The Big Parade is an awesome urban walking/hiking experience that takes place each year in Los Angeles. This two-day event covers over 35 miles, including 80 public stairways, numerous neighborhoods and landmarks. This is a free even with no registration required. It’s organized by Dan Koeppel, who runs it on a timetable so you can join for the whole thing, or jump in just for a section.
The Big Parade is not just a walk — it’s an experience. In addition to seeing LA the very best way possible (on foot) and meeting your neighbors, there is a full program that includes art, music, history, guest speakers and usually more than a few surprises.
Last year I joined for a portion of Day 2, and met the one-and-only Bob Inman. Bob is the creator of what is the first (and possible only?) urban thru-hike: The Inman 300.
This year’s Big Parade kicks off with a 10-mile Prologue on Friday led by none other than Bob Inman himself. The main events are Saturday and Sunday, May 31 and June 1st.
You can get all the details of this epic annual event — including the route maps and schedule — on the Big Parade blog.
And you can also follow Big Parade LA on Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr.
Will I see you this weekend? Leave a comment and maybe we can have a mini-SoCalHiker meetup within the Big Parade!
It looks like so much fun! I am just reading details now…..the only thing that has popped into my mind so far is how to get back to the car when we are done walking. 🙂 I am considering the Sunday portion as I have never been to Griffith Park! 🙂
Check the route maps and detailed programs on their website and you’ll see they’ve designed segments that make it fairly easy for you to do a part and end up near where you started. In some cases, it might involve some extra “non-parade” walking or taking public transportation, but when you look at the maps, you’ll get the idea.
I took a look. Thanks Jeff! 🙂
Thanks for the post, Jeff. The maps and timetables include mass transit info – the route is designed so that people can quickly and easily return to their cars via bus.
Both days look awesome but I’m most interested in Day 2 of the big parade. If worse comes to worse, maybe I’ll see if I can get Lyft or Uber to pick my butt up 🙂 Jeff, will you be attending both days?
Kam, I’m going to be joining for Loops 1 & 2 on Saturday (5 miles total), and Loop 2 on Sunday (also 5 miles). I’d love to do more on Saturday, but we’ve got tickets for Rear Window at Cinespia. Most of the route is designed for accessibility from public transportation if you want to take a train up from OC. Let me know if you’re coming!