PCT North from Hwy 74 It's cooler, it's greener, and it's moderate. Join us for a 4 mile hike with a 577 foot elevation gain on the Pacific Crest Trail north from Hwy 74. It's a good trail with scenic views. Optional stop after the hike at Paradise Valley Cafe for a cold drink or food on their patio. Meet at 6:15 AM for prompt 6:30 AM departure at Denny’s in Cathedral City (69050 CA-111, Cathedral City, CA 92234). Map Click Here
Bring Ten Essentials (click here), water (2 to 3 liters recommended), lunch and trail snacks. Sun protection and layered clothing are recommended. Carry Emergency Contact Information (ICE). Sturdy hiking footwear with good tread and adequate drinking water are required. Hiking poles may be helpful.
Contact hike leader: John R. Email Click Here
Carpooling is encouraged and may be available if offered by driver. You are responsible for arranging you own transportation or ride share. Arrive a few minutes early for briefing and carpooling. Departure is at 6:30 AM. Distance to trailhead is 29 miles, directions Click Here
Weather Policy: Inclement weather cancels
Health Problems/allergies: Advise hike leader of any medical or other issues that may affect your ability to complete this hike.
The Great Wall of Los Angeles
Date: June 13, 2026
Time: Mural 9:00 AM-11:00 AM
Lunch: 11:15 AM -12:30 PM Aroma Coffee and Tea, or possibly another nearby restaurant.
After lunch, if the group would like, we could take a short walk to the 1970's sitcom "Brady Bunch House"
Meeting Location: Valley Glen Community Park
6150 Atoll Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91436 · Los Angeles, CA
Free parking on the streets surrounding the park.
(It’s a small park so you are sure to see us. From the park we will take a short walk to the mural.)
"Save a tree" and some gas by taking public transportation or carpooling:
LA Metro Trip Planner
Carpool Link
Difficulty: Slow paced easy walk, lots of stops, less than 2 miles total
Bring: Water, sun protection, comfortable walking shoes.
The Great Wall of Los Angeles is a cultural landmark. It spans over a half mile, making it one of the largest murals in the world. UCLA artistic director Judith Baca employed over 400 students of various ages and backgrounds. Judy’s goal was to paint the history of Los Angels, "but not the one they teach in history books.” She collaborated with artists, historians, ethnologists, scholars as well as countless community members. Judy spent months each year interviewing community members to get their personal history and perspectives of events that were sometimes told to them from parents and/or grandparents. In the summer months from 1974 to 1983 they painted the cement walls of the Tujunga Wash, a tributary to the Los Angeles River. The mural begins in prehistoric times and continues to the 1984 Olympics. Sections depict the early gay and lesbian rights groups, events and notable personalities in the queer community. The mural is not finished with plans for another half mile. It's difficult to describe the breadth of the Great Wall, so let see it for ourselves.
Many large pine trees provide shade in the adjacent linear park. We will take our time to appreciate the artistry of the works, learn and share our thoughts. Don’t rush!
After the walk we will go for lunch at Aroma Coffee and Tea
4360 Tujunga Ave., Studio City, CA 91604, or possibly another nearby restaurant.
Click here for more information: Great Wall Institute
Questions, click here: Russell Hammerl
Great Outdoors
OC/LB
presents
Troll Trek!
Grab your walking stick and join us for a Troll Trek – a whimsical and wonderful walking tour!
12 of Thomas Dambo’s Trolls
Are Here to Study Us Humans!
Prepare for a GIANT dose of wonder!
Thomas Dambo’s TROLLS: A Field Study, a whimsical expedition featuring 12 large Trolls crafted entirely from reclaimed wood. These gentle, globe-trotting giants have ventured to our corner of the world on an important mission: to observe humankind’s delightful quirks—what makes you wonderfully, uniquely you?
Their visit to the Garden will transform our 87 acres into a playful, storybook landscape, where guests can wander beside these charismatic creatures and discover them tucked into immersive locations across the grounds. Step into their world, see the Garden through their curious eyes, and let the Trolls add you to their ongoing study of humanity!
Adults: $18
Seniors (62+): $14
Purchase tickets through South Coast Botanic Gardens
Here is the link to purchase tickets:
https://46664a.blackbaudhosting.com/46664a/Daily-Admission---Timed-13Jun2026-6
26300 Crenshaw Boulevard Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
The South Coast Botanic Garden, “The Jewel of the Peninsula”, is located 10 miles south of the Los Angeles Airport in California on the beautiful Palos Verdes Peninsula. Conveniently accessible to many South Bay communities, this 87-acre Botanic Garden has more than 2,500 different species of plants from as far away as Australia, the Mediterranean, and southern Africa.
The Garden is situated in Sunset’s Zone 23, one of the most favored growing areas in the world. About 100 trees and shrubs are rare mature specimens, infrequently seen elsewhere. The wide variety of plant life provides food and shelter to an abundant wildlife and bird population, and over 200 species of birds are sighted annually.
