Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Baxter Stairways

    4.6 (30 reviews)

    Baxter Stairways Photos

    Recommended Reviews - Baxter Stairways

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Alexis B.

    This might be the first time I've written a Yelp review for a staircase before! My husband and I were visiting LA this past week, and we were trying to get some exercise in each morning since we were eating SO MUCH. We were staying in Echo Park, so we walked over to the Baxter Stairways and used them for a bit of exercise! As a girl originally from North Texas (is there any place flatter?), these staircases hidden in the hills throughout LA and other parts of California are pretty amazing. A free stairmaster with a view! Great way to get some exercise in on a trip! We ran up the stairways a few times and also walked around Elysian Park, which is accessible from the top of the Stairways. Very cool/very Cali way to exercise on our trip!

    The base
    Nadine C.

    16 + 12 + 11+ 11 + 11 + 11 + 11 + 11 + 11 + 21 + 21 + more... After Alana and I conquered the Laveta Terrace Stairs, we approached these stairs with hesitation after reading reviews. This was the Second day of Summer at midday, so we had some water and did our best... Gosh... we didn't want to faint from heat stroke... plus, we wanted to get some Bingsoo in Koreatown... so... We stopped when we were able to see Griffith Park and the Hollywood Sign - maybe about halfway up. We agreed to return in Autumn and maybe on a clearer day for better photos. We felt a slight breeze when we ventured off the stairs on a dirt path... that's where we got a good shot of Downtown LA... We'll be back!

    Almost at the top!
    Kristina M.

    Situated in a nice neighborhood of Echo Park, I was so happy to discover Baxter Stairs via Yelp. Parking was convenient in the residential area near the bottom of the stairs. It wasn't too crowded when I went. It was also a place where I felt comfortable going alone. Stairs are my weakness so going up and down three times was killer for me. My legs were wobbling, I struggled every time when I get closer to the top, but I kept pushing myself. At the top, you are rewarded with a nice view of downtown LA and the hiking trails of Elysian Park. It felt so peaceful. You will only encounter residents going on walks and people walking their dogs. The stair steps were the same size and uniformed so it was not a struggle like Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Culver City or Runyon Canyon in Hollywood. Yet, sprinting up and down those steps left me sore for the following two days after my workout! I am definitely coming back here and aiming to do five runs of these stairs!

    My two dogs exercising caution on their downhill approach.
    Daniel E.

    Ughhhh.... the Baxter Stairs. No matter how many times I climb up this stairway, it never gets any easier. Running down is so much more fun. I usually take the stairs on my daily dog walks while we make our way to Elysian Park. The dogs actually race up the stairs and use caution going down... I really wish it was the other way around. The stairs do tend to have more visitors on the weekend, but I have never seen it out of control full. Once you arrive to the top, stop and enjoy your view. Use that 5 minutes to catch your breath and look out toward the Hollywood sign and the Griffith Observatory (you definitely need to catch a sunset up here) - or - walk about 50 feet from the top and check out the DTLA skyline (equally beautiful during sunrise and sunset). Reminder: please be mindful of the houses in the area.

    The stairs as viewed from closer to the bottom
    Christine A.

    With Baxter being one of the steepest streets in Los Angeles, the United States, and the world (yes, steeper than any street in San Francisco) at a 32% grade, it eventually gives way to stairs. After finding this page, we decided to take these steps on. Starting at the bottom, near Baxter and Avon, we hiked up the hill to the staircase, which only had railing for the first flight. It's 230 steps or so upward with the strairways serpentining back and forth. Stopping with relative frequency it took us about 10 or 15 minutes to reach the top with our legs like jelly afterward. The top puts you out at the driveway for 2101 Park Drive, beside a peach tree. To describe the view from the stairs, as you climb you gain vista points for the Hollywood sign and the Griffith Observatory. It was a bit hazy yesterday, so I couldn't tell you if you'd be able to see the ocean or not. At the very top, on crossing Park Drive there was a very clear view of downtown Los Angeles from city hall to the Ritz Carlton. Standing there we were able to look down at Elysian Park and the back of Dodger Stadium (really all we could see were the hills with the palm trees lining the top). Climbing those stairs for that nice view was worth the burn. Man, Brandon D. and I are really out of shape. If you're interested in L.A.'s hidden stairs, Baxter Street's are a good one, especially for working your way to taking on the Rustic Canyon stairs (about 5 times as many steps as these and at least the Baxter Street ones are mostly uniform and you don't worry so much about losing footing because the steps are wide enough to accommodate the length of your foot).

