Feeling stir crazy because of coronavirus? And looking for an alternative to hiking Runyon Canyon? We feel you. Nearly every weekend before all this started, Kevin and I would climb up Runyon Canyon with our dog, Doug (who isn’t quite as eager about hiking as us). Whether you love hiking (or hate it like Doug!), one of the best things about living in LA is our proximity to nature. But now that nearly everything is closed, it got us wondering — what are some hiking alternatives?
Doug’s version of hiking is being carried about 90 percent of the way.
That’s when Kevin suggested a great idea — an urban hike through one of LA’s neighborhoods. It’s a fun way to check out a part of the city you’d otherwise probably never get to see. After a quick search, I found our weekend activity that not only would give us a cardio workout, but experience the secret staircases of LA. Ooh, hidden staircases? Sign me up! Follow our journey as we climb Franklin Hills stairs.
How Long Does it Take to Hike Franklin Hills Stairs?
It took us about 1.5 hours to complete round trip. But depending on your activity level, this hike could take anywhere from 1 to 2.5 hours (and will leave you huffing and puffing).
Franklin Hills Stairs: Why Are They There?
You can feel the history of Franklin Hills immediately, as you drive over the Shakespeare Bridge in Los Feliz. Seriously, are we still in LA or on a movie set?
Shakespeare Bridge, where you’ll find the first set of Franklin Hills stairs.
Franklin Hills became a booming neighborhood in the 1920s for families looking to escape the urban congestion of LA. But they still needed to get around on foot. People actually walked in LA? Whaaat? That’s when city planners developed a network of 14 staircases that would help the public move around the hills quickly — with shortcuts to the many businesses, trolley lines, schools and offices below. During this hike, you’ll burn some serious calories. But try to look up every so often as you huff and puff your way through the hills. We’ve never seen such a unique mix of architecture in one spot — from the 1920s storybook cottages to stylish midcentury modern homes of the 1950s and 60s.
I feel like whoever lives in this home needs to work at Disneyland as Snow White, passing one of the storybook cottages.
But beyond the cool architecture, you’ll get some stunning views of the Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory, Downtown LA and even the beaches on a clear day. Follow our journey over 14 staircases as mapped out by the Franklin Hills Residence Association.
Franklin Hills Secret Staircase map
Hiking the Secret Staircases of Los Feliz: Starting the Trail
Starting point is just by the Shakespeare Bridge in Los Feliz at St. George Street and Franklin Avenue.
There is plenty of parking near the Shakespeare Bridge, especially along the side streets. Kevin and I walked to the first staircase that heads down from Franklin Avenue to Sanborn Avenue. It’s a quickie and covered above with trees — so a perfect staircase to begin if it’s a sunny day. In our case, not so much! But still, it felt like we were entering a tunnel.
Kevin is excited to begin Franklin Hills secret staircase hike.
At the bottom of the steps, you’ll be in the middle of a quaint neighborhood. Be careful during this hike though as there are no sidewalks. You won’t find much traffic. But just keep this in mind — especially as you’re coming off any of the staircases onto the street. Feel the flashback to your childhood — look both ways and hold hands!
The quiet residential neighborhood you’ll pass through after the first staircase.
Unlike the neatly manicured lawns and shrubs in West Hollywood, Franklin Hills is like a jungle! It was one of the first things we noticed while walking around and seeing the variety of trees and plants. But it was beautiful in its own, overgrown and wild way. The agave plants, pines and flowers practically take over the streets in some sections.
After wandering the flat, windy path of Sanborn Avenue, you’ll head up Prospect. It’s here where you’ll hit one of the toughest stretches of the hike — climbing 3 sets of staircases. Feel the burn!
Entrance to the 3 sets of staircases going up. You’ll know you’re in the right spot when you hit Prospect Avenue.
It’s about this point where Kevin starts asking, are we there yet?!
Once you reach the top, be sure to turn around for this stunning LA view.
Yay, we made it!
The good news is the next part is pretty flat. It also has the best views, as you can see not just the Griffith Observatory but the Hollywood Sign on a clear day.
After taking in the views, walk along the road for another 2-3 minutes until you reach the next set of stairs (called Radio Walk). Look out for the wild animals — the squirrels clearly have been fed by people since they had zero fear of getting right up in our faces along the hike!