Popular features include The Dorothy and John Bohannon Rose Garden, Living Wall, Dorothy and Allen Lay Staghorn Fern Collection, Garden for the Senses, Desert Garden, Fuchsia Garden, and Japanese Garden. As well as Dottie’s, the Garden’s concession station, and the picnic area near the Living Wall. Upper Meadow, Lower Meadow and Frances Young Auditorium are available for events.
Free parking is available.
Thomas Dambo pictured above.
Accessibility Notes:
Troll Treks venture into some of the Garden’s more remote and rugged areas, with uneven terrain, narrow paths and slopes—so guests should be comfortable walking and standing for the duration of the experience.
Experience Instructions:
Please arrive up to 30 minutes before the time on your ticket, as late arrivals cannot be accommodated. Your ticket time is when you will join the Troll Trek. Purchase your tickets for 10:30 but arrive at 10:00 so as not to be late!
Cancellation Policy:
Due to the limited availability and run of the Troll Trek experience, tickets are non-refundable.
To provide the highest quality service, South Coast Botanic Garden saves information related to your ticket purchase. South Coast Botanic Garden will never keep any credit card information.
Event Leader - Lance
Lance can be reached at:
[email protected]
Description: Round Valley Loop Trail and Shangri-La
We will traverse the High and Low trails without entering Round Valley. Near the end of the hike we will go off-trail and enter Shangri-La where we will make our way over and around boulders and fallen trees to a panoramic view of the Coachella Valley where we will sit on scenic boulders and eat our lunch/snacks. Please do not sign up for this hike if you don't intend to go the full distance.
Tram Ticket Cost: $33.95 - $36.95. To pre-purchase your ticket and for more information on the Tram click here. If purchasing your ticket online in advance and the 10:00 a.m. time is sold out, do not purchase a later time. Tickets will usually be available for in-person purchase when you arrive at the station. Summer and Annual Passes are also available. $15 parking fee waived for pass holders and local residents. Parking information located here.
What to Bring: Ten Essentials, water (1 to 2 liters recommended), lunch/ snacks, sun protection, layered clothing; hiking poles may be helpful. Carry emergency contact information.
Hiking Requirements: You will need to be in good physical condition for this hike. Click here for more information. When you sign up for a hike, the hike leader may ask about your experience and stamina. This is for your safety and that of the group. Your understanding and cooperation is appreciated.
Contact hike leader: Kirk O. click here
Cancellation: If you cannot make a hike for which you have registered please cancel as others may be on the waitlist. You may cancel directly from your profile settings or notify the hike leader.
Weather Policy: Inclement weather cancels.
Unless otherwise noted, registration for this event is limited to Great Outdoors members. To sign up as a member, click here
Health Problems/allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the hike leader that may affect your ability to complete this hike.
© 1981 - 2026 CALIFORNIA GREAT OUTDOORS, INC., a 501(c)7 not-for-profit, all-volunteer LGBTQA+ organization dedicated to the enjoyment of the outdoors. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy
Let's park and gather in front of this building.
Date: Sunday, June 21, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM (Dinner to follow)
Location: Solstice Canyon, Malibu, CA
Distance: ~3.3 miles
Elevation Gain: ~1,000 feet
Difficulty: Moderate with breaks
Trip Leader, click here: Russell Hammerl
Join a beautiful late-afternoon hike in Malibu to celebrate the summer solstice! We will beat the midday heat by starting at 4:00 PM, enjoying the canyon shade, ocean breezes, and Golden Hour views of the Pacific.
Our ~3-mile route will explore the rich history and diverse scenery of Solstice Canyon. We will start on the paved Solstice Canyon Trail, taking a gentle stroll alongside a shaded riparian creek under the canopy of live oaks and sycamores. Along the way, we will pass the historic stone ruins of the Keller House (built over a century ago) and continue to the Tropical Terrace ruins—the footprints of a mid-century mansion designed by renowned architect Paul Revere Williams, complete with a multi-tiered perennial waterfall.
We will return via the scenic Rising Sun Trail back down to the trailhead just as the sun begins its low dip toward the horizon. This is the longest day light hours of the year so we will be finished and at the restaurant before the sunsets.
Ruins of Tropical Terrace. The waterfall is behind the house
Footwear: Sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good traction for dirt and rocky single-track paths and perhaps hiking poles.
Water: At least 2 liters of water. Even though we are starting late and most of the trail is heavily shaped, parts of the upper ridge are exposed.
Sun Protection: Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
Layers: A light jacket or windbreaker (Malibu canyons can cool down quickly as the sun goes down)
Money: for post-hike dinner, prices are reasonable.
After working up an appetite, we will drive just a couple of miles on the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu Seafood. It’s very casual, a local staple, with outdoor picnic tables overlooking the ocean. They serve incredible fish and chips, clam chowder, grilled seafood, and more. It’s the perfect way to cap off a fantastic day outdoors with old and new friends! (Please note: Dinner is optional, and members are responsible for their own meal costs).
