Looking for a killer workout while exploring the city?  Check out a list of secret, and not so secret, stairs that are scattered throughout Los Angeles.

The staircases lace the hillsides of certain L.A. neighborhoods, and are historical reminders of a time when this was not a city of cars. Now, the trolleys and streetcars are gone, but the staircases remain. Many of them are forgotten paths, neglected and unused. Some of them offer direct routes into fascinating Los Angeles neighborhoods while some are just little nooks that offer a unique viewpoint of the city. Staircases can be found in Silver Lake, Echo Park, Mt. Washington, El Sereno, the elevated areas of Highland Park, Hollywood, and Santa Monica. .

The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook, also known as the Culver City Stairs, with 282 steps, is located on the edge of one of LA’s Black neighborhoods. This overlook is a hot meeting spot and you will frequently see groups congregating for a group workout. For those that find the uneven stairs challenging, you have two other options in this area; the trail and the steep public road.  The dirt trail, that winds its way around the stairs,  is a great way to get your steps in while enjoying a wondrous view at the top. Others opt for the steep public road that passes through a small neighborhood tucked along the hillside, where the houses have fantastic views of the west.

The Music Box steps, located in Silver Lake, contains 705 steps and is separated into several parts. It gets its name from a 1932 Laurel and Hardy film where the guys tried to push a piano up these exact stairs between Vendome Street and Descanso Drive. It is the only official designated set of stairs in Silver Lake.

Next we have what’s known as the Baxter Stairways. Coming in at 230 steps, it is known as the steepest staircase in all of Los Angeles. Want an intense cardio workout?  Get ready to sweat by the time you reach the top, but the breathtaking view of downtown will be well worth it. Echo Park also features a few other historic stairways you might want to check out, including the Laveta Terrace Stairway, Clinton Stairway, Curran Stairway, and Avalon Stairway.

Angels Flight Railway, located Downtown, has been a Los Angeles Landmark since 1901. Billed as the “shortest railway in the world,” it carried passengers up and down the steep slope between Hill and Olive Streets and the California Plaza. The stairs, containing 153 steps, are adjacent to the railway. This is a great way to take in the landmark and build your glutes!

Now, are you ready for a challenge? While walking 800 steps, you’ll view Hollywood history once you complete what’s known as the Beachwood Canyon stairs. These stairs take you up and through Hollywood’s historic homes with killer views of the Hollywood Hills from the Lake Hollywood Reservoir to the Hollywood sign. This stair hike is nothing short of nonstop beauty.

There are more stairs to be found throughout the Los Angeles area. Check back for our next installation and learn about many other stairs such as, Broadview Terrace, Pacific Palisades Castallammare, Santa Monica, Bunker Hill stairs and many more.