Discussion: Los Angeles Orienteering

I am making plans to come to Los Angeles in November for a conference (18-21) and I am hoping to stay on a bit longer either side. I would very much like to sample some of the local terrain while I am there, or travel a bit further afield. Can anyone recommend any orienteering areas that are worth visiting, and are there any competitions going on around then? I have had a look on various club schedules but it doesn't look promising...I guess it is still too early for smaller local fixtures to be announced?

I would very much appreciate any advice that you can offer!

Vasquez Rocks (about 1-1.5 hours north of LA) is definitely worth visiting if you get the chance. There's been several national level events held there, and is also where The Flintstones and some Star Trek episodes were shot. There's a map on Route Gadget here.

LAOC has events scheduled for November 7 and November 14. The November 7 map is an urban street map. The November 14 map is one of our better local parks for O. Our better maps are further afield, in the mountains of the San Bernardino and Los Padres National Forests. Vasquez is a great map too.

Thanks for the suggestions! Nov 14 might well be an option, and I will probably hire a car for a couple of days so it would be great to get out to the mountains. Vasques looks really good. Any idea who I should contact about getting hold of a map or two?

I sent you a map of Vasquez by e-mail. Have fun!

That's very kind, I will do my best to make it there.

And coming from England's Green and Pleasant Land, don't be put off by the extremely rugged, dry and forbidding terrain. From my own personal experience, LA terrain should be approached with a good deal of respect and care. But once safely back, the memory of a very physical, unique and enjoyable run endures.

Sounds great, I'm looking forward to it already! Don't know about green and pleasant though, more like gray and built-up.