Day Hikes & Social Events

Get to know us by coming to one of our free local hikes! They vary in difficulty level, so choose carefully.

Upcoming Events


Overnight Trips

Join us in one of our overnight trips! If you don't have all the camping equipment, we may be able to help you.


Upcoming Events

Upcoming events

    • Fri, November 22, 2024
    • Mon, December 02, 2024
    • Morocco!
    • 10
    Register


    LA – GeoTours Morocco

    Great Outdoors LA invites you to Morocco from Nov. 22 to Dec. 2, 2024. This trip is being organized and sponsored though GeoTours, which is an LGBTQ-friendly company that organizes regular tours to places all over the world at very reasonable prices compared to other tour companies. Although not sponsored by Great Outdoors, this is an exclusive GOLA invitation that will be led by our long-time GO member and hike leader Joe Holliday, along with GeoTours. Click here for the trip itinerary and details: https://www.geotours.us/tour/morocco-2024/. Registration closes May 1, 2024.

    Why Morrocco? Although it's a favorite destination for Europeans, many Americans feel unsafe traveling in Arab countries. However, Morocco is considered one of the safest Arab countries in which LGBTQ groups can travel, and it has some of the best scenery and tourism of any region in northern Africa. Therefore, we are inviting this group of travelers to a wonderful place where they may not feel comfortable going individually but can have an “opportunity to learn about life in a different country through immersion into the culture. Seeing something from the outside versus experiencing it from the inside provides two completely different insights into a way of life.” -- Gay Travel in Morocco: An Overview (journeybeyondtravel.com).


    Personal Considerations: While several LGBTQ groups visit Morocco every year with no problems, all participants will need to understand and acknowledge the following cultural note to ensure the group's safety:

    It’s important to note that in Morocco homosexual acts are illegal and punishable by prison. Even though this is not always enforced, it’s smart to use street sense and avoid public displays of affection, as this is culturally frowned upon for both opposite and same-sex couples. As in any country, we ask our travelers to respect local customs (hats off in mosques, no kissing in public, etc) and most people will not be hostile. Transgender travelers should be especially aware of potentially abusive behavior, particularly to transgender women, due a lack of education in the country and conservative Muslim values. Please review and consider the additional information provided prior to deciding whether to participate or not:

    Additional resources include:

    · https://queerintheworld.com/lgbt-rights-in-morocco/

    · Gay Morocco | LGBTQ+ Travel Guide, Morocco Gay Rights & Safety Tips (iglta.org)

    · LGBT Rights In Morocco: Everything You Should Know Before You Visit! (queerintheworld.com)

    · LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index: 203 Countries Ranked in 2023 (asherfergusson.com)

    We plan to donate to local LGBTQ groups in Morocco to help the country's progress toward more equality.

    This is the first of what we hope will be several trips around the world (Iceland, New Zealand, Peru, etc.).


    Itinerary:

    Friday 11/22/24 – Depart USA

    Depart USA or depart earlier to have more time in Morocco.

    Saturday 11/23/24 - Arrive Casablanca, Morocco

    Arrive in Casablanca, Morocco's largest city. One night in Casablanca at Idou Anfa Hotel (4*).

    Sunday 11/24/24 – Casablanca-Rabat-Chefchaouen

    Visit the old Kasbah of Rabat, Morocco’s capital city, and go inside the richly decorated mausoleum of King Mohammed V. Continue to Chefchaouen, one of the most beautiful small towns in Morocco. One night at Dar Ecchaouen (4*).

    Monday 11/25/24 – Chefchaouen-Volubilis-Fes

    Enjoy a morning walking tour in the old medina of Chefchaouen, with beautiful pastel-blue buildings. Visit Volubilis, the best-preserved Roman ruins in Morocco and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to Fes, the imperial capital for much of the last 1000 years. Two nights in Fes at Riad El Yacout (4*) or equivalent.

    Tuesday 11/26/24 – Fes

    Spend a full day in Fes, the most complete medieval city of the Arab world. Take a walking tour of the medina, the bustling old part of the city, with a chaotic and exhilarating mélange of artisan quarters: brass & copper craftsmen, wedding goods, carpenters, bakers, butchers, spice sellers. Soak in a fine panoramic view of the colorful vats of the leather tanneries. Night #2 in Fes.

    Wednesday 11/27/24 – Fes – Middle Atlas Mountains – Sahara

    Journey through the Middle Atlas Mountains to the Sahara, passing through cedar forests with Barbary Apes. Stop at Ziz Gorges, deeply eroded by water and with very colorful geology. Arrive in Merzouga, a small town on the edge of the Saharan sand dunes. One night in Merzouga at Riad Azawad (3*) with dinner included.

