Text from my original event post: “Built in 1921 as an advertisement for the Hollywoodland real estate development, the towering letters of the HOLLYWOOD sign have beckoned millions to Los Angeles. From starry eyed Midwestern actors with their dreams packed in suitcases to the background to Hollywood based movies, the Hollywood sign has captured the hearts of millions and inspired more stranger than fiction tales than a jaded casting agent’s office can hold.”

I was so excited to do this hike as the first hike with The Great Outdoors Photography Group. Not only does the Hollyridge trail offer stunning views of the Los Angeles Basin and the Greater San Fernando Valley (plus parts of Pasadena in the far east), but it also offers the most up close and personal view of the Hollywood sign.

The group was ecstatic to see the sun set among the Hollywood Hills. I was excited that I was finally able to get a great night shot of the LA Basin framed by the letters of the Sign. Cheyenne was happy to just be out and sneak bites of horse manure.

Being my fourth time to the Hollywood Sign, it was great to take a member’s suggestion and go a little beyond my usual route and take a full frontal shot of the letters.

The drink and snack combo and payment toward the meetup.com group fee worked out much better than expected. Turns out that respecting people and being honest is truly the best policy.

I also introduced the group to some cool ideas that I’m thinking about, which went over quite well.

Best of all? Hiking and being in nature with a great group of people, my camera and my dog. It was a perfect way to end a rather interesting weekend.

More photos and original post at the group website here: http://www.meetup.com/outdoorphotos/calendar/11393434/

Gallery:

An Evening Hike to the Hollywood Sign

To join, please visit: http://www.meetup.com/outdoorphotos/calendar/11393434/

Built in 1921 as an advertisement for the Hollywoodland real estate development, the towering letters of the HOLLYWOOD sign have beckoned millions to Los Angeles. From starry eyed Midwestern actors with their dreams packed in suitcases to the background to Hollywood based movies, the Hollywood sign has captured the hearts of millions and inspired more stranger than fiction tales than a jaded casting agent’s office can hold.

But, did you know that you can hike to the top of Mt. Lee and view Hollywood and the surrounding landscape amidst the sign? Come join fellow photographers and experience the expansive landscape of Los Angles and the San Fernando Valley, culminating at the top of Mt. Lee at the Hollywood Sign.

For a healthy hiker, this is a relaxed, easy trail with beautiful overlooks with interesting habitation. Keep in mind that the incline can be rather steep at certain switchbacks. From meandering / slow photographers to fast paced ones, this event is for everyone.

An Evening Hike to the Hollywood Sign

Fee:
$2.00 – includes 1 bottled water, 1 snack bar and Meetup Group Fees.

Websites and Additional Information:
Official Hollywood Sign Website with History:
http://www.hollywoodsign.org/

Hollywood Sign / Driving Directions (with LOTS of photographs):
http://hollywoodsigntrip.com/hollywood-sign-trail.shtml.

Trail information:
Starting elevation: 809.4 ft. Near the sign: 1695.7 ft; approximately 886.3 ft gain in 1.8 miles.

Directions:
General: Parking for the trail head is at the top of Beachwood Dr. in the Hollywood Hills. At the top of Beachwood, go through the gates at the end of the street. Continue until you see parking on your right hand side.

Detailed Driving Directions from the Sunset Ranch Equestrian Website, located next to the trail head:

From the San Fernando Valley:
Take the 101 South and exit at Gower; turn left onto Gower. From Gower, turn right onto Franklin. From Franklin, turn left onto Beachwood Dr., then take Beachwood all the way to the top!

From the Simi Valley:
Take the 118 East to the 5 South, to the 170 South, to the 101 South. From the 101 South and exit at Gower; turn left onto Gower. From Gower, turn right onto Franklin. From Franklin, turn left onto Beachwood Dr., then take Beachwood all the way to the top!

From Downtown Los Angeles:
Take the 101 North and exit at Gower, then turn right at the first turn off (this will put you on Beachwood, facing Franklin Ave.). Continue north on Beachwood Drive all the way to the top!

From Santa Monica:
Take the 10 East to the 110 North. From the 110 North, merge onto the 101 North. From the 101 North, exit at Gower. On the Gower exit, take the right-hand turnoff for Beachwood (this will put you on Beachwood, facing Franklin Ave.). Continue north on Beachwood Drive all the way to the top!

