L.A. Urban Rangers bringing guided hikes to downtown’s Bunker Hill

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Since 2004, the Los Angeles Urban Rangers have brought guided hikes to the beaches of Malibu, instructing participants in the fine line between public and private spaces along the exclusive coastline. In so doing, the band of intrepid faux-rangers has earned the wrath of some Malibu residents, who have accused the group of trespassing.

This summer, the L.A. Urban Rangers will bring their brand of hands-on urbanism to downtown L.A., where they will host guided hikes around various neighborhoods from July to September. The walks are being held in conjunction with the Museum of Contemporary Art’s Engagement Party -- a series of social and performing art projects.

The inaugural hike, titled ‘Bunker Hill Expedition,’ is scheduled to take place July 7 and includes a walk throughout the historic neighborhood that once was a teeming residential area. Today, Bunker Hill is dominated by skyscrapers and the Music Center.

[Updated: MOCA has provided the most recent information regarding the guided hikes.] ‘Bunker Hill Expedition’ will take place July 7, starting at 7 p.m. from the MOCA Grand Ave. location. ‘L.A. River Ramble’ (Aug. 4 at 7 p.m.) involves a hike along and around the L.A. River in downtown, starting at the MOCA Geffen Contemporary. ‘Critical Campout’ (Sept. 1 at 7 p.m.) is an overnight campfire discussion at MOCA’s plaza in downtown.

The activities are free to all participants. For more information, you can visit moca.org/party or contact (213) 621-1745 or [email protected].

The L.A. Urban Rangers aren’t associated with the state or any local governments. The group is a collective of artists, geologists, environmentalists and others who assume the personae of park rangers -- including uniforms and an upbeat personality -- for the purpose of educating participants on public space in Southern California.

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-- David Ng

Photo (top): A 1950s photograph shows hotels on Bunker Hill in downtown L.A. Credit: Los Angeles Times

Photo (bottom): The Angels Flight funicular in Bunker Hill. Credit: Carol Pucci / MCT