    Lizards lizards everywhere!
    Nubia O.

    I love Baxter stairways! Not only because they help me have a good cardiovascular and leg exercise, but the views on top of the stairs are gorgeous! If you cross the street Park Dr at the top of the stairs you can get to Elysian Park trail and the downtown LA view is amazing from there! You can always see people walking their dogs or by themselves, but the place is never that busy. I always try to walk the stairways twice or three times. They sure kick my butt and I take forever though! So if you really want to have a killer workout just give Baxter stairways a try, and please do yourself a favor and bring a water bottle because they sure are tiring and steep. You get to see lizards everywhere during hot weather too. You may really want to take that rest half way if you're out of training! When I am done I sometimes go through Elysian Park to continue with my cardio or I just walk down to Echo Park Ave and Baxter St to get refreshed at FIX coffee shop. If you get to here driving you can easily find parking on the residential area where the stairs starts. Make sure to check street signs if you park on the top on Park Dr. because they're more strict with parking limitations etc.

    The bottom of the stairs near Avon and Baxter.
    Jose J.

    If your looking to get your heart rate going while also enjoying views of the: Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory and the Los Angeles skyline then the Baxter street stairs are for you. The Baxter street stairs shouldn't take that long to climb and descend (it depends on your pace). Keep in mind I am also not the most athletic specimen out there, but I get by. However, the nice part about the stairs is that the Elysian Park Trail is located near the top of the stairs. Just in case you decide to go for a hike/jog. Lights are installed throughout the stairs just in case you run out of daylight. You will have to park on the street, which didn't seem like a problem.

    Good Living !

    See all

    Photo of Judy G.
    125
    1003
    3419

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 10
    Thanks 2
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 15
    Thanks 0
    Love this 10
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 27
    Thanks 0
    Love this 29
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 12
    Thanks 0
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Daniel E.
    63
    29
    67

    9 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 25
    Thanks 0
    Love this 19
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 18
    Thanks 0
    Love this 16
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Nubia O.
    562
    461
    20006

    13 years ago

    Helpful 12
    Thanks 0
    Love this 12
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jose J.
    26
    4
    34

    12 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0
    Photo of John M. S.
    21
    316
    46

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Joe E.
    966
    452
    1737

    11 years ago

    Helpful 28
    Thanks 0
    Love this 26
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 13
    Thanks 0
    Love this 11
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Anna L.
    12
    53
    18

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Way better than the SM stairs. There was no crowd and great views of both Hollywood sign and city. I'm a fan!

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of pink b.
    36
    179
    2

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Poi T.
    1
    52
    3

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Good for low impact cardio workout. No pain no gain and my leg muscles are def in pain. Loved this place

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - Baxter Stairways

    Any dog park near by?

    Your dogs will be too tired to run in the park after 3 or 4 trips up and down the stairs

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Baxter Stairways

    “However, the nice part about the stairs is that the Elysian Park Trail is located near the top of the stairs.”

    Mentioned in 4 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Local Flavor 4,409 times last month within 5 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirrored Room - May 2016 - my obligatory, albeit blurry, pic :)

    Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirrored Room

    4.2(84 reviews)
    2.3 mi•Downtown

    This installation of Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirror Room - "The Souls of Millions of Light Years…read moreAway" is located at The Broad in Los Angeles. Tickets are FREE. To visit, you will need to reserve tickets to The Broad's general admission AND the Infinity Mirrored Room exhibit. I feel like if you're already going to The Broad you should also visit the Infinity Mirrored Room. I might be biased since I enjoy taking photos. The tricky thing is that the reservations for the Infinity Mirrored Room are released on the last Wednesdays of each month at 10am for the following month OR you have to keep an eye out for openings the day prior. They are currently not taking same day reservations. The reservations are time specific, but there will still be a 15-20 minute line. You can get in line 10-15 minute prior to your window slot and staff will probably not give you too hard of a time. You are expected to go in together with your group, unless you make reservations separately. If you want to go in alone for that selfie, you should make your own reservation. The maximum group size to enter together is 4 people. Any children under 13 must enter with an adult. Obviously, my boyfriend was dragged to go with me. Before our visit, I was researching what poses to do since the time is so limited. And then when we were in line I gave him a quick run down of the plan. It worked out nicely and we were able to take a few photos, a quick video and still had a few seconds to actually enjoy the art installation beyond the selfie taking purposes. This experience was very special for me. I think the careful planning and taking feedback from others allowed me to enjoy my visit. One minute can go by quick if you wait to get inside the room to coordinate your poses. And coming with someone I care about makes it even more memorable.