OR

Take the 10 East, exit at La Brea exit. Head north on La Brea. From heading north on La Brea, turn right onto Sunset Blvd. From Sunset, turn left onto Gower. From Gower, turn right onto Franklin. From Franklin, turn left onto Beachwood Dr., then take Beachwood all the way to the top!

From Glendale:
Take the 134 West to the 5 South. Exit Los Feliz Blvd. West, which will then turn into Western. From Western, turn right onto Franklin Ave (it will be the first light). From Franklin, turn right onto Beachwood Dr, then take Beachwood all the way to the top!

Saturday afternoon, while recovering from the Silver Lake photo walk, I sat like a zombie in front of my computer. While discussing the evening’s options, the following IM message popped up on the screen:

“Lets go to Vegas!”

Normally, I would jump at the chance to wander around a Vegas casino. I enjoy staring at the eyes of people bitten by the gambling bug, watching people play craps and guessing which patrons are actually women of evening trying to find a client. It’s voyeurism at it’s finest (along with some great shows). However, as I had the “Potluck and a Beach Sunset Over Malibu at El Matador State Beach” event the next day at 6pm and it was hot as hell in Vegas, clearly this would not be the best option.

So, when he suggested going to Joshua Tree and wrote the magical words “It’s only two hours away”, my camera and I were ready for the trip.

Even though I’m a California native, I’d actually never bothered visiting the park. It always seemed “too far” or “too damn hot” or “why the hell even bother”? The closest I got was driving down the 10 to Arizona. I hadn’t given the high desert a chance to interest me previously. So, this opportunity to visit (and during the  National Park Free Weekend event, no less!) was perfect.

Stargazing at Joshua Tree is fantastic.

Period.

Do it.

No other words can explain how great it is.Especially with the amount of shooting stars I saw. From the Milky Way to trying to pick out constellations, I don’t remember having that clear of a night sky view in years. The high desert winds wrapped my body in warmth as I stared up in wonder. It was perfect.

In the morning, the best treat the forest itself. For a person that associates traditional forests as shady coastal Oaks, California Redwoods and pine trees, viewing the Joshua Tree forest was almost alien-like. The Joshua Trees looked like maladjusted little arms, stretching out to the sky with Edward Scissorhand-like nails. Odd and seemingly impossible rock formations, made by a type of  granitic rock called monzogranite,  completed the dazzling display.

The area was an adventure waiting to happen.

Gallery:

Panorama at Hall of Horrors

Joshua Tree National Park Gallery

Information:

Joshua Tree National Park
74485 National Park Drive
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277

Phone

Visitor Information
(760) 367-5500

7-Day Vehicle Permit: $15
Admits the passengers of a single, non-commercial vehicle. Valid for the day of purchase and the next six days.

Additional Resources and Websites:

• Joshua Tree National Park: http://www.nps.gov/jotr

Malibu Creek State Park is one of those hidden spots in the Santa Monica Mountain range that has something for everyone, depending on the season. Even in the summer heat of July, I found plenty to see. Rabbits, lizards, hidden streams and, of course, the M*A*S*H filming site were all available for the discerning eye.

However, my two days at Malibu Creek were yet another experience of how one day in Southern California can vary greatly from the next.

I jumped out of bed Friday morning, surprisingly ecstatic and ready for my pre-hike hike. When I arrived at Malibu Creek SP, clouds were scattered in the sky. A cool ocean filled breeze protected my skin from the heat of the sun. And, everything   serendipitously lined up so that I was able to get the $10 parking fee waved. It was beautiful and perfect.

I took photos of main signs along the road so that I would recognize the markers for the next day. I saw a bunny eating grass. It even patiently allowed me to photograph it. Perhaps curious about me, it even hopped along the path close behind me before crossing the trail. Lizards were a plenty. Armed with my map, given freely at the entrance kiosk, I was in adventuring bliss.

With the minor cloud covering, Century lake was beautiful. The lily pads and calm water reflected the surrounding mountains and sky beautifully.  Even the random yet clearly marked path to the two cars of the M*A*S*H set was great. The heat was so that I didn’t even touch my water bottle until the journey back to my car from the M*A*S*H site.