    Thursday 11/28/24 - Sahara Desert near Merzouga

    Spend the day experiencing the Sahara Desert: visit a village of the Gnaoua people, descendants of West African slaves. Ride a camel for an hour over the impressive sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. See the Saharan sunset over the dunes. Spend the night at Azawad Luxury Desert Camp, with dinner included, followed by Berber musical entertainment.

    Friday 11/29/24 - Merzouga – Ouarzazate

    Sunrise over the desert and then ride a camel (or walk) 3 miles over the dunes to Merzouga. Breakfast in Merzouga before continuing to Todra Gorge, a narrow canyon with walls towering 1000’ high. One night in Ouarzazate at Dar Chamaa (3*).

    Saturday 11/30/24 - Ouarzazate – Ait Benhaddou - Atlas Mtns - Marrakech

    Explore Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a wonderful kasbah with narrow, winding lanes. Drive over the High Atlas Mountains, across Tizi n’Tichka pass at 7400' altitude. Two nights in Marrakech at Riad Nesma (4*).

    Sunday 12/1/24 - Marrakech

    Tour Marrakech, one of the great medieval cities of the Islamic world. Djemaa el Fna, is the wonderful city square of Marrakech with great activity, entertainment, and food. Free afternoon for shopping or more sightseeing of Marrakech.

    Monday 12/2/24- Marrakech - USA

    Morocco tour ends, with a departure from Marrakech airport, or stay longer in Morocco on your own.


    Details:

    https://www.geotours.us/tour/morocco-2024

    Additional details will be discussed in an online forum and provide you with an opportunity to ask questions prior to the final cancellation deadline. We will also have an additional forum closer to the trip departure date.

    Tour Dates: Nov.22-Dec. 2, 2024 (actual tour: Nov.23-Dec.2)

    Land Only Tour Cost: $1890. Price based on a minimum of 12 paying participants. Otherwise, the price may increase or cancel the tour. Price is also based on sharing a room; single supplement is +$500 but single rooms are limited to approx. 5 or 6 on a first come basis. There will be 12 rooms total for the group. (Estimated additional cost of international flights to be arranged on your own: $1350. LAX-CMN; RAK-LAX)

    Cost Includes: Hotels, guide, bus, entries, breakfasts, 3 dinners, and tips

    Looking to Share a Room?: Will send the contact info to the members who wish to consider this option.

    Group Size: 12-20 G.O. members

    Tour Locations: Rabat, Chefchaouen, Volubillis, Fes, Sahara Desert (Merzouga), Ouarzazate, Atlas Mountains, Marrakech (see website for exact dates and route map)

    Walk/Hike limits: At least one hike up to 5 miles and one hike on sand dunes

    Weather: Inland California climate (high 65-75, low in 50s in November)

    Cancellation policy: see Geotours website

    Registration closes: May 1, 2024. Click here to register now:

    https://www.geotours.us/tour/morocco-2024/

    Please also register via the GOLA website (link at beginning of the email, or on website).  The trip leader needs to monitor how many travelers of each type have registered and will use this registration for various updates and communications. 

    GOLA Website Registration Types:

    • One Traveler - Wants a Roomie

    Registrants are responsible for finding their own roommate. GOLA will provide connections for those interested in sharing a room. 

    • One Traveler - Has a Roomie

    When registering type the first and last name of your roommate.

    • Solo Traveler - Does not want to room with anyone

    As noted elsewhere, solo travelers will pay an surcharge of approx. $500.