    On Friday afternoon, my family and I reserved tickets for the Infinity Room next to The Broad…read moremuseum in Downtown LA. Just a heads up, you'll need to book in advance if you want to secure a time slot to see the infinity room. We picked the 3:45 PM slot and waited about 5-10 minutes before entering. There's no food, drinks, or flash photography allowed (which makes sense). To be honest, I was a little surprised by how small the Infinity Room actually is. It's just a tiny platform you stand on surrounded by mirrors so be careful not to get too close to the edges. I think the photos online made it seem much bigger and more "galaxy-like," so I had different expectations going in You're only inside for about five minutes before it's time to exit for the next group. Still, it was a cool experience to check off the list and afterward we walked around The Broad, which made it a fun afternoon overall. I'm very grateful for the memories my family and I got to make together! Quick Note: If you get hungry, Grand Central Market is close by and has a great variety of food spots to choose from! Your welcome!!

    Photos
    Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirrored Room - Illusion room

    Illusion room

    Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirrored Room - Not being shady... just respecting my bf's privacy :)

    Not being shady... just respecting my bf's privacy :)

    Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirrored Room - Infinity room

    See all

    Infinity room

    Olvera Street - Fabulous Margaritas!

    Olvera Street

    4.2(637 reviews)
    2.2 mi•Downtown

    I have wanted to visit Olvera St and learn more about historic LA for years and finally made it…read moredown. What a fun afternoon! If you've ever wanted the experience of walking the streets of Mexico and visiting an authentic Mexican market without ever leaving the U.S., this is for you. Many Olvera St shops and vendors sell traditional handmade Mexican items, sweets and decor. There are plenty of places to sit and enjoy a tasty meal or beverage. It's also a gorgeous spot to take photos!

    A Fantastic Afternoon on Olvera Street!…read more My wife and I decided to spend the afternoon on historic Olvera Street in Los Angeles, and we're so glad we did! We originally thought about making a YouTube video for The Michael Show, but we were having way too much fun to stop and film! The restaurant, the sights, the atmosphere, and the history were absolutely fantastic. We especially loved being able to support this wonderful community and experience a place with so much character and tradition. From special events like the Blessing of the Animals to the historic surroundings, there's always something interesting happening. Parking can be a little challenging, and yes, it can be a bit pricey--but honestly, once we got there, we forgot all about it! It was a beautiful, fun-filled afternoon, and we just wanted to give a big SHOUT-OUT to Alvarado Street. If you're looking for history, atmosphere, good food, and a first-class afternoon, put this place on your list. We had a fantastic time and can't wait to come back!

    Photos
    Olvera Street - History of Olvera Street.

    History of Olvera Street.

    Olvera Street - Hello Kitty Dodgers

    Hello Kitty Dodgers

    Olvera Street - Shops

    See all

    Shops

    Grand Central Market - G&B Coffee

    Grand Central Market

    4.2(3.3k reviews)
    2.6 mi•Downtown
    •$$

    The atmosphere is really what sets this place apart. Not only are you provided with endless…read moredelicious options, the market is a sort of melting pot of different cultures. The blend of tourists and locals provides a real sense of a welcoming community, which is perfectly balanced with the vintage bright neon signage and industrial feel the space gives. I always gravitate towards the neapolitan personal pizzas, and finish off with mango sticky rice for dessert. However I have tried almost all of the vendors and none of them disappoint. Grab a runny egg and bacon sandwich from eggslut in the morning, grab some street tacos or pupusas for lunch, and finish off with a big warm bowl of ramen for dinner.

    When it first opened, in 1917, it was dubbed the "Wonder Market" and considered the largest and…read morefinest public market on the Pacific Coast. At the time, LA was the country's 10th most-populous city and, the market, housed in an iconic Beaux-Arts structure, was LA's epicenter. Times have changed and that epicenter looks different now than it once did. Grittier, for certain, but inside, this booming food hall is vibrant and compelling. I walked over from my place of lodging twice during a 4-night stay and had I stayed longer I'd no doubt have returned a third time. Grand Central market is a great and historic food hall. At least two separate locals expressed their opinion that there's much better food to be found. Of course; LA is huge. But that doesn't discount the fact that pretty much everything one could desire is under this roof. "Wonder Market" indeed. As difficult as it is to resist temptation, should you find yourself here with no appetite for food or drink, know that the people-watching is equally a draw. Park yourself at a table and watch the goings-on. Grand Central Market is a real draw. If you're anywhere near downtown LA, I'd consider it a must-do and frankly, I can't wait to return.

