Sierra Madre, California

Beautiful views of the Rose Bowl and surrounding San Gabriel Mountains. A protected .75 mile loop, that offers an easy path, to stroll along. You’ll find convenient water filling stations, clean bathrooms, and a fitness area, along the path. Easy parking all around.

From the 210 Freeway in La Cañada, take California Highway 2 north 14 miles up into the San Gabriel Mountains. Make sure you have your National Forest Pass (sold at REI or Ranger Station) or your Interagency Pass because they have started checking parked vehicles. At the Red Box Picnic area, make...

The City View and Walnut Forest Trails in Ernest E. Debs Regional Park are just outside of downtown Los Angeles, and are perfect for all abilities. The trails are most commonly used by dog walkers, trail runners, mountain bikers and families. The top of the hike features a unique pond. Dogs are a...

The Sycamore Canyon Park Trailhead can be found at the end of the dirt parking lot off Workman Mill Road. The entrance is off a small road which is pretty easy to miss, but there is a sign off the main road. Soon after you start on the trail, the path opens up onto a larger dirt road for vehicle ...

The Beaudry Loop trail features a bench at the top with 360 degree views of the greater LA area. The trailhead is a little hidden on Beaudry Blvd. As Beaudry Blvd turns into Beaudry Terrace, you'll see cars parked at the paved trailhead. There is very little shade on the trail so bring ample sun...

This trail is great if you're looking for a quick, but intense workout. The hike itself is only 4 miles out- and-back and can be easily completed within a couple of hours. However, be prepared for a steep and steady incline for the first 1.5 miles. The trail itself is pretty wide, and if you sho...

This set of stairs near Dodger Stadium is Los Angeles is a great way to get a workout and stretch your legs. Unfortunately it is not dog-friendly. Keep in mind the best time to go here is during the week, so you can avoid crowds.  Be sure to bring extra water with you as it can get very hot!

I learned about these remnants of Los Angeles history, just a few months ago. When I found myself in L.A. this past month, I decided to find some of these stairs, and find out what they’re all about. Back in the 1920’s these stairs were created for pedestrians to have direct routes to the trans...

The stairs are about 147 steps. Located at Fair Oak View Terrace and Edendale Place in the Silver Lake, a district of Los Angeles. They are famous for where the Three Stooges short "An Ache In Every Stake" was filmed in 1941. It is a classic scene of where they have to deliver a block of ice all ...

The Mattachine Steps, also known as the Cove Avenue stairway, is dedicated to the Mattachine Society (The name was taken from a medieval French secret society that set out to right wrongs.) in 2012 in memory of Harry Hay, who cofounded the gay rights group. Right along this stairway is a small ho...

The Verdugo Crest Trail is a 6.6 mile loop near Glendale, California. The trail features lovely wildflowers in the spring and beautiful views year-round. The trail is steep, so make sure you are wearing sturdy running or walking shoes. Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be kept on leash.  Va...

The starting point for your run is at the Griffith Park Southern Railroad. From the parking lot walk east crossing Crystal Springs Drive and find the Coolidge Hiking Trail. Begin running up Coolidge Trail toward Upper Beacon Trail making sure to stay straight at the first intersection (0.2 miles)...

Echo Park Lake in Los Angeles has a loop that is about 1 mile around. It’s a pretty busy park, that has ducks and geese everywhere. Beautiful lotus blossoms and iris flowers in the lake. Generally flat and one tiny incline that can easily be avoided. You can also rent swan paddleboats that light ...

One of the hidden gems of the neighborhood, a beloved local named Esther Aagaard Tapebland walked these steps everyday, for 50 years in Silver Lake. Fountain Ave becomes Landa St. Park on Griffith Park Ave and hike your way up the steep driveway. Amazing views of Hollywood, the Hollywood Sign, th...

The “Piano Stairs” is a stair mural in Silver Lake neighborhood section of LA. Not to be confused with the “Music Box” staircase that is close by. These 90 steps were painted to look like the piano keyboard by the artist Carrey. Great for a cardio workout and not as creepy as some of the stairs h...

I preferred the steps, before anything was painted on them. Whoever thought it would be a great idea to do that was wrong. No upkeep and these stairs have been heavily vandalized. The steps are a series of stairways you will find throughout Silver Lake and neighboring areas. They facilitated peo...