    Trip insurance: Highly Encouraged. See Details link above for more information

    Have additional questions: Reach out to GeoTours, Joe Holliday  or John Butta


Past events

Tue, March 26, 2024 LA - Short Notice! Tuesday 3/26 Full Moon Wine & Cheese Potluck Night Hike - Echo Mountain!
Sat, March 16, 2024 LA-Hike: Santa Monica Mountains Native Plant Restoration & Hike
Sun, February 25, 2024 LA - Just added! Hike Beaudry Loop in the Verdugo Mountains
Fri, February 23, 2024 CORP - Outdoors Experience - Hike Leader - Trip Leader - Event Mgmt. Training
Sat, February 03, 2024 LA - Social: Vincent Price Art Musuem & Lunch
Sun, January 28, 2024 LA-Hike: Winter in Palos Verdes along the Terranea Trail and Brunch/Lunch!
Sat, January 20, 2024 LA - Social: Camellia Tour @ Descanso Gardens
Sun, December 31, 2023 LA -Rose Parade Float *Viewing*
Thu, December 28, 2023 LA -Rose Parade Float Decorating
Sat, December 16, 2023 LA - OCLB - Palos Verdes Hike: Hills, Rocks, and Ocean Hike
Wed, December 13, 2023 CORP - Website Event Creating and Posting 12/13
Sat, November 18, 2023 LA - Hike: POSTPONED Tapia Park to Piuma Ridge Trail
Sun, November 12, 2023 LA - Long Beach Bike & Brunch: Ascend the New Bridge
Fri, November 03, 2023 CORP-ALL CHAPTER JAMBOREE - PALM SPRINGS PRIDE
Sat, October 14, 2023 LA-Hike: Cucamonga Peak hike
Sat, October 07, 2023 LA-Los Angeles River Bike Path Ride
Sat, September 23, 2023 LA-Hiking: 3 T's Trail
Sun, September 10, 2023 LA-Hike: Palos Verdes Summer Vacation Day Two: Hike, Beach, and Relax
Sat, August 26, 2023 LA - Boy George and Culture Club
Sat, August 12, 2023 LA - Hiking: South Fork Big Rock Creek
Sat, July 22, 2023 LA - Hike: Fish Canyon Narrows
Sun, July 09, 2023 LA-Hike: Palos Verdes Summer: Oceanfront Hike, Learn, and Relax
Fri, June 16, 2023 LA - 🌈 Dodgers Pride Night! - Deadline extended to 6/14 - Special price!
Sun, June 11, 2023 LA - Hike: This Sunday! Strawberry Spring and Meadows
Fri, June 02, 2023 CORP - Outdoors Experience - Canceled - Hike and Trip Leader Training
Sun, May 21, 2023 LA-Hike: Devil's Chair and Punchbowl
Sat, April 29, 2023 LA - Henninger Flats Hike and Picnic
Sun, March 12, 2023 LA - Mt Lowe Trail Camp - CANCELED
Sun, March 05, 2023 LA - Hiking: Switzer's Falls - CANCELLED
Sun, February 26, 2023 CORP - Website Event Creating and Posting 12/22
Sat, February 25, 2023 LA - The Nethercutt Collection - Sylmar
Sun, January 22, 2023 LA - Coastal Bike Ride: Long Beach to Seal Beach
Thu, December 22, 2022 CORP - Website Event Creating and Posting 12/22
Sun, December 18, 2022 LA - San Pedro: Tide pools, Sea Cliffs, History, and Aquarium
Sun, December 11, 2022 LA - Holiday Party
Sat, December 10, 2022 LA - Long Beach | Belmont | Naples Boat Parade and Decoration Walk
Sat, November 12, 2022 CORP - Outdoors Experience - Hike and Trip Leader Training
Sat, November 05, 2022 LA - Kayak/Paddleboard
Wed, November 02, 2022 CORP - Website Event Creating and Posting
Sat, October 29, 2022 OCLB - Long Beach Festival of Flight
Sat, October 15, 2022 CORP - Annual Conference and Election of Officers
Fri, October 14, 2022 OCLB/CORP - 44th Annual All Chapter Conference Registration
Sun, September 11, 2022 LA - Coastal Bike Ride: Long Beach
Sat, July 23, 2022 LA - Palos Verdes Summer Vacation Day: Hike, Beach, and Relax
Sat, May 21, 2022 LA - Palos Verdes Hike: Hills, Rocks, and Ocean Hike
Sat, April 16, 2022 LA - Eaton Canyon Hike
Sat, March 12, 2022 LA - Temescal Canyon Loop in the Santa Monica Mountains
Sun, February 27, 2022 LA - Beautiful Bear Canyon Hike in the San Gabriel Mountains
Sat, February 26, 2022 CORP - Outdoors Experience - Hike and Trip Leader Training
Sat, February 12, 2022 LA - Second Saturdays Hike: Sandstone Peak
Sat, January 08, 2022 LA - Bluff Cove and Lunada Bay hike in Palos Verdes
Sat, December 18, 2021 LA - Long Beach | Belmont | Naples Boat Parade and Decoration Walk
Sat, December 18, 2021 GO LA with OC/Long Beach Chapter present: The Belmont -Naples Boat Parade and Decoration Walk
Sat, December 18, 2021 LA - Abalone and Sacred Coves Palos Verdes Hike
Sun, December 12, 2021 LA - Holiday Party 2021 at DeSano Pizza Bakery!
Sun, November 21, 2021 LA - Bicycle Tour Shoreline Long Beach
