get a transit app
for transit directions and arrival times.

• Transit, Moovit and Citymapper are popular.  Google maps and Apple maps do the job too. Pantograph works when the others fail.

get a TAP card
for easy fare payments on most LA area transit systems  [TAP info]

get a trail map
a paper map and compass, or a GPS app that works without phone service, like these:

• Organic Maps - free offline map, route planning and track recording. no account required

• AllTrails - trail guides, route planning and track recording. subscription required for offline use

• CalTopo - route planning and track recording. subscription required for offline use

• Gaia GPS - route planning and track recording. subscription required for offline use

• Avenza - free offline maps and track recording.

get knowledge

• How to Ride Transit in Los Angeles is an excellent primer

• Hiking Guy has soooo much excellent info for hikers

• The socalhiking subreddit is a great resource for local hiking info

• What to Bring on a Day Hike: water, snack, sun protection, etc

• Hiking 101: the basics of mileage, elevation and routes

• Poison Oak: “leaves of three, let it be”

• How dangerous are Bears?  Snakes?  Lions?  (not as scary as you thought!)

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get connected

find transit-riding hiker groups at Reddit and Facebook

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get a tent, maybe

and go camping at one of these transit-accessible campgrounds

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