Discover the Magic of Early Morning Adventures with the 5 AM Crew
Discover the Magic of Early Morning Adventures with the 5 AM Crew
The 5 AM Crew is a vibrant community of early risers who share a passion for hiking and exploring nature. Founded by outdoor enthusiasts, our group meets at the crack of dawn to conquer trails and witness breathtaking sunrises. With us, you'll find a welcoming and supportive community. Our hikes, which last about three hours, are designed for intermediate hikers. While we start off as strangers, we always end the hike as friends or at least acquaintances. The purpose of our hikes is to foster connection and build meaningful relationships while enjoying the beauty of nature.
The 5 AM Crew is a vibrant community of early risers who share a passion for hiking and exploring nature. Founded by outdoor enthusiasts, our group meets at the crack of dawn to conquer trails and witness breathtaking sunrises. With us, you'll find a welcoming and supportive community. Our hikes, which last about three hours, are designed for intermediate hikers. While we start off as strangers, we always end the hike as friends or at least acquaintances. The purpose of our hikes is to foster connection and build meaningful relationships while enjoying the beauty of nature.
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The 5 am crew Manifesto
1. Community and Connection:
The 5 am Crew is about building a community of like-minded individuals who support and motivate each other. It's a place for making connections that go beyond the trails.
2. Consistency and Commitment:
Commitment to showing up consistently is valued, whether it's for physical health, mental clarity, or preparing for larger challenges. The group hikes three times a week, providing a steady routine for members.
3. Respect and Safety:
Safety and respect are paramount.The hikes are structured to ensure that everyone can participate comfortably and safely. This includes starting on time, sticking together, and ensuring everyone is equipped properly with the necessary gear.
4. Collaboration and Support: The 5 AM Crew believes in the power of collaboration. While our hikes are designed for those with prior hiking experience or the ability to handle steep inclines, we frequently collaborate with other hiking groups and support each other in various outdoor endeavors. We strive to create a supportive environment where experienced hikers feel challenged and motivated.
5. Personal Accountability:
While the group provides support, individuals are encouraged to take personal responsibility for their safety and preparedness on the hikes.
6. Enjoyment and Preservation of Nature:
Members are encouraged to enjoy and respect the natural surroundings, promoting an appreciation for the environment and advocating for its preservation.
1. Community and Connection: The 5 am Crew is about building a community of like-minded individuals who support and motivate each other. It's a place for making connections that go beyond the trails.
2. Consistency and Commitment: Commitment to showing up consistently is valued, whether it's for physical health, mental clarity, or preparing for larger challenges. The group hikes three times a week, providing a steady routine for members.
3. Respect and Safety: Safety and respect are paramount.The hikes are structured to ensure that everyone can participate comfortably and safely. This includes starting on time, sticking together, and ensuring everyone is equipped properly with the necessary gear.
4. Collaboration and Support: The 5 AM Crew believes in the power of collaboration. While our hikes are designed for those with prior hiking experience or the ability to handle steep inclines, we frequently collaborate with other hiking groups and support each other in various outdoor endeavors. We strive to create a supportive environment where experienced hikers feel challenged and motivated.
5. Personal Accountability: While the group provides support, individuals are encouraged to take personal responsibility for their safety and preparedness on the hikes.
6. Enjoyment and Preservation of Nature: Members are encouraged to enjoy and respect the natural surroundings, promoting an appreciation for the environment and advocating for its preservation.
Hike with US
WHERE: GRIFFITH PARK MERRY GO ROUND PARKING LOT #1 COPY & PASTE THESE COORDINATES: 34.131628, -118.283084
WHERE: GRIFFITH PARK MERRY GO ROUND PARKING LOT #1 COPY & PASTE THESE COORDINATES: 34.131628, -118.283084
TIME: WE MEET AT 5AM HIKE STARTS AT 5:15AM SHARP WE'RE BACK DOWN BY 8AM
TIME: WE MEET AT 5AM HIKE STARTS AT 5:15AM SHARP WE'RE BACK DOWN BY 8AM
WHEN: TUESDAYS, THURSDAYS, AND SATURDAYS
WHEN: TUESDAYS, THURSDAYS, AND SATURDAYS
DISTANCE: THE HIKE IS 6 MILES ROUND TRIP WITH 3 MILES INCLINE
DISTANCE: THE HIKE IS 6 MILES ROUND TRIP WITH 3 MILES INCLINE
We hike every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at Griffith Park we do the Hogback Trail to Mount Hollywood Summit. Once a month we do a harder or different trail on a Saturday please make sure to check out calendar page for the latest information. We also make updates on Instagram and our newsletter so make sure to sign up.
Here's What You Need:
WATER
Water (2 liters minimum): Stay hydrated to maintain energy and avoid lethargy or collapsing. The hike is three hours with inclines, and dehydration can lead to severe fatigue.
SNACKS
Keep your energy up and prevent low blood sugar. A small snack can make a big difference in maintaining your stamina. We recommend trail mix, candy, or protein bars.
PROPER HIKING SHOES
Essential for grip and stability. Avoid tennis shoes; opt for shoes with grippy soles to prevent slipping and potential injuries.
MEDICATION if necessary
Bring any required medications, such as inhalers for asthma or EpiPens for allergic reactions, to ensure your safety throughout the hike.
FLASHLIGHT
Necessary for the early morning darkness to see your path and avoid obstacles. It also helps to keep an eye our for animals like small scorpions or snakes.