    Photos
    Grand Central Market - Villas Tacos, La Tostaderia, and more at Grand Central Market

    Villas Tacos, La Tostaderia, and more at Grand Central Market

    Grand Central Market - Pupusas

    Pupusas

    Grand Central Market - China Cafe

    See all

    China Cafe

    Carroll Ave - Carroll Ave has the Most Victorian Homes on 1 Street in LA. The Picturesque Street includes The Thriller & Charmed TV Show Houses Oct. 2023

    Carroll Ave

    4.8(70 reviews)
    1.3 mi•Echo Park

    Iconic along the Avenue in every way…read more Carroll Ave is a place filled with lots of scenic as well as historic history. This dazzling slice of Victorian homes in Echo Park, Los Angeles' Angelino Heights area encompasses the 1300s block and tip of the 1400s. Cinema, Music Entertainment & Television and various digital mediums have been capture on this landmark Avenue from Teen Witch and Grandma's Boy to the original Charmed television series and Michael Jackson's Thriller music video film. You can park on this street, stroll and even photo op (just be mindful of properties as they belong to actual home owners who help preserve their homes that are apart of the National Register of Historic Places with several official Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monuments listed among these homes. It's a 10 to 15 minute walk from Echo Park Lake if close by. Definitely a great place to be a local tourist, show your tourists and enjoy as an LA native/native Angelino.

    Beautiful Victorian homes. I enjoyed strolling down the street. Definitely worth visiting and…read moretaking in the beautiful architecture.

    Photos
    Carroll Ave - Carroll Ave has the Most Victorian Homes on 1 Street in LA. The Picturesque Street includes The Thriller & Charmed TV Show Houses Oct. 2023

    Carroll Ave has the Most Victorian Homes on 1 Street in LA. The Picturesque Street includes The Thriller & Charmed TV Show Houses Oct. 2023

    Carroll Ave - Carroll Avenue is a Historic Section of LA with Beautiful Victorian Houses. Several have been in the Movies & on TV.

    Carroll Avenue is a Historic Section of LA with Beautiful Victorian Houses. Several have been in the Movies & on TV.

    Carroll Ave - Carroll Ave has the Most Victorian Homes on 1 Street in LA. The Picturesque Street includes The Thriller & Charmed TV Show Houses Oct. 2023

    See all

    Carroll Ave has the Most Victorian Homes on 1 Street in LA. The Picturesque Street includes The Thriller & Charmed TV Show Houses Oct. 2023

    Los Angeles Chinatown - Guan Di Temple

    Los Angeles Chinatown

    3.7(215 reviews)
    1.7 mi•Chinatown

    My family and I frequent Los Angeles quite a bit but it never dawned on me to visit LA's Chinatown…read moreuntil more recently. Let me start off by saying the Chinatown today is nowhere near what Chinatown used to be or what you mentally imagine. Coming here leaves little to be desired when you have images of bright signs, lively streets, smells of freshly roasted meats + sweet baked goods. Clearly, this place has seen better days and could really use a facelift. Still, I find myself stopping by whenever I have the time to. Don't come here anticipating SF's version of Chinatown. Here you will find yourself surrounded by rundown buildings, tons of empty storefronts, filthy streets, and lackluster|faded hues that were once vibrant and eye catching. Sad, Yes! But I can't help but respect the resilience that continues day after day. I can only imagine what this place was like during it's prime. 4 stars. The visits here always feel repetitive but I enjoy strolling up and down the streets, wandering aimlessly. You never know what you're gonna come across to buy- bring cash and don't be shy in attempting to haggle a smidge.

