It's time for the annual BURNING QUESTIONS! As we are asked every year: Is walking 16.8-ish miles even humanly possible? (When you're taking your time on an all-day leisurely stroll, of course!) Can I bike it? (Yes! But you'll miss some of the joys of exploring the city on foot and meeting others.) Take the Metro? (Of course!) Bring a dog or my kid? (Sure!) Quit half way through? (Whatever you want!) Does it cost money? (No!) Can I treat this like a bar crawl and stop and every restaurant and bar? (Yes, you are doing it right!) Are you personally driving me back to my car? (Well, no.)Here it is, the Frequently Asked Questions roundup for the GREAT LOS ANGELES WALK 2026!
1. WHEN/WHERE? Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026 at 9 a.m. -- the Saturday before Thanksgiving, like we do every year. We're meeting at Echo Park Lake near the Lady of the Lake statue. Look for the crowd!
Before 9 am we'll gather for a pep talk and some info about the day. We'll chat a bit, get to know everyone, and take a few group pics. And then it's off!
THE WALK HAPPENS, RAIN OR SHINE! (We've had light rain a few times year, but it always clears up by mid day.)
2. WHO? We're expecting 500 or so urban hikers this year, but RSVPs are not necessary. We'll take anyone who shows up! Also sign up for our email list (or email greatlawalk@mail.com) if you want future info about the Walk.
3. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? C'mon, it's completely free! But you're on your own when it comes to paying for lunch, dinner, water, etc. So don't forget to plan accordingly.
4. WHAT'S THE PATH? From Echo Park Lake, we take Park Ave. to Sunset, which we walk west until we get to the start of Santa Monica Blvd. (at Sunset Junction, right after Sanborn). From there, it's a straght walk all the way to the ocean. When we get to the end, we walk over to the Santa Monica Pier, where the "End of Route 66" marker is located.
We strictly walk down sidewalks. As for bathroom breaks along the way, it's up to you to find businesses that will let you go. Coffee shops like Starbucks are usually pretty good for that.
5. WAIT, I STILL NEED GUIDANCE! Don't worry, there will be a PDF you can download to your phone, and handouts with the map!
Several hikers will be posting on social media -- including us, at the Great LA Walk Instagram account.
6. WHAT DO WE DO ALONG THE WAY? Explore! The whole excitement of exploring L.A. by foot is to get up close and personal with sites you might normally miss while cruising down the street in your car.
7. HOW LONG IS THE HIKE? Around 16.8 miles -- that sounds like a lot, but it's really not, when you take time to explore.
That's why it's even more IMPORTANT to note: This is not a race. Sure, you can sprint all the way to the end, but where's the fun in that? There's no prize for who gets there first. Instead, take a breath, and join the bulk of us as we leisurely stroll through downtown and stop frequently to take in the sights.
8. WHEN WILL WE GET TO THE END? With so many hikers, people will eventually start to space out. The idea is to finish at around sunset.
9. CAN WE BIKE IT? BRING KIDS? PETS? Because you're walking on your own accord -- remember, this is an unofficial gathering of passionate Angelenos walking the streets of our communities -- you can do whatever you want. Use your best judgement, of course. We're not responsible for you.
10. WHAT ABOUT INJURIES? Again, there is no infrastructure to our Walk, so you need to take care of yourself just like you would whenever you walk anywhere. Be careful, stay safe and stick with a group of walkers!
11. WHAT ABOUT LUNCH/SNACKS? We're working on where to take a lunch break, but the idea is probably around the West Hollywood/Beverly Hills border. There are so many restaurants on our walk, you'll have quite the pick to choose from. Our map will include a list of major eateries along the way.
12. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE WALK IS DONE? We'll take group photos at the end at the Route 66 "End of the Trail" sign... and then celebrate at a location to be announced later.
13. HOW DO I GET THERE, OR GET HOME? Carpooling, rideshare or public transportation. Check out LA Metro for bus or train times, as the E Line (formerly the Expo line) will be an easy way to get back east.
14. WHAT SHOULD I WEAR/BRING? Loose, comfy clothing. I'd wear shorts, a t-shirt (and perhaps a sweatshirt, depending on the temperature). Also, tennis shoes... sunglasses... a hat... sunscreen... extra socks... a blister kit (optional, of course -- I haven't brought one, although Band-Aids are a good idea), and most importantly, your phone! Take photos, share on social media, and document your experience.