Tue, November 16, 2021 LA - LA Chapter Monthly Meeting
Sun, November 07, 2021 LA - Hike: Windy Gap, Crystal Lake Recreation Area
Sat, October 23, 2021 LA - SOLD OUT! - Camp Mozumdar Historic Walking Tour and Lunch
Tue, October 19, 2021 LA - LA Chapter Monthly Meeting
Sun, October 17, 2021 LA - Palos Verdes Coastal Walk: Point Vicente to Terranea
Sat, October 16, 2021 CORP - Annual Conference and Election of Officers
Sun, September 26, 2021 LA - Palos Verdes Hike: Founders Park/Ocean Trails Reserve
Sat, September 18, 2021 LA - Malibu Hindu Temple
Sun, August 29, 2021 LA - Ballona Creek Bike Ride
Sat, August 28, 2021 LA - Lake Shrine Walk
Tue, August 24, 2021 LA - Monthly LA Chapter Planning Meeting
Thu, August 19, 2021 LA - Camping Trip Quaking Aspen, Sequoia National Forest Campout
Sun, August 08, 2021 LA - DISCOASIS Skate Night: Black Charmed's Bloom Ball!
Tue, August 03, 2021 LA - [POSTPONED]: Roller Skate Lesson & Skate Night at Moonlight Rollerway!
Sun, July 18, 2021 LA - Los Angeles River Bike Path Bike Ride
Thu, June 17, 2021 LA - Dogwood Campground (Lake Arrowhead)
Wed, May 26, 2021 CORP - OUTDOORS EXPERIENCE - HIKING SAFETY
Wed, April 07, 2021 CORP - Reopening Plan Review
Sat, March 27, 2021 CORP - Training - Trip Leader - Outdoors Experience
Wed, March 10, 2021 CORP - Training - Covid Protocols Event Leader
Tue, March 09, 2021 CORP - Outdoors Experience - Committee Meeting
Sat, January 30, 2021 CORP - Online Training - Outdoor Experiences
Tue, January 19, 2021 CORP - Outdoors Experience - Committee Meeting
Tue, November 24, 2020 LA - Thanksgiving-edition LA Monthly Core Meeting & Zoom Social
Thu, November 19, 2020 CORP - Outdoors Experience - Committee Meeting
Tue, October 27, 2020 LA - Halloween-edition LA Monthly Core Meeting & Zoom Social
Fri, August 21, 2020 CORP - Online Training - Outdoors Experience - Interest Survey
Fri, August 14, 2020 CORP - Outdoors Experience - Committee Meeting
Sat, July 11, 2020 LA - [CANCELED] GO Picnic and Social Hike at Chilao
Fri, July 10, 2020 CORP - Outdoors Experience - Committee Meeting
Sat, June 20, 2020 LA - Pasadena Architectural House Walking Tour
Tue, June 16, 2020 LA - Cancelled -Virtual Open Mic/Show & Tell Social!
Tue, May 05, 2020 LA - Virtual Cinco de Mayo Social!
Tue, March 31, 2020 LA - Virtual Happy Hour
Sat, March 21, 2020 LA - Cancelled - Condor Peak Hike
Sat, February 22, 2020 CORP - Outdoors Experience - Hike And Trip Leader Training
Sat, February 15, 2020 LA - Echo Mountain: Hike through History
Sat, February 08, 2020 LA - Oak and Fascination Springs Hike
Sun, February 02, 2020 LA - Kayaking and Birding in Beautiful Newport Back Bay
Sun, January 05, 2020 LA - New Year's Hike: Bear Canyon
Sun, December 08, 2019 LA - Holiday Party 2019 at DeSano Pizza Bakery!
Thu, November 28, 2019 LA - Ensenada, Mexico (Condo Or Hotel)
Sun, November 24, 2019 LA - Fish Canyon Hike
Sun, November 03, 2019 LA - Central Gabrielino Trail
Sat, October 19, 2019 LA - Blue Ridge to Baldy summit (via Pine Mountain) aka “The North Backbone”
Sun, September 29, 2019 LA - Huntington Brunch and Chapter Elections
Sat, September 21, 2019 LA - Scenic hike along Bluff Cove in Palos Verdes
Thu, August 15, 2019 LA - Rock Creek Canyon (near Mammoth)
Sat, August 03, 2019 LA - Chinatown Urban Walk & Wine Day
Sat, July 20, 2019 LA - Long Beach Beach Party 2019
Sat, July 13, 2019 LA - Big Rock Creek / Pleasant View Ridge Wilderness day hike
Thu, July 04, 2019 LA - Mount Hillyer Day Hike
Sat, June 29, 2019 LA - Big Gay Picnic + Victorian Urban Stair Hike
Sun, June 23, 2019 LA - Beginner Pride Bike Ride
Thu, June 20, 2019 LA - Core Group & Member Meeting *Canceled*
Thu, June 13, 2019 LA - Kern River Camping and Rafting
Thu, June 06, 2019 LA - Pride Pop-Up! Rocketman Movie Night + Happy Hour
Thu, May 23, 2019 LA - Core Group & Member Meeting
Wed, April 17, 2019 LA - Monthly Core Group and Member Meeting

Above is a just a partial list of past Great Outdoors LA events. The list continues with many events each year going way back to 1978!


If you have any questions for the LA Chapter, email us at: info-la@greatoutdoors.org


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