Based on Friday, I felt sure that everything on Saturday would be set. But, as this is Southern California, that was not the case.

The hike was scheduled to start at 10 am on Saturday morning. When everyone arrived, I realized that the tone of the sky and heat that I had experience on Friday morning had completely changed. The cloudless sky, impending heat and the energy of the group led me to realize this was going to be a very different kind of hike.

After the usual introductions, we were on our way. Almost immediately, the group organically separated into two groups: the Hiking Photographers and the Photographer Hikers. As I am a Photographer Hiker (one that Photographs first, hikes second) I immediately became a part of the second group. As I had told the group at the onset of the hike the hiking plan (Crag Road to Century Lake to the M*A*S*H site), I felt confident that everyone would be aware and knowledgeable of their surrounding and aware of their responsibility to their body. Specifically, if it’s July in Southern California, BRING WATER. There are absolutely no excuses to that rule. However, some people in the Hiking Photographer group weren’t prepared for how much water they would need. Likewise, because they were hiking so fast, they didn’t take enough time to rest in the shade.

There are certain things hike leaders can control during hikes. The summer heat and people not bringing enough water for themselves are not on the list. But, it was extremely interesting to see the group dynamics that went into play. Water from different group members was passed around freely for other water hungry members to partake in. On the return path back to the parking lot, I made sure to stop the group in the shade, remind people to drink water, and take a long sojourn at Century Lake again, for those in the front group that had walked by the turn off.

Regardless, some people will bitch and moan just for the sake of bitching and moaning. You can do whatever you can in the situation, and they will still bitch and moan. And frankly, that’s not my problem.  Plan for the heat and work with it, not against it. Granted, it might have been better to push the start time of the hike from 10 am to 8 am or 9 am. But, constantly bitching about how hot a place is will only make it hotter. Complaining that it should be earlier while your on the hike is fruitless, as the event’s time and location have been available for review for over three weeks. But, all was not lost on bitching and moaning…..

While at the return stop at Century Lake, Reina and I got into a conversation about food. The second she mentioned the Tuna Burger from Malibu Seafood Company, I was salivating at the mouth. As I’d carpooled with her to get to Malibu Creek SP, it was pretty much an easy hook that we’d be going. We, along with a fantastic group of other hike members sojourned at the Malibu Seafood Company, sitting over a patio and staring at the ocean. It was a blissful, cool (79 degrees, shockingly enough) end to an otherwise awesome (if not challenging due to the heat) hike with a great group of people.

Comments:

“Thanks Kimberly for showing us the MASH site, I always wanted to see it.” – Sondra

“Hiking with 4 hours of sleep prior is highly recommended, as long as it’s with this group. Side effects may include: forgetfulness, crazy antics and mild euphoria.” – Kenny

“My first time with this group. Everyone was friendly, and welcoming to new members. A fun hike, with views worthy of photography. High Points were the Century Lake dam, and water lilies, and the old M*A*S*H tv location, including a couple of rusted vehicles from the series. A reasonable hike for most people. Being out-of-shape and middle aged, a bit more than I am used to, and the summer weather made it a bit tougher.

Be sure to bring water (a mistake on my part). Clear paths, and mild grades for hiking. Roughly five miles total, in and out. I stopped to take pictures more than most, but the nature of the hike permitted a wide range of interests (some were more hikers than photographers, some were more photographers than hikers).

A good group, and I will be participating in future events. Summer heat is a factor for some locations, like this one, and should be taken into consideration.” – Tom

“Great hike, lots of sun and shade. M*A*S*H* area was fun to visit and the water areas cool and relaxing.” – September

“FUN HIKE!!! Great job Kimberly… met a lot of fun people; looking forward to next one!!” – John

“Good hike, good people — what more do you want? (OK, cooler would have been better.)” – Thomas

“It was a great hike — Kim always does such a kickass job of planning our events! My only thought is that it would have been a bit cooler to have started an hour or two earlier since it got pretty hot right away.” – Carla

“A very pretty hike, with lots of nice people.” – Lauraine

“This was a really well-organized event with a great group of people.” – Judy

Gallery:

Malibu Creek State Park Gallery

Information:

Malibu Creek State Park
1925 Las Virgenes Rd
Calabasas, CA 91302

Malibu Creek’s trails offer great hikes within the Santa Monica State Park system. There are a plethora of lizards, rabbits, flowing water, beautiful rock formations and oak trees to entice your shutter to snap.

