Ready? Set? Hike!

So you want to start hiking or backpacking this year, but don't know how to get started. Follow us, we know the way.

The Angeles Chapter operates the Sierra Club's largest outings program in the country. That means you'll hike with volunteers who have completed rigorous leadership and safety training. You can pick from thousands of outings every year in Southern California and beyond, from beginner and conditioning hikes to backpacking and peak-bagging journeys. 

The best way to get started is to go! Check the Chapter's online Schedule of Activities (angsc.org/activities) to find a hike suitable for you. Contact the leader beforehand, ask questions, meet at the trailhead and be ready to hike. 

Here are seven things to consider on your journey from beginner to gonzo trail lover.

1. Gauge your fitness level. For the perfect first hike, decide whether you belong on a beginner's beach walk or a harder uphill hike in Griffith Park or the Angeles National Forest. Absolute beginners shouldn't pick a hike farther than 3 to 5 miles; fit beginners can increase that to 5 to 8 miles.

2. Wear the right gear. Newbies don't need to spend a lot of money on clothing and boots, but you do need key items to get you started. Sturdy footwear, like lightweight hiking boots or trail shoes, plus a day pack, water bottles, snacks, sunscreen, a hat and layered clothing (depending on weather) are a must. As you progress to harder hikes, you'll be adding more items to your backpack. (Check out the 10 Essentials you should always carry in your pack at angsc.org/10essentials).

3. Pace yourself. As you sample different Chapter hikes, you'll find a pace that suits you. Watch your footing, keep up with the group, make friends with and learn from more experienced hikers, and enjoy your time in the outdoors. You'll thrill to the new places we'll take you in L.A.'s wild backyard.

4. Stick with it. If a hike is hard, come back until it becomes easier. If a hike is easy, pick a harder hike. Chapter volunteers lead conditioning hikes in Griffith Park, Signal Hill, the Palos Verdes Peninsula and other parts of Southern California. These are hikes designed to keep you in shape for your next big hike and help you maintain a level of fitness. They are held once or twice a week, and offer different paces. 

5. Kick it up a notch. Once you're comfortable on day hikes and want more of a challenge, enroll in the Chapter's Wilderness Travel Course. You'll learn how to be safe while enjoying the outdoors. Navigation, gear tips, basic first aid, rock moves, snow camp and more are part of the annual course that starts each January. Go to www.wildernesstravelcourse.org for more info.

6. Read up. There are plenty of hiking books, guides, maps and personal essays (start with the writings of Sierra Club founder John Muir) that will give context to what you see when you're in nature and inspire you to go farther. And bone up on Leave No Trace principles that allow everyone to explore but also protect the planet.

7. Give back. Once you learn the ropes, share with others. The Chapter's Leadership Training Course teaches you how to become an outings leader and safely take groups out and show them places you love. Leaders, all of whom must be Sierra Club members, are rated at different activity levels (O is the basic rating to lead on-trail hikes). Leadership Training plus first aid/CPR training and a provisional hike will qualify you to become a leader and follow in the footsteps of John Muir.

How do you get involved?

The most up-to-date source for Angeles Chapter hikes, backpacking trips, outings and activities is found online at angsc.org/activities. Still have questions as to where you fit in? Contact the Chapter's Outings Liaison Jane Simpson on email at outdoorJSimpson@gmail.com.