MNN - Mother Nature Network

Los Angeles has an almost overwhelming number of fun free events going on any given night, but only a select few are focused on getting Angelenos out of their cars and onto the streets and trails. If you missed Big Parade LA — and feel blue that your chance to take an urban hike en masse is over for this year — don't despair. Three fun, engaging city hikes are going to get everyone walking in downtown L.A. this summer.

 

Those hikes come courtesy of Los Angeles Urban Rangers, the green, public-space conscious group behind the popular Malibu Beach Safaris of years past. For 2011, Los Angeles Urban Rangers has gone inland to Downtown L.A., and will be leading city expeditions as part of the Museum of Contemporary Art's Engagement Party, a program that presents interactive works — or more accurately experiences — from Southern California-based artist collectives.

 

And just like Big Parade LA, these urban hikes are free! First up is the Bunker Hill Expedition, when "Participants will traverse corporate meadows, ascend to high-altitude easements, locate air rights, and trek through public-private monuments — all in search of L.A.’s elusive civic heart." That happens Thursday, July 7 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., starting at MOCA Grand Avenue in downtown L.A.

 

The next two events happen on the first Thursday of each month — with an L.A. River Ramble planned for Aug. 4 and the Critical Campout for Sept. 1. That last event requires a reservation if you want to camp out, so reserve your space now by emailing reservations@moca.org. See you on the hike!