Information on Wilderness Only a Phone Call Away

Where do I hike? How far is the nearest beach? When do the wildflowers bloom? Can I take my dog?

Those are some of the questions that can be answered by the Mountain Parks Information Service, a relatively new recreational tool for prospective hikers, sun worshipers and nature lovers.

Instead of doing often difficult research on your own, it is now possible to make one phone call--800-533-PARK--and get free maps, computer printouts and other information on 113 wilderness parks and beaches in the Valley region.

“We can tailor-make a wilderness experience for you,” said program manager Maria Altobello, who runs the nonprofit operation.

Altobello spent months collecting data from national, state and local agencies in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. The information went into a database, cross-referenced to activities and geographical locales. If a caller from Studio City wants a hike with an ocean view, bilingual MPIS operators can recommend one within his parameters.

Since starting up a year ago, the service has answered questions from more than 9,000 callers. Callers range from tourists to longtime residents, none of whom realized the recreational potential virtually at their doorstep.

“I got a call from an Australian tourist who thought L.A. was only tall buildings and museums,” Altobello said. “I get people who ask for directions to ‘the mountain,’ as if there were only one. A man from Glendale said he’s lived here for 27 years and had no idea that L.A. had these (recreational opportunities).”

The MPIS, with headquarters at Malibu Creek State Park, is funded by a grant from the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and works closely with the National Park Service and state Department of Parks and Recreation. Its coverage includes all of the mountains surrounding the Valley area: the Santa Monicas, Simi Hills, Santa Susannas, Verdugos and San Gabriels. Operating hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

The MPIS, part of the Mountains Conservancy Education and Recreation Program, is dedicated to educating the public: Callers who request maps and printouts are also sent bilingual information on responsible outdoor behavior.

“You can’t expect people to follow the rules if they don’t know them,” Altobello said.

Altobello is refining and expanding the service. Starting this summer, equestrians will get trail information and the disabled will be able to find parks with access for the handicapped. Activities in the mountains, from moonlight hikes to fiddle contests, also will be in the computer.

“You can ask, ‘Is anyone leading a wildflower hike this weekend?’ and we’ll have the answer,” Altobello said.