When you enter the park, continue to the second parking lot, closest to the Backcountry Trails. We will meet at the seating area between the bathroom and information kiosk. There is plenty of parking, so do not worry about finding a spot.

From the meeting point, we will decent to Crags Road. After a turn and stop at Century Lake Dam, we will resume our route to the two rusty cars that make up the  M*A*S*H filming site. If the group is interested, we can continue to Regan Ranch before turning and heading back the way we came.

Distance:

4.6 miles round trip

Directions:

Ventura Fwy (101) to Las Virgenes Rd. South on Las Virgenes Rd. 3 miles to Mulholland Hwy intersection (traffic light). Park entrance is 0.25 miles south of the intersection on Las Virgenes Rd/Malibu Canyon Rd.

Or

From Pacific Cast Hwy, north on Malibu Canyon Rd to park entrance on left.

Or

Take Pacific Coast Highway north / west to Malibu Cyn Road and turn right past Pepperdine University. In the canyon, you’ll pass through a tunnel and go through one light (Piuma Road). Just before Mulholland Hwy, turn left into Malibu Creek State Park.

Parking:

Parking is $10 per vehicle inside the state park. Think of it as you doing your part in contributing to keep the State Park system open. There is parking along the street, on Mullhohand, where you can park and walk in.

Those that want to carpool from the SFValley, please meet at 9:00 am at Jerry’s Famous Deli at 21857 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills, Ca 91364 (off of Topanga Canyon Blvd). This is a meeting point with a wide variety of different breakfast options in the strip mall. From there, we will select drivers and riders and continue to the State Park. In your RSVP, please select if you are interested in this option.

Dogs:

As this is a State Park,  dogs are not allowed on the trails. However, they are allowed in the parking lot areas and in the campgrounds.

Additional Resources and Websites:

• MALIBU CREEK DOCENTS – MALIBU CREEK STATE PARK:
  http://www.malibucreekdocents.org/
  
• Malibu Creek – Rock Pool, Century Lake:
  http://www.localhikes.com/HikeData.asp?DispType=0&ActiveHike=0&GetHikesStateID=3&ID=4014

Fryman Canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains in the San Fernando Valley and Towsley Canyon in Santa Clarita Valley are two great spots for the local nature photographer.

I first visited Towsley Canyon in early spring of this year. The 6 mile hike with the puppy was a bit challenging. But, the recent rains and interesting landscapes made it all worthwhile. I did it again in March with the Hiking and Photography group. The results illustrate that beauty can be found throughout all apsects of nature – if you just look with a good photographer’s eye.

Fryman Canyon, accessed through Wilcare Park off of Laurel Canyon Blvd is another fun gem. Year round, hikers and photographers that want a great view of the San Fernando Valley descend onto the path.

The first 13 shots in the Fryman and Towsley Canyons gallery are from Fryman Canyon. The rest, as well as the Towsley Canyon gallery, are all from Towsley Canyon.

Gallery:

Fryman & Towsley Canyons February 2009	Towsley Canyon March 2009

Information:

Wilacre Park in Fryman Canyon
3431 Fryman Road, Studio City
http://www.lamountains.com/parks.asp?parkid=66

Ed Davis Park in Towsley Canyon
24255 The Old Road, Newhall
Phone: (661) 255-3606
http://www.lamountains.com/parks.asp?parkid=10

This gallery is from one of my first participated events with The Los Angeles Hiking and Photography meetup.

Even though I’m a Southern California native, I actually got lost trying to find Glendora! After two stops to ask for directions, getting lost due to bad directions, having to call an out of state friend with an  Internet connection for correct directions and then getting lost again – I finally found Glendora and the Wilderness Park.

After joining the group’s already scheduled route, it wasn’t long until I saw familiar faces. The group was returning to the parking lot, as the main trail to Big Dalton Canyon Trail was closed the public. Not discouraged, we ended up taking a baby trail that meandered alongside the main road. I was pleasantly surprised by the little waterfalls, bridges and special hidden places along the route.

