Although more known for the glitz of Hollywood and the fantasy world of Disneyland, the Los Angeles area abounds in opportunities for fans of the great outdoors. The LA basin is bounded on one side by over 100 miles of coastline and on the other by several chains of mountains. On a winter day you can go for a sunny walk at the beach in the morning and be on the ski slopes by noon.
If you want to see more of Southern California than the bright lights and big city, the
Outdoors Club is a good way to meet locals planning outdoor adventures in the area. Without getting too far from your hotel, you can hike through the Hollywood hills to the Hollywood sign, bike the beach path in Santa Monica or find numerous other ways to enjoy the great Southern California weather.
What is the Outdoors Club?
The
Outdoors Club is a web-based organization started in Southern California to help outdoor enthusiasts find like-minded people to participate in outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, beach volleyball, surfing or kayaking. The Club has thousands of members in the LA metro area and has spread to other parts of the country.
How does the Outdoors Club Work?
The way
Outdoors Club works is that any member can get an idea for an activity they want to do and post it to the online calendar, basically saying "I'm going hiking Saturday, who wants to come?" Most activities are in the mountains of LA, Orange and San Bernardino counties or at nearby beaches. Some members also post local festivals, museum excursions, bowling, dancing, karaoke or poker night. There are also weekend camping trips and longer excursions away from Southern California.
Do Activity Leaders Have Special Training?
Outing leaders are not required to have any special training, so you
join an activity at your own risk. Many people posting activities have extensive outdoor leadership experience including first aid and wilderness survival; others have no experience at all. You can look at the profile of the leader to see what other trips they've led. Trips are rated as
beginner, intermediate or advanced. You can usually email the trip leader if you have questions.
Is this a Singles Club or can Families Join?
There are plenty of single people from college age to senior citizens involved in the
Outdoors Club, but there are also couples, families with kids and married individuals whose spouses have other interests. Some leaders mentions whether an activity is open to kids and pets or for adults only, but most don't specify. If you're not sure, contact the person who posted the outing.
How Much Does it Cost to Join OutdoorsClub.org?
Outdoors Club is ideal for visitors to the LA area because you can go on
three outings for free before the
$25 per year membership fee kicks in. There may be a cost to the activity itself depending what it is. Even if it is a free hike, there may be a parking fee, or Forest Service fee involved.
Do I Need a Car to Go On Outdoors Club Trips?
If you do not have a car, your selection of activities may be more limited. You can usually use
public transportation to reach most beach and city destinations. Bikes are available to rent at many locations near the beach and in the city. Carpooling is usually encouraged to most hiking locations, so you may be able to get a ride with someone from the part of town where you are staying. If you want to participate in a trip, but you need a ride, you can make a note in the comment section when you sign up that you need a ride from a particular hotel or hostel, but there is no guarantee you will find a ride.
How Do I Join Outdoors Club?
You need internet access and a valid email address to join
OutdoorsClub.org and sign up for events. Use an LA area zip code (like 90028 for Hollywood or the famous 90210 for Beverly Hills) to find activities in Southern California.
Are There Rules or Guidelines to Follow?
The
Outdoors Club operates on the honor system. If you sign up for a trip and can't make it, you are expected to go online and take yourself off the list, even if it's the same day. If the trip leader posts a cell phone number, call and let them know that you can't make it at the last minute so they are not waiting for you. Most organizers allow a maximum of 15 minutes from the appointed time for everyone to gather at the assigned meeting point. People who flake out regularly on events they sign up for develop a reputation among trip leaders and may not be welcome on future trips.
Can I Post an Outdoors Club Activity as a Tourist and New Member?
Yes. If you want to find people to join you for a walking tour from Chinatown to Olvera Street in Downtown LA, you can post the event and see if anyone is interested in joining you. It is best to make it clear that you have not been there before and will be using a walking tour map so that no one expects you to know what you're doing. Also, if there is a trail you've heard of or activity you want to try, but would like to find someone who has done it before to go along, say that in your post.
Outdoors Club members are usually friendly and helpful. You can always cancel the trip if no one signs up. Alternately, if you would like to find someone else to lead a particular trip on the weekend you will be in town, you can post a message on the message board or contact someone who has lead that trip in the past.
Is the Outdoors Club Only in Southern California?
No. The
Outdoors Club has expanded to Northern California and other parts of the United States. Check the website at
Outdoorsclub.org to find or start a branch near you.