    Los Angeles Chinatown is a hybrid of classic Cantonese Chinatown, commercialized China Town, new…read moreimmigrant South East Asian, Vietnamese Asian Town and the new rejuvenation of "Hipster" elements, a modernization and removal of antiquated tradition. Chinatowns were originally Chinese Ghettos, the designated regions where White America would allow Chinese laborers (and subsequently their families) to live. Typically undesirable lower socioeconomic regions. It became commercialized in the late 1960's through the 1970's as a tourist attraction, a cultural curiosity of sort. New York and San Francisco had, has and have a more "authentic" if there is such a description "Chinatown" with East/West coast snobbery towards those Cities over Los Angeles' C-Town. Chinatown is still kind of dirty 'tho, much as New York's and San Francisco's that on a hot humid day you can smell the overrun of sewage stench along the curbs of the streets. It's not quite as filthy as Seattle and Honolulu Hawaii's Chinatown 'tho. Parking can be difficult, but they have ample paid parking lots, and is also off of a public metro transit system. It's nearby Little Tokyo (aka Japantown) as well as kind of close to Dodger's Stadium, Downtown LA, Crypto (aka Staples) Centger, LA Live, the Financial District, the Garment District, etc. So, as a tourist or local running errands, there's many stops along the way and perripherally adjacent. If you crave Chinese Food however, I'd recommend the SGV San Gabriel Valley or The OC, Orange County area of Irvine as great alternatives or greater destinations for dining. If it's visiting something historic, this Chinatown is gritty and a nice experience during the day. The nightlife is mediocre, 'tho if you're driving and want food past 11pm, Chinatown has some really good eats! There is a "Bruce Lee" statue for a photo op for visitors as well as a sitting statue of Sun Yat Sen in the townsquare area. Golden Dragon Restaurant is a good place for authentic Dim Sum. There's an annual Chinese New Year Parade (Lunar New Year, typically sometime in Jan-Feb annually) held here too.

    Photos
    Los Angeles Chinatown - Longan Plant

    Longan Plant

    Los Angeles Chinatown - Photography by Kyle 2026

    Photography by Kyle 2026

    Los Angeles Chinatown - Photography by Kyle 2026   Bruce Lee Statue

    See all

    Photography by Kyle 2026 Bruce Lee Statue

    Michael Jackson's Thriller House - The House where Thriller featuring MJ & Vincent Price took place. Michael Jackson's Thriller House on historic Carroll Avenue in LA.

    Michael Jackson's Thriller House

    5.0(4 reviews)
    1.3 mi•Echo Park

    This should be one of your stops if you're a Michael Jackson fan. It's just a hop and a skip away…read morefrom the Echo Park Lake near downtown. There is a barricade that prevents you from going up to the front door so make sure you're respectful if you do pay a visit.

    "You start to freeze…read more.. As horror looks you right between the eyes You're paralyzed!!!!" Purposely preserved as a decaying/under renovations home for many pop culture references, media and nostalgia. This home is known primarily as the Thriller House from the iconic Michael Jackson 80s musical video Thriller. Located on 1245 Carroll Avenue - this residence was also featured on the series Charmed - with Holly Marie Combs (Piper), Alyssa Milano (Phoebe), and Paige (Rose McGowan) in Season 4 Episode 5 "Size Matters" with thee Glendale acting legend himself Robert Englund (aka the original Freddy Krueger) and in the movie Teen Witch (1989), "...I'm rubber, you're glue. Whatever you say sticks back on you." I had no idea this home along with many iconic others were/are all on the same street and series of blocks in a very amazing walkable neighbor with parking on the street, without resident only permits or restrictions and so close to Echo Park Lake in the city of Echo Park #TheMoreYouKnow Being a Victorian style home of note, built over 135 years ago it is among other historic homes and historical monuments of Greater Los Angeles. The Sanders House (it's true name) was designated a L.A. Historic-Cultural Monument official in the year 1971. Like it's neighboring structures it is also very much a part of the HPOZ also known as the Angelino Heights Historic Preservation Overlay Zone dedicated to preserving places of significance and that modification, renovation and updates are compatible with the architectural integrity of the neighborhood itself. If your in the area, definitely grab that pic you know you've been wanting to grab (be mindful of the property itself like any home)... For no mere mortal can resist... The evil of the thriller!!" "AHa ha ha ha ha ha ha ha...."

    Photos
    Michael Jackson's Thriller House
    Michael Jackson's Thriller House - The House where Thriller featuring MJ & Vincent Price took place. Michael Jackson's Thriller House on historic Carroll Avenue in LA.

    The House where Thriller featuring MJ & Vincent Price took place. Michael Jackson's Thriller House on historic Carroll Avenue in LA.

    Michael Jackson's Thriller House

    See all

    Baxter Stairways - localflavor - Updated October 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...