Overall, I learned that adaptation is key in So Cal nature hikes. There is beauty in everything. You just have to cultivate an eye to capture it. The hike was great paced, slow and offered decent photography opportunities. I will try and return next year during early spring.

Gallery:

Information:

Big Dalton Canyon Campground
2041 Big Dalton Canyon Road
Glendora, CA 91741
http://www.glendora.ws/community_services/parks/parks.html

Eaton Canyon, in the San Gabriels, could be the easiest hike to get to. It’s right off of the 210 on Sierra Madre Blvd. Nice parking lot. Plenty of great picnic areas and even a little tadpole pond. It truly is a gem in  Los Angeles County.

However, there is something to be said about the weather here in California. I did the hike on Friday under a clear and sunny sky. That same sky became a drizzling overcast on Saturday morning.  But, that didn’t stop the group from having a great hike, exciting river crossings and Cheyenne Big Sur from being a very happy puppy.

Overall, I would say that experiencing Eaton Canyon trail for two days in a row under extremely different weather conditions was great. It showed me that there is beauty in every aspect of weather (unless it’s a downpour). Not canceling a hike due to minor sprinkling made me a better organizer.

The sprinkles were serendipitous. The Eaton Canyon trail warmed up our bodies to the point where the misty spritz was exactly what was needed on our faces. A few hikers had their cameras out during the whole hike. Others focused on just the hiking experience. The puppy just focused on having a good time and hamming it up for every one’s camera.

The high volume of graffiti tagging on rocks at the waterfall is utterly ridiculous. Yes, you read that right. There is graffiti tagging on 60% of the rocks and on a few trees along the trail. It’s rather stupefying. Who would hike over a mile to a waterfall, just to deface it? Some photos of it are in the gallery. Just a fair warning to anyone that expects a priceless gem to be without outside inference.

I also discovered a new guideline during this hike: Do not walk a long distance with your camera on your tripod. Something bad will always happen. John was the guinea pig for this new rule. While walking with his camera on his tripod, the head of the tripod (the part that connects the camera to the tripod) disconnected from the tripod. His camera immediately fell to the ground, breaking his 10 – 22mm wide angle lens in half. It was a disturbing,  flinch inducing sight. But, all was not lost. Later, I found out that he’s getting it fixed for less than half of it’s original price.

But regardless, it is a wonderful experience for a light refreshing and beautiful hike. Don’t be fooled by naysayers that say the waterfall is is dried up during the summer. The flora and fauna might have changed due to the season. But, the little stream is still alive and well along the trail beyond the bridge.

Comments:

“It was truly a great experience. From the river crossings to the waterfall and Cheyenne’s posing on the rock after the group photo – yet again a great group of people and a great location. Thanks to everyone that attended!“- Me

“Eaton Canyon has been one of my favorite places to hike, and I’m very glad that Kimberly organized this hike and took the group to this beautiful waterfall. Thank you very much! Hope we can do this again.” – Oki

“Nice experience! I got late……..found the group directly at the waterfall……but it was a great hike and a good place. Also nice people to interact with!” – Madhur

“Worth the drive. I will be back.“- Bob

“This was the easiest hike I’ve been on so far, but I still enjoyed it very much!” – Carla

“Good walk in the liquid sunshine!“- Ron

“Great hiking. More hiking than photography since it was drizzling and at times I had to focus more on my footing than looking at the scenery. Still, it was a great hike and I met some very nice people.“- Roxanne

“This was my first meet up hike. It was a lot of fun and would do it again. The people were friendly and the hike was great.” – Laura

“It was a very nice hike, cool weather was perfect for the area.” – Paloma

Gallery:

Eaton Canyon Photo Gallery

Information:

Waterfalls! San Gabriel Valley! Friendly to our Pasadena friends! This trail offers something for the moderate to even the most hardcore photographer / hiker. This hike is an estimated 3 miles ( from the Nature Center to the Falls), round trip with a 200 foot gain in elevation. This will include stream crossings, ending with a 40 ft waterfall.

