FAQ

AHS organized hikes are announced on AHS Facebook page. Please visit the AHS page often to learn about AHS upcoming activities and possible last minutes changes.

Yes, if the city/county code mandates it. Otherwise hikers are encouraged to wear a mask. At a minimum it is a mandatory for every hiker to carry a mask or a buff and use it when they are in 6 feet proximity of hikers outside of AHS group.

Yes. If you are interested to learn more about AHS, please let us know by reaching to us via contact us page.  Please indicate request for "information session" in the message line. 

Yes. The AHS use of the ASLA  facilities (for meetings, presentations, celebrations, etc.) necessities all AHS members to also have a membership in the ASLA (Armenian Society of Los Angeles) organization and pay the ASLA annual dues.

AHS understands your concern but rest assured we have a very welcoming program for new members. When you join AHS meeting for the first time, you will be introduced to AHS New Member Coordinator. After the meeting, the coordinator will explain details of AHS programs, which hikes are easy, and will introduce you to other hikers that are typically participating in the easy hikes. Alternatively, If you are moderate to experienced hiker, the coordinator will introduce you to hikers that are typically participating in the more difficult hikes. In no time, you will create new lasting friendships and will expand your hiking capabilities based on your own desired pace

AHS organizes hikes ranging from easy to very difficult. Hikes that are 1 to 2 miles in distance and elevation gain up to 1000 feet are considered easy (typically Friday evening hikes). Our most difficult hikes are up to 16 miles in distance and elevation gain of 6000 feet or more (Typically Sunday hikes that are full-day in duration). Most of our hikes fall in between these two classifications. Every AHS organized hike includes miles and elevation gain information as well as difficulty level. See sample of programs here.

Good question.. The comment we hear most often from our new members is that everyone is so helpful and hospitable. Besides being a very welcoming and friendly environment, some of our AHS members have over 40 years of hiking and climbing  experience which is very important as you embark on challenging hikes. Overall, the vast hiking and mountaineering experience, friendliness and availability of so many programs make AHS an ideal club to join and grow with. 

You would need a comfortable hiking boot, hiking poles, layered hiking clothing, day pack, etc. Our members typically consult and buy their equipment from local REI stores due to quality of the equipment as well as the expert advice and generous return policy.

Positive vibes…. A happy and positive hiker has a tremendous effect on the rest of the group. Hikes are sometimes unpredictable and lack the conveniences of everyday life. There may be issues with water, food, fatigue, lack of restrooms, uncooperative weather etc. A calm and positive outlook while being considerate and polite toward the rest of the hiking group is an asset that every hiker should strive for while working on resolving adverse situations.

Running, several of our members attend running events such as 10k Verdugo run, marathons and even ultra-marathons and trail running. Road cycling, we have members that enjoy long distance road cycling. Mountain biking, some of our members cycle the local mountains on a mountain bike too. Rock-climbing, members attend local climbing gyms and outdoor climbing programs. Mountaineering, we have experienced members that engage in climbing high peaks. Skiing, our members make few trips yearly to local ski resorts. 

Yes. In fact we had another trip planned for 2020 that was canceled due to Covid-19. AHS would plan a Ararat trip as long as there are at least 10-12 interested hikers. Training starts at least 4 months before departure which typically occurs in July or August. Training starts with basic hikes and quickly moves up to high peaks of Southern California such as Mt Baldy, Mt San Gorgonio and alike. Hiking experience is not required to start however willing to train hard for several months and a positive attitude to succeed is absolutely required.

Everyone at AHS has a different reason why they love to hike. Some like it as it reduces stress and it’s a great mental escape. Some hike for fitness and for getting in shape. Some hike as a competitive sport and can’t wait to hike up and down the mountain the fastest they can. Some love to get to a shady rest stop and set up their spread full of delicious food and enjoy with friends over hot tea or a celebratory drink. Some love to hike and engage in interesting conversations with other hikers.
AHS values all the reasons our hikers love to hike… Come join us and find out your own why….

Yes, our entire 2019 schedule is downloadable from here 

Bring the ten essentials, appropriate layered clothing and other gear recommended by hike leader. Discuss with hike leader ahead of time regarding the hike as every trail has its own unique characteristics and challenges. Check the weather the morning of the hike both for trail head and trail peak as weather changes very frequently. Utilize a hiking app or a navigation device and load the trail map in case as an emergency you need to navigate back to trail head yourself. Get your self familiarize with the trail by reviewing pictures of various points in the trail from hiking websites.