15. HOW CAN I GET A T-SHIRT? T-shirts are now for sale at Great LA Walk's Spreadshirt page. But order fast, in order get the shirts in time for the Walk.
16. HOW SHOULD I TRAIN FOR THIS? It's not a marathon, so training isn't really necessary. I suppose you could walk around your neighborhood in the days before hand... but I'd avoid any big gym routine the day before, so you're not sore the day you're hiking. But other than that... I didn't train at all for any of the previous walks, and have turned out just fine.
17. WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS? Why not? There's no special reason, no charity, no protest, no issue we're promoting -- other than a passion for Los Angeles. In 2006, I organized our walk down Wilshire to mark my 10th anniversary in Los Angeles. But it was so much fun, and it was a chance to meet so many new people, that we did it again in 2007, down Pico; in 2008, via Sunset and Santa Monica Blvd.; and in 2009, we hit West Adams as we walked down Adams and Washington to Venice Beach. In 2010, we returned to Wilshire for the fifth walk; in 2011, we hit Hollywood; in 2012, it was Melrose's turn; in 2013, it was all about Sunset Boulevard; in 2014, we hit the Valley via Ventura Boulevard; in 2015, it was Olympic Boulevard; in 2016, we returned to Pico; in 2017, we hit Beverly Boulevard; in 2018, we walked on 6th Street and through Koreatown; in 2019, we went from Arcadia, through Pasadena and Highland Park to downtown; in 2020, we conducted a socially distanced walk back down Wilshire; in 2021, we retraced the steps of L.A.'s founders, Los Pobladores, from San Gabriel Mission to downtown; in 2022, we once again explored West Adams before heading to Venice; in 2023, we did a loop to and from Griffith Park; in 2024, we walked from USC to UCLA; and in 2025, we returned again to Wilshire for the 20th edition.
It's the Saturday before Thanksgiving as well, so somehow I don't feel as bad gorging on sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie a few days later. And hey, it'll be a cool conversation piece at your holiday party.
18. CAN I SEND IN PHOTOS? READ A RECAP LATER? Of course! Check out www.greatlawalk.com the Monday after the Walk to read a full recap! Send us links to your own recaps, YouTube videos, etc.
19. IMPORTANT: You are walking on your own volition. The Great Los Angeles Walk is just a casual opportunity to walk with other Angelenos through the region. It's not an official organization of any sort -- and is therefore not responsible for your conduct or anything that may happen during your hike. Be careful, and be respectful of others and of your city.
The legalese: As consideration for being allowed to participate in Great LA Walk, all participants are deemed to have released from liability and waived any right to sue its organizers from any and all claims, including claims of negligence, resulting in any physical injury, illness (including death) or economic loss as a result of participating in the Great LA Walk. By participating in a Great LA Walk event, each participant understands that there are risks, such as physical and/or psychological injury, pain, suffering, illness, disfigurement, temporary or permanent disability, death or economic loss. These injuries or outcomes may arise from a participant's or other's actions, inactions or negligence, or the condition of the location(s) or facility (es). Nonetheless, participants assune all known and unknown risks of participation in the Great Los Angeles Walk.
Any more questions? Add 'em below and we'll answer them!
That's why it's even more IMPORTANT to note: This is not a race. Sure, you can sprint all the way to the end, but where's the fun in that? There's no prize for who gets there first. Instead, take a breath, and join the bulk of us as we leisurely stroll through downtown and stop frequently to take in the sights.
8. WHEN WILL WE GET TO THE END? With so many hikers, people will eventually start to space out. The idea is to finish at around sunset.
9. CAN WE BIKE IT? BRING KIDS? PETS? Because you're walking on your own accord -- remember, this is an unofficial gathering of passionate Angelenos walking the streets of our communities -- you can do whatever you want. Use your best judgement, of course. We're not responsible for you.
10. WHAT ABOUT INJURIES? Again, there is no infrastructure to our Walk, so you need to take care of yourself just like you would whenever you walk anywhere. Be careful, stay safe and stick with a group of walkers!
