If you’re a frequent reader of the blog, you probably know how much I enjoy the guided hikes coordinated by Ranger Ernie Ybarra.
You may also remember I mentioned that Ranger Ernie was slated to retire near the end of November, 2015, meaning his guided hike program would be coming to a conclusion after running for over a decade.
Well, as fate would have it, Ernie has postponed his retirement and is sticking around until at least the first quarter of 2017, which means we’ll get another full year of Ranger Ernie being an incredible ambassador for our city.
Ranger Ernie Ybarra greets a family while leading a hike to Dante’s View in Griffith Park. Credit: Brian Champlin / We Like L.A.
Ranger Ernie’s hikes provide an informative, fun and family-friendly outlet for exploring all that Griffith Park has to offer. Ernie educates you on the park’s history and natural composition while leading small groups on treks through a myriad of trails and points of interest, from Amir’s Garden to the Dante’s View to the Hollywood Sign.
Oh, and it’s 100% free and open to all!
In humble opinion, it’s truly one of the most valuable public resources that I’ve come across in my time exploring Los Angeles.
Check the schedule of hikes after the jump to see if there’s one you might like to join.
Taking a break while hiking with Ranger Ernie in Griffith Park. Credit: Brian Champlin
So far for 2016 a schedule of hikes through the first week of early April has been released (per Ranger Ernie’s Facebook page).
I have listed the current schedule below and will update with new dates once they’re announced.
Note that all hikes begin at 7:30 a.m. from the Griffith Park Ranger Station/Visitor Center 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, LA 90027; GPS coordinates: 34°07’58.0″N 118°16’49.2″W.
Unless otherwise noted, all hikes will end by 11:00am.
2016 Ranger Ernie Hikes
Sunday, January 3rd – 7-mile moderate hike to Skyline Trail
Ranger Station > Crystal Springs Dr.> North of Zoo > trailhead > Skyline trail >Mineral Wells (restroom break)> Shane’s Inspiration> Ranger Station. Note: Ernie will bring donuts!
Sunday, January 24th – 5-mile advanced hike to Beacon Trail
Ranger Station > trailhead > Upper Beacon Trail (note: very steep hills/very challenging) > 5 Points > Ranger Station
Sunday, February 7th -6-mile moderate hike to Rattlesnake Trail
Ranger Station > Live Steamers, > Rattlesnake trail > Mineral Wells restroom break > Ranger Station.
Sunday, February 21st – 3-mile moderate hike to Amir’s Garden
Ranger Station > Shane’s Inspiration > Mineral Wells Trail> trailhead that leads up to Amir’s — three hundred steps up > Mineral Wells> Ranger Station
Sunday, March 6th – 4-mile moderate hike to Bee Rock
Ranger Station > Old Zoo picnic area > trailhead > Bee Rock > Bill E. trail > Ranger Station.
Sunday, March 20th – 3-mile beginner hike to Fern Canyon Nature Trail w/nature talk
Ranger Station > Fern Canyon nature trail > Old Zoo area > Ranger Station. Note: this hike will end at 10 a.m.
Sunday, April 3rd, 2016 – 11.5-mile ADVANCED ONLY hike to Cahuenga Peak
Ranger Station > Mineral Wells> the steepest road in Griffith Park– Toyon > Rose Hill Trail > Prehistoric Fish Rock > the Saddle > Mt. Chapel Trail > Mt. Lee Road > Aileen Getty Ridge Trail > Cahuenga Peak — elevation 1820, the highest peak in Griffith Park >lunch break > Mt. Lee > Mt Chapel Trail > Water Tank 113> Bill E. Trail > Ranger Station.
Note: this hike will end at 2 p.m.; be sure to bring lunch.
Keep in mind all hikes will be cancelled in the event of rain on the specified date. If there is any doubt, please check the Ranger Ernie Facebook page on the day of the hike in question to see if there is any cancellation notice.
Be sure to wear hike appropriate clothing and footware, bring water and (possibly) a hat if you plan to join.
For questions and additional information you can email ernie.ybarra@lacity.org or call 323.644.6661.
Article originally posted by We Like LA