Address: Intersection of Corral Canyon Rd & Solstice Canyon Rd, Malibu, CA 90265.
Click here: Google Map, Solstice Canyon
From the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), turn inland onto Corral Canyon Road. Drive less than 0.25 miles and turn left into the park entrance continue all the way and park in the last lot. There shouldn't be problems parking this late in the afternoon but if there is go back to Corral Canyon Rd., park and walk to the end parking area .
Parking Note: The main parking lot is small and fills up fast, but since we have a later start, some spaces may open up. If you park along Corral Canyon Road, make sure your tires are completely outside the white road lines, or you will be subject to ticketing/towing.
"Save a tree" and some gas by carpooling. We have a special link for those that would like to ride together: Carpool
or take public transportation: LA Metro Trip Planner
Cancellation Policy: In the event of extreme weather, high fire danger, or park closures, the hike will be postponed, and an email will be sent to all registered participants.
There are still lots of wildflowers to be seen
The Orange County/Long Beach Chapter of Great Outdoors presents:
OCLB - Downtown Long Beach Building Art Walk at the WPA Mural at 185 E. 3rd Street
Sunday, June 28, 2026 starting at 10:00 AM
Contact: Frederick Brown E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 562-754-1838
Bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses and a liter of water.
(This writeup was adapted from GPSmyCity.com)
Downtown Long Beach at the Promenade and 3rd Street.
Route conditions: Flat
Difficulty: 1 on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the hardest
Distance: 1-2 miles
Dog friendly: Yes
Costs/Parking: 51 E. 3rd Street, just past the meet up point. at 131 E. 3rd Street. Hourly 2h Free, 3h $3.50, 4h $5, 5h $8,6h $11, 24h $12. Click here for map.
OK, Let's Get Started
Long Beach's creative side can come from more unusual places, like its... walls. Think of it as one giant, sun-soaked art book you can walk through-except instead of turning pages, you’re sliding into more secluded alleyways.
The granddaddy among the murals has the priority: the Long Beach Municipal Auditorium Mural, a 1938 ceramic wonder now hanging out at Harvey Milk Promenade Park. It’s a tiled time capsule of beach life, harbor hustle, and good old-fashioned community vibes, all rendered in vivid color that refuses to fade into history.
Once the murals get younger, things get a little louder-enter The American Way by Tristan Eaton. It’s a pop-art punch in the face, layering patriotism with critique, and icons with irony. Based on a 1937 photograph, it shouts, questions, and side-eyes the American dream, all in Eaton’s trademark comic-book-meets-spray-paint style.
Feeling overwhelmed? Bumblebeelovesyou’s Deuces dials it back. It’s a scene that feels like a lazy Sunday: a kid, a dog, a skateboard, and a gentle reminder to slow your roll.
Then Felipe Pantone does the exact opposite-his mural looks like it crash-landed from the future. With neon gradients, optical tricks, and digital static, it’s part glitch, part rave, and all mesmerizing.
Behind Hotel Royal, Dave Van Patten lets loose with his quirky cast of walruses in ties and three-headed thinkers. It’s surreal, weirdly lovable, and feels like the pages of a comic strip came to life after a strong cup of coffee.
And for something with depth and drama, Dragon76 brings bold brushstrokes and fantasy flair straight from the Long Beach Walls festival-his mural dances between realism and dreamscape, all grounded in stories of strength and identity.
This will mark the end of the official walk. But there are many, many more murals in downtown Long Beach for those who would like to explore further.
Trip Leader: Frederick Brown. Email: [email protected]. Phone: 562-754-1838
Great Outdoors - San Diego Urban Hike
Celebrating America’s Freedom, Celebrating San Diego’s beauty
Spruce Suspension Bridge to Waterfront Park
BEAUTIFUL SAN DIEGO! Let’s explore it together!
DATE: July 4, 2026
TIME: 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM
MEETING LOCATION: Corner of Spruce and Brant Streets. (ample free parking)
DISTANCE: 3.5 MILES ROUND TRIP
DIFFICULTY: EASY
HIKE LEADER: Bill Stanhope 619-306-2378
On the 250th anniversary of our nation let’s celebrate together by exploring the beauty of San Diego, our beloved city. This hike begins at the corner of Brant and Spruce Streets, will cross over the historic 110-year-old Spruce Street Pedestrian Bridge, hike along the scenic Maple Canyon Trail, pass by one of the filming locations of the movie Top Gun, walk through vibrant Little Italy and its farmers’ market, stroll through Waterfront Park in front of the San Diego County Administration Building, and finally return to our starting location at the corner of Spruce and Brant streets.
Note: Currently there has been word that on July 4 there may be a NO KINGS demonstration and march at 10:00am at Waterfront Park. Our Great Outdoors hikes always begin and end at the same location, so after reaching Waterfront Park we will continue back to the Brant side of the Spruce Street Bridge where the hike will end. Please plan accordingly for traffic pending the confirmation of the potential NO KINGS protest.