11. WHAT ABOUT LUNCH/SNACKS? We're working on where to take a lunch break, but the idea is probably around the West Hollywood/Beverly Hills border. There are so many restaurants on our walk, you'll have quite the pick to choose from. Our map will include a list of major eateries along the way.
12. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE WALK IS DONE? We'll take group photos at the end at the Route 66 "End of the Trail" sign... and then celebrate at a location to be announced later.
13. HOW DO I GET THERE, OR GET HOME? Carpooling, rideshare or public transportation. Check out LA Metro for bus or train times, as the E Line (formerly the Expo line) will be an easy way to get back east.
14. WHAT SHOULD I WEAR/BRING? Loose, comfy clothing. I'd wear shorts, a t-shirt (and perhaps a sweatshirt, depending on the temperature). Also, tennis shoes... sunglasses... a hat... sunscreen... extra socks... a blister kit (optional, of course -- I haven't brought one, although Band-Aids are a good idea), and most importantly, your phone! Take photos, share on social media, and document your experience.
15. HOW CAN I GET A T-SHIRT? T-shirts are now for sale at Great LA Walk's Spreadshirt page. But order fast, in order get the shirts in time for the Walk.
16. HOW SHOULD I TRAIN FOR THIS? It's not a marathon, so training isn't really necessary. I suppose you could walk around your neighborhood in the days before hand... but I'd avoid any big gym routine the day before, so you're not sore the day you're hiking. But other than that... I didn't train at all for any of the previous walks, and have turned out just fine.
17. WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS? Why not? There's no special reason, no charity, no protest, no issue we're promoting -- other than a passion for Los Angeles. In 2006, I organized our walk down Wilshire to mark my 10th anniversary in Los Angeles. But it was so much fun, and it was a chance to meet so many new people, that we did it again in 2007, down Pico; in 2008, via Sunset and Santa Monica Blvd.; and in 2009, we hit West Adams as we walked down Adams and Washington to Venice Beach. In 2010, we returned to Wilshire for the fifth walk; in 2011, we hit Hollywood; in 2012, it was Melrose's turn; in 2013, it was all about Sunset Boulevard; in 2014, we hit the Valley via Ventura Boulevard; in 2015, it was Olympic Boulevard; in 2016, we returned to Pico; in 2017, we hit Beverly Boulevard; in 2018, we walked on 6th Street and through Koreatown; in 2019, we went from Arcadia, through Pasadena and Highland Park to downtown; in 2020, we conducted a socially distanced walk back down Wilshire; in 2021, we retraced the steps of L.A.'s founders, Los Pobladores, from San Gabriel Mission to downtown; in 2022, we once again explored West Adams before heading to Venice; in 2023, we did a loop to and from Griffith Park; in 2024, we walked from USC to UCLA; and in 2025, we returned again to Wilshire for the 20th edition.
It's the Saturday before Thanksgiving as well, so somehow I don't feel as bad gorging on sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie a few days later. And hey, it'll be a cool conversation piece at your holiday party.
18. CAN I SEND IN PHOTOS? READ A RECAP LATER? Of course! Check out www.greatlawalk.com the Monday after the Walk to read a full recap! Send us links to your own recaps, YouTube videos, etc.
19. IMPORTANT: You are walking on your own volition. The Great Los Angeles Walk is just a casual opportunity to walk with other Angelenos through the region. It's not an official organization of any sort -- and is therefore not responsible for your conduct or anything that may happen during your hike. Be careful, and be respectful of others and of your city.
The legalese: As consideration for being allowed to participate in Great LA Walk, all participants are deemed to have released from liability and waived any right to sue its organizers from any and all claims, including claims of negligence, resulting in any physical injury, illness (including death) or economic loss as a result of participating in the Great LA Walk. By participating in a Great LA Walk event, each participant understands that there are risks, such as physical and/or psychological injury, pain, suffering, illness, disfigurement, temporary or permanent disability, death or economic loss. These injuries or outcomes may arise from a participant's or other's actions, inactions or negligence, or the condition of the location(s) or facility (es). Nonetheless, participants assune all known and unknown risks of participation in the Great Los Angeles Walk.
Any more questions? Add 'em below and we'll answer them!