Additional Notes:

I highly suggest bringing a hiking pole or obtaining a long stick.[/color] There are about five stream crossings with river rocks to mark your path. But, the rocks are slippery.

The first part of the hike (from the parking lot to the Flats sign) is relatively easy and flat with a few inclines. The second part of the hike (past the bridge), turns into rock scrambling, rock hopping and overall a lot of fun. Cheyenne the Wonder Puppy loved it, as did I. However, be warned nature lovers – there is a lot of graffiti defacing various rocks and trees – especially at the beautiful large waterfall at the end of the trail.

But, beyond it all, it will be a beautiful escape from the city and time to commune with nature and cameras.

Meeting Place:

Meet in front of the the Eaton Canyon Nature Center.

Dogs:

Leashed dogs are allowed. This is a pet friendly walk.

Directions:

From the 210, take the Sierra Madre Blvd / Altadena Dr exit and head north. The park’s entrance will be on your right in 1.7 miles.

Helpful Website and Books:

• Modern Hiker: http://www.modernhiker.com/2009/04/09/hiking-eaton-canyon/
• Dan Simpson: http://www.simpsoncity.com/hiking/eaton.html
• Eaton Canyon website: http://www.ecnca.org/
• Day Hikers Guide to Southern California by John McKinney (Olympus Press) Page 110

Ah! It’s fitting that my first official blog entry be about this delightful little secret in the  Santa Monica Mountains.

I first discovered Charmlee Wilderness Park from flipping through the pages of the book Southern California: A Day Hiker’s Guide by John McKinney. I was intrigued that there was another area of the Santa Monica Mountain range, waiting for me to explore.

Plus, as dogs are allowed, it was a golden opportunity that I couldn’t pass up.

My first trip was in May. Armed with the Wonder Puppy, Cheyenne Big Sur, I meandered around the trails, steered her away from lizards, photographed the ocean, birds and trees, and marveled at the jewel above Pacific Coast Highway.

After finding is so personally enjoyable, I decided to organize the location as an event for the LA Hiking and Photography group in June. So, on a crisp Saturday morning, myself and a few fellow group members took the roughly three mile round trip walk through groves of California coastal oaks, bushes of Yellow and Southern Red and Yellow Monkey Flowers, bees buzzing and horses with riders.

During my two times at Charmlee, I learned a few amusing tips and tricks regarding photography and life. I learned how to spot poison oak and poison ivy, how to properly photograph a landscape for a striking 180 degree panorama image and I got re-familiarized with shooting with aperture priority. Even with a 300mm lens, aperture priority still makes a difference relative to subject isolation /  bokeh.

As an added bonus, due to the previous semi rainy days in Southern Cal, the clouds were fluffy, white and held a beautiful shading of depth to them.

Overall, exploring Charmlee resulted in splendid photographic opportunities. Here are selected results.

Gallery:

Panorama of the Pacific Ocean and Malibu Coastline

May Photo Gallery	June Photo Gallery

Information:

A lovely wilderness park set in the Santa Monica Mountain range overlooking Malibu and the Pacific Ocean, Charmlee Wilderness Park is a hidden gem of varied landscapes. From open meadows, oak woodlands, lizards, rabbits and ocean views, you’re sure to find something to photograph and enjoy.

Directions:

Charmlee Wilderness Park (Main Entrance)
2500 Encinal Canyon Rd
Malibu, CA 90265

Google Maps: Main Entrance Point

My suggestion is to NOT use the GPS system on your photo (VZ Navigator or Google Maps) to find Charmlee. You will most likely get lost, as I and a fair amount of others did during their first visit. For some reason, Google Maps via computer is your best bet, as the route is slightly tricky.

Parking:

Parking at the trail head, when I visited May 1st and June 5th), was $4. However, I parked at the call box / gate at the entrance for free.  As parking is limited both at the trail head and in the free area, please be prepared for either option.

Dogs:

Leashed dogs are allowed.

Helpful Websites:

Modern Hiker: http://www.modernhiker.com/2009/04/04/hiking-charmlee-wilderness-park/
Local Hikes: http://www.localhikes.com/Hikes/CharmleePark_4472.asp
City of Malibu: http://www.ci.malibu.ca.us/index.cfm?fuseaction=DetailGroup&CID=3801&NavID=174