REQUIRED SUPPLIES
These items are essential for ensuring safety and enjoyment during our hikes. Water is crucial for staying hydrated over the three-hour hike, especially with the challenging inclines. Dehydration can lead to fatigue and even collapse, so it’s vital to drink regularly. Snacks help maintain energy levels and prevent low blood sugar, which can cause dizziness and weakness. Proper hiking shoes are necessary for grip and stability, reducing the risk of slipping or injuries on the rocky terrain. Medication is important for those with health conditions like asthma or severe allergies; having necessary medications such as inhalers or EpiPens can be life-saving. A small flashlight or headlamp is needed for visibility during the early morning hours when it is still dark, ensuring hikers can see the path and avoid potential hazards like scorpions or snakes. These requirements are implemented to keep everyone safe and allow for a positive hiking experience.
These items are essential for ensuring safety and enjoyment during our hikes. Water is crucial for staying hydrated over the three-hour hike, especially with the challenging inclines. Dehydration can lead to fatigue and even collapse, so it’s vital to drink regularly. Snacks help maintain energy levels and prevent low blood sugar, which can cause dizziness and weakness. Proper hiking shoes are necessary for grip and stability, reducing the risk of slipping or injuries on the rocky terrain. Medication is important for those with health conditions like asthma or severe allergies; having necessary medications such as inhalers or EpiPens can be life-saving. A small flashlight or headlamp is needed for visibility during the early morning hours when it is still dark, ensuring hikers can see the path and avoid potential hazards like scorpions or snakes. These requirements are implemented to keep everyone safe and allow for a positive hiking experience.
SUGGESTED ITEMS
SUN SCREEN
SUN SCREEN
Apply to protect your skin from sunburn during the descent, especially as the sun gets stronger.
BUG SPRAY
BUG SPRAY
Essential for keeping bugs away, especially in the latter half of the hike where flies can be bothersome.
HIKING BAG/VEST
HIKING BAG/VEST
Useful for organizing essentials like water, keys, and snacks, keeping your hands free for a better hiking experience. Hydration packs with built-in straws are particularly convenient.
TREKKING POLES
TREKKING POLES
Provide added stability and support on both uphill and downhill sections, reducing the risk of slipping and improving balance. Especially helpful for older hikers
We are a collective of hikers and do our best to take care of eachother but we can't do it without taking care of ourselves first. You're welcome to turn back at any point, we just ask that you message us on Instagram to let us know that you got to your car safely. We do take short breaks throughout the hike as a group and check in with eachother at the midway point which are perfect opportunities to check in with your body and make the best decision for yourself. We always check in with each other, and there's no shame in turning back. Your safety and well-being are our priority. We don't believe in pressuring anyone to complete a hike or push past their limits.
Q: What if I feel like turning back?
This hike is considered moderate to difficult and is not recommended for beginners. We keep a moderate pace with one-minute breaks, but the steep inclines require a good level of fitness. If you're just starting your fitness journey, we suggest doing a few flat beginner trails first.
Q: Is this hike suitable for beginners?
We strongly recommend wearing comfortable hiking shoes or running shoes with grippy soles. This ensures you can safely make it to the top without injury. The hike is steep and challenging, and proper footwear is crucial for your safety.
Q: Can I bring tennis shoes?
Frequently Asked Questions
The 5 am Crew was created so that solo hikers don't have to do it alone. While solo hikers are welcome, we do have a buddy system where we pair everyone up to ensure safety, accountability, and motivation. We strongly advise against hiking alone due to injuries, wildlife risks, including snakes, coyotes, and the occasional mountain lion.
Q: Can I hike alone?
The trail has wildlife such as snakes, coyotes, and rarely, mountain lions. Staying together as a group reduces the risk of wildlife encounters. It’s important to stay with the group for your safety.
Q: What wildlife might we encounter?
We strongly believe in leaving a place better than we found it. This means there is never any garbage left behind by anyone who joins us. We encourage all hikers to carry out all trash and help keep our trails clean and beautiful.
Q: What is your policy on garbage?
No, this is not a paid hike. Nobody pays to be here. This is a collective community of hikers, and all we ask is that you show up on time with the necessary items to make it to the top.
Q: Do I need to pay to join the hike?
We promote respect and safety within the community. We carry walkie-talkies to keep track of everyone's location, with someone at the front, back, and middle. We always carry a first aid kit and have the phone number for Ranger services ready in case of emergencies. While we take many precautions, please understand that hiking always carries some risk. Speaking up when necessary helps minimize incidents.
Q: How do you ensure safety on the hike?
We do not recommend bringing children due to the steep and challenging inclines, especially in the dark. It can be dangerous and difficult for them to keep up. We do allow teenagers age 16+ accompanied by a parent.
Q: Can I bring my child on the hike?
Dogs are welcome, but they must be trained and leashed at all times. Please bring necessary supplies like food, water, and poop bags. The hike is 6 miles round trip with a 3-mile incline, so ensure your dog can handle the distance and terrain. We recommend leaving small dogs at home to avoid attracting larger wild animals and risking attacks from bigger dogs. Remember, other hikers may not have trained or leashed dogs. This ensures that both you and your dog have a safe and enjoyable experience and the trails remain clean for everyone. Ultimately you bring your dog at your own risk.
Q: Can I bring my dog on the hike?
Our group values integrity and punctuality. We start the hike on time and aim to return on time, respecting that everyone has other commitments.
Q: What is the group's policy on timing and integrity?
For those not used to getting up at 5 AM, we recommend setting four alarms to ensure you wake up on time and are ready to join us for the hike.
