If you're ever looking for some great urban hiking, look no further than the secret staircases of the Hollywoodland hills. It's significantly less crowded than tourist overrun Hollywood sign hike and nestled amongst the glamorous hillside mansions making it the perfect spot to get a bun burning workout and a beautiful view of L.A. It's a real hidden gem...
The network of public stairs was built in the era before automobiles (a.k.a. L.A. traffic) when the city ran on a transit system of trolleys and passenger railroads. Starting in the 1920s, these staircases were built in steep hillside communities so people could access other modes of public transportation connecting them to the rest of the city.
I parked near Beachwood Cafe and hiked around the neighborhood which featured eccentric artwork and charming houses that resembled French chateaus and Spanish villas. To read the full route I used check out Charles Fleming's Beachwood Canyon guide to the Secret Stairs LA or purchase his book, Secret Stairs. If you're more visual like me here are some photo references from Robert Guerrero's Secret Stairs blog chronicles.
One of the more spectacular staircases was a double set separated by a stone wall. (We went up and down the steep 148 steps three times...I swear it seemed like more, I was dying.) Built in 1923, it used to have a little running stream that went down the center but it has been since filled in with plants.
From the Hollywood sign to the sweeping city views to the spectacular homes, I'd say this is one of Los Angeles's finer hikes. Happy urban hiking!
xo from catie
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