Climate Action and Sustainability

Ranchos Walk 2024

Join us for Ranchos Walk 2024! Every year, we invite the community to hike the crest trail that links Rancho Los Alamitos and Rancho Los Cerritos. Participants choose between the 9-, 6-, or 3-mile hike options and have access to a guided audio tour that highlights facts about the area’s history. This year’s theme, “Step Into the Stream of History,” aims to educate residents about Long Beach’s local water resources across time. Participation in this event is FREE and includes a complimentary meal at the post-walk celebration hosted by Rancho Los Cerritos.

Event Details:
📅 Saturday, September 14, 2024
⏰ 7:30 AM - 2:00 PM
📍 Rancho Los Alamitos/CSU Long Beach → Reservoir Hill → Willow Springs Park → Rancho Los Cerritos

Ranchos Walk 2024 is hosted in partnership by the Office of Climate Action & Sustainability, Rancho Los Cerritos, Rancho Los Alamitos, Walk Long Beach, the Department of Health & Human Services, and the Public Works Department with support from the Port of Long Beach and District 5 Councilwoman Megan Kerr.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the route?

  Participants who are signed up for the full 9-mile hike will start at CSU Long Beach and walk to Reservoir Hill, Willow Springs Park, and then to the celebration at Rancho Los Cerritos.  A more detailed map with turn-by-turn directions will be provided at each start location.

  
  Check-In
  

  • 9 Miles, Rancho Los Alamitos (CSU Long Beach): 7:30 - 9:00 AM

  • 6 Miles, Reservoir Hill: 9:00 - 10:00 AM

  • 3 Miles, Willow Springs Park: 10:00 - 11:00 AM

• Where do I park, and is there a shuttle back to my car?

  
  
  Shuttle services from Rancho Los Cerritos to each start location will begin at 11:00 am with the last shuttle leaving at 2:15 pm.
  
  Parking

  • 9-Mile Rancho Los Alamitos/CSU Long Beach: Participants will check in at Lot E6, daily parking permits cost $10. Limited street parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. More information about parking at CSULB is available on their website. 

  • 6-Mile Reservoir Hill: Street parking is available along Reservoir Drive.

  • 3-Mile Willow Springs Park: Parking is available in the lot at 2745 Orange Avenue. 
    

• Is Ranchos Walk free?

  Yes, participation in this event is free! It is free to register, and we recommend signing up early to secure your complimentary meal. Additional food and beverages will be available for purchase at the post-walk celebration hosted by Rancho Los Cerritos. Online registration will close on 9/12/24. There will be limited day-of registration at each starting location.

• Can kids register for the hike?

  Yes, this is an all-ages, family-friendly event! Youth under the age of 18 must have signed parental consent to participate and must be accompanied by an adult. We recommend that families with younger children who want to bring wagons or strollers consider choosing the shorter 3- or 6-mile hike options. There will be fun programming, games, and activities for kids at the post-walk celebration.

• Are strollers and wagons allowed on the walk?

  Yes. However, while most of the route is paved, there are short sections of grass, gravel, and dirt roads. There is also a steep hill along the route between Reservoir Hill and Willow Springs.

• Can I bring my dog?

  Although most of the route is accessible to dogs, only service animals will be permitted at the post-walk celebration. For more information about Rancho Los Cerritos’ service animal policy, visit rancholoscerritos.org/visit/accessibility/. 

• Can I bike or run rather than walk the route?

  The route and pace of this event are designed for walkers, so biking and running are not recommended. Participants will not have access to the celebration at Rancho Los Cerritos until 10:30 am. Bike accessibility/parking is not guaranteed throughout the route.

• Are there restrooms and water stations along the route?

  Yes, there will be water refill stations and restrooms at all three start locations (Rancho Los Alamitos/CSU Long Beach, Reservoir Hill, and Willow Springs Park) and the post-walk celebration at Rancho Los Cerritos.

• What should I bring for the hike?

  Please prepare for the hike by wearing proper sun protection (e.g., a hat and sunscreen), comfortable clothes, and walking shoes. Remember to bring your refillable water bottle and snacks if you’d like. There will be water refill stations at each stop, and complimentary meals will be provided for registered participants with additional food and beverages available for purchase at Rancho Los Cerritos.  

• Will there be food at the celebration?

  Yes, meals will be provided for all registered participants and additional food and beverages will be available for purchase. Participants who register online will have the option to choose between vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals. This year, food will be provided by Primal Alchemy and Lola’s Mexican Cuisine.

• How safe and accessible are the paths?

  Most of the walk takes place on sidewalks with a few crosswalks in between. Some portions of the walk are along grass, gravel paths, or dirt roads. These sections can be avoided by using sidewalks on either side of the route.  There is also a steep hill along the route between Reservoir Hill and Willow Springs Park.

• How do I download the audio tour?

  Download the IZI Travel app at izi.travel/app. The direct link to the tour will be shared with registered participants before the event. The link will also be shared at each start location.