We recommend you should try all of your new gear and clothing on a neighborhood walk or on an easy hike first to get yourself familiar with them. You should never try anything new for the first time on a hike. 

Yes.

No. Usually for a large group we divide the group into sub groups based on each hiker’s pace (for example fast, moderate, slow) and team dynamic. It is important to note each group must have its own lead hiker and sweep hiker otherwise the group cannot be subdivided.  It is also important to discuss transportation logistics and carpooling ahead of the hike since often the first group finishes the hike much sooner than other group(s).

Pace setting and checking for group pace, checking for group hydration and ensuring water break, greeting oncoming trail traffic and alerting the group to move aside, navigation, getting the group ready after breaks and ensuring all are present.

Keeping an eye on pace, watching the group carefully for signs of developing injury, making sure no one drops gear on the trail, leaving all break sites last and double checking for stragglers and trash, double checking the navigation and make sure your group hasn’t missed something.

The role of hike leader is to assign lead and sweep hikers and overall be concerned about  safety and enjoyment of hikers from the time they leave their cars until they are back. Hikers nevertheless are still ultimately responsible for their own safety and participate at own risk (Signing release of liability is required).  Leader needs to know the trail well, know all hikers and their pace, aware of the surprises such as weather, trail condition, knows how to seek or call for emergencies, make difficult decisions of turning the team back, or encourage the team keep moving forward, etc. Hike leader although should solicit input from hikers, has the ultimate decision making authority for the hike.  The role of hike leader is most critical for beginner hikers, less critical for intermediate hikers and diminishes for advanced hikers assuming navigating the trail is not an issue.  It's definitely a selfless role where leader's enjoyment of the hike is the lowest priority. We have some of the best hike leaders and they are indeed the foundation of AHS.

Yes. Every year we have few trips planned nationally and internationally. Our previous trips included Mt. Ararat, Mt Elbrus., Mt. Kilimanjaro, Lenik Peak, Mt. Aconcagua, Mt. Damavand, Ecuador Mountains such as Chimborazo, Mt. Orizaba, many of the 14er mountains in California such Whitney and Shasta, and more.

The Role of Executive Board is defined in the AHS charter.

We discuss last week’s events, and if there was anything noteworthy to consider for future hikes. We discuss next week’s program in detail and upcoming events being planned for the next few weeks. Members may provide suggestions and ideas for past or future events. Financials is reviewed every quarter. These regular meetings are led by the 3 member Executive Team.

Yes, especially if you are out of area we understand that attending the meeting may be difficult, although the meetings are very helpful.  If you are not able to attend,  please keep in touch with the hike or event leader for the programs you are interested to attend. 

These are miscellaneous hikes and other outdoor activities that AHS member(s) may organize or be involved with, without AHS Board oversight. Participants may send summary of these programs and pictures to AHS for Facebook posting consideration. AHS Board has discretion on posting the pictures and facilitating a presentation depending on the uniqueness of the program and interest level to AHS members.

Facebook and Instagram are two  communication channels that are used often by AHS. We welcome and encourage AHS members to provide valuable comments on these post related to hiking and outdoor activities. Political or related controversial comments are not allowed.  Motivational and encouraging comments are always welcomed for our hard working volunteers, leaders and hikers.  Rules to follow is always to be considerate, polite and respectful to others.

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We recommend these peaks with elevation gain and miles for each hike:  

1. Echo Mountain 1400 ft., 5 miles

2. Tonga Peak, 1756 ft., 5.3 miles

3. Strawberry Peak, 1510 ft., 6.8 miles

4. Wildwood Canyon Trail, 1968 ft., 4.6 miles

5. Smith Mountain, 1800 ft., 7 miles

6. Jones Peak, 2275 ft., 6.6 miles

7. Mt Zion Loop, 2339 ft., 9.3 miles

8. Inspiration Point, 2860 ft., 11  miles

9. Mt Lukens, 3000 ft., 9 miles

10. Mt. Wilson, 5334 ft., 14 miles

11. Cucamonga Peak, 3939 ft., 12 miles

12. Mt Baldy, 3904 ft., 9.2 miles

13. San Gorgonio Peak, 5500 ft, 16 miles