What goes up, must go back down. Heading down two flights of stairs on Radio Walk.
Squirrel! Our dog Doug would have lost his mind. The squirrels were following us the whole hike.
Once you reach the bottom of the steps, make sure to take a left and head to the next part of your journey.
Five flights of staircases down. Where is the time going?
Groves of orange trees, and lemons line the streets of Franklin Hills. We don’t feel like we’re even in LA anymore.
One of the most important things to this hike is having someone be the designated GPS. Kevin volunteered for the task. Otherwise, I’m sure we would have ended up in downtown LA. Pick the person in the group who loves trying to solve the mystery of where to go next. It isn’t difficult — but let’s just say, I was busy taking photos and being distracted by orange trees! We’ll go quickly now through the rest of the staircases.
Staircase #5, going up Sunset Drive
Staircase #6: Head up Cumberland. This is one of the tricky ones since it looks like the house’s private staircase. You’ve reached the stop when you arrive at 3949 Cumberland.
At the top of the Cumberland staircase (#6 on the map), make a left. Watch out for passing cars.
Staircase #7, another easy one to miss. But easily marked as 3915 Clayton Ave.
Selfie moment!
Our Favorite Staircase #8: Heading Down Mayview to Udell
Staircase #8 is easy to miss. Be on the lookout for this red house and it’s the staircase next to it.
This next part of the hike is worth it alone as you leave all of society behind and zigzag on trails down the hillside. The trail weaves through houses and the hillside overgrown with grass. You’ll feel you’re doing your part by social distancing since you likely won’t see a soul here.
The winding path that you’ll follow along staircase #8.
Views of the neighboring hillside community.
Once you hit the bottom of staircase #8, you’ll want to make a sharp right.
Staircase #9, heading up Udell to Mayview.
Wrapping Up the Secret Staircases of Franklin Hills
As you wind down the hill, you’ll end up on what’s normally a busy stretch of Hyperion Avenue. If you’re hungry or looking for a drink (when there isn’t Coronavirus), we’d recommend Casita Del Campo for some chips and salsa, guacamole and fresh margaritas. A cool side note here, owner Rudy del Campo was once a broadway star and one of the infamous Sharks from the classic film West Side Story. After the movie, he opened this restaurant with movie memorabilia throughout along with Latin art.
From here, there are just two more stops to go. Staircase #10 on the map is the easiest one to miss in our opinion. First, there is just so many distractions along Hyperion Avenue. I mean, we even saw a wild rooster cross our pathway and clearly had to take a photo.
A wild rooster? Something you’d only find on the east side. A stray emotional support animal perhaps?
But we finally made it to the staircase right on Hyperion. And took a photo so you won’t miss it like we almost did.
Staircase #10 on the Franklin Hills map. You can find it at 2301 Hyperion Ave.
Almost there! Just one more staircase to go, which of course is the furthest one to reach on the entire walk — taking you up another long set of stairs on Radio Walk.
Being a show off and running up the last staircase. (#11 on the map). Okay, I did it for about 10 steps before walking the rest of the way. No shame!
So amazing – words of encouragement as you go up the last set of stairs.
You made it through all the staircases! And you’ll certainly feel it in the morning. At the top, make a right and head back to the starting point (Shakespeare Bridge), which is about another 5-7 minutes walk away.
Kevin celebrates his successful navigation skills, along with the help of Google Maps (which we highly recommend).
Looking for other ideas away from it all? Check out our weekend getaway from LA to Joshua Tree where we escaped from humanity in the California high desert. Have a few extra days? Consider exploring the wild west film set of Pioneertown before going on a long hike. Or venturing into Palm Springs to see where Elvis went on his honeymoon hideaway. And of course, read our full coverage for your next LA adventure.
Enjoying some time to read while Doug begs for food in the California high desert.
Once again a delightful Tues with your story on the stairs. I know its Tues if I get a Gourmet Globetrotter email. Have to ask, how did you get the food at a table at the end? In Ohio it is only take out.
Thanks again for another exciting adventure of the Gourmet Globetrotter.
Hi Bill! Glad to hear you enjoyed the post so much. And that our Tuesday newsletter puts a smile on your face! As for the Mexican restaurant, that’s an older photo. The restaurant looked open for takeout, but nobody is allowed to eat inside until this all passes. Stay tuned for our next adventure!