdugos.

Next Wednesday, 3/25, we'll be gathering at the Merry-Go-Round in Griffith Park for another go round of the "Bomi Route." Expect to see lots of sparkling city lights as we swing around the mountains for the final half of the hike.

Here is the Google route map for directions and overview of the terrain.


Don't forget to bring water and snacks, and wear comfortable clothes and shoes. See you there!

Fern Dell - Griffith Observatory Loop - 7/11/12

An old standby and a good moderate workout along popular walking trails in the southwest corner of Griffith Park. I first started using this route when the remodeled Griffith Observatory opened and access was limited to buses. You could walk up and gain admittance without all the fuss (and it was free as well). Some of the first Brand Ramblers hikes were in these parts and it seems like the right time to return. Below is the route map and we'll meet-up and start a little later (5:45 PM).


View Fern Dell to Griffith Observatory Loop in a larger map
There are some great views looking south (aligned with Vermont Avenue) as we approach the observatory from below. There is a small snack bar (Trails) across from the street parking so if you come early or they stay open late you can enjoy their fresh made food and drinks.

Urban Riverside Ramble - Wednesday 06/27/12

Something new for the Bramblers - an urban trek starting in Atwater Village and proceeding along the Los Angeles river, passing through the Glendale Narrows and up through the Corralitas Red Car property with a loop back along the river. This is a relatively easy 5 miles loop and shows a different side to our city.

Here is the Google route map:
 
View Over the river and through the woods in a larger map

We're meet promptly at the Atwater Village trailhead at 5:30 PM. Don't miss this one!

 

Mt Lee - Hollywood Sign - Wednesday 6/20/12

Back to Mt Lee and the Hollywood sign - a 6.5 round trip hike up Brush Canyon and along the Mulholland trail. Great views both north and south on this route. Meet-up in the Bronson Canyon parking lot at 5:30 PM .
Next week we'll be attempting an urban trek along the Glendale Narrows and follow the old Red Car route for a portion above Fletcher and Riverside ("Over the river and through the woods...") - details to follow.


View Mt. Lee - Hollywood Sign in a larger map