My second time doing the stairs here is how I found them. Number of stairs- 9 Sycamore Glen to Redwood Dr.-this staircase is not in Fleming's Secret Stairs book, Walk #1, though they could have easily been part of the route. 60 steps Elmwood Dr. to Redwood Dr. 98 steps Redwood Dr. to Tamarac Dr. 81 steps up then 19 steps down Tamarac Dr. to Glenullen Dr. 86 steps Glenullen Dr. to Cherry Dr. 99 steps Cheviotdale Pl. to Capinero Dr. 44 steps La Loma to Cheviotdale Pl. 54 steps Cheviotdale Pl. to Cherry Dr. 43 steps La Loma to Evergreen-this staircase... Hope it helps It's around two miles. read more

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I decided to give the Secret Stairs a visit after a tip from Yelp! There is just something charming about a neighborhood network of stairs. The stairs serves well as an easy hike or an exercise spot for those who love stair climbing. One thing I did not expect is that the stairs go up and down. Rather than take you higher and higher, some of the stairs just takes you across hills which for me is disappointing. Also, I did not find the houses along the trail particularly scenic. They are probably nice for Pasadena but definitely a far cry from what you see in nearby Arcadia, San Marino, La Canada, etc. Overall, I consider the Secret Stairs a local attraction. It's a worth a visit if you live less than 20 minutes away and its a fun neighborhood novelty but it's definitely not worth your time if you don't live in the area. Parking: I parked on the street on Elmwood which is the beginning of the trail, but I don't highly recommend it. It's not a particularly well maintained street and it is super narrow and steep without proper curbs/sidewalks. There is also a sign that says 'Tow Away on Red Flag Days'. Refer to the affixes picture. If I returned, I would either park on the street prior to Elmwood or just skip to a different segment. read more

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I must say that the stairs were in very good condition. I felt uncomfortable though walking the stairs which is between homes. There wasn't really much to see but the back yards of the homes. I stopped after walking 2 sections of the stairs. I didn't see signs so be careful not to walk up to someone back door. Haha. read more

Its a good workout, quiet and very sage area. Only thing is, hard to find. Its in between 2 houses and sign very small. I almost missed it. Its shaded with some trees. Bring extra water this time of the year it was really hot and hardly get any windy. Whats out for gecho there are many everywhere!! Happy hiking!! read more

Charles Fleming, who writes for the Los Angeles Times about various hikes in L.A. wrote a book called "Secret Stairs" which is a walking guide to the historic staircases in Los Angeles. My old hiking partner gave me the book and I've decided to tackle all 42 of them beginning with Walk #1 off of La Loma Road starting just south of the intersection of Colorado Boulevard and La Figueroa Street right by the border of Eagle Rock and Pasadena. I went on my first adventure a couple days ago and it was a beautiful walk and my very first walk on the historic stairways of Los Angeles. There is also an ap you can buy for your smartphone for $1.99 called Secret Stairs I believe, but I have the book so I used that. The directions were absolutely perfect. Walk #1 begins on the stairway right on Elmwood Drive just before the house at 420 Elmwood Drive. Climb up those steps and look back as you go to soak up the view. You'll end up on Redwood Drive and just cross the street and continue up until to meet Tamarac Drive. Turn left and the next staircase goes down until it meets Glenullen Drive. If you follow Mr. Fleming's perfect directions you will cover about 2.7 miles with almost 1,000 steps. Give yourself about an hour for this walk. You can also find directions on the Hometown-Pasadena website I listed when I set this up on Yelp. Please try to be quiet and don't leave any trash behind as you stroll through these beautiful neighborhoods. read more

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Secret stairs is a good place to get some cardio in and look at unique houses. I would still prefer a hike anywhere rather than to climb sets of stairs but since it recently rained in LA, the hikes would've been messy and muddy. The stairs are not hard to find on Elmwood but once you go further up, you'll have to keep an eye out for the next set of stairs because at one of the roads, you'll have to walk a residential street a few blocks before you find the next set of stairs. I would recommend getting a sample copy of a guide from Charles Fleming's book Secret Stairs: A walking guide to the Historic Staircases of LA. His book will give you a step by step and turn by turn guide of the 2.7 mile loop. He will also mention unique houses to look out for so you won't get lost. As long as you follow his directions, you'll end up right where you started. The stairs are a great place if you run out of activities to do in LA, but I wouldn't put it at the top of my list if I were from out of town. read more

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I wanted to go outside and do something active, but didn't feel like muddying up my shoes at a hike. I did some searching on Yelp and was glad to have found this gem. We started off on Elmwood and quickly made our way through the sets of stairs. We did get lost around Cherry Drive and wandered around the neighborhood in search of the next set of stairs. The map in the pictures was extremely helpful to getting us back on track! It was a nice walk to explore the neighborhood. Next time, I will have to do a few more laps to get in a good workout. read more

After doing the "secret stairs" in Hollywood, this was a bit disappointing. But I will say it was easier to follow the map, maybe because there were only 5 stairs. Still it was a good way to spend the morning before going to brunch, just didn't really work up a sweat. read more

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Nice walk for a casual weekend exploration! I came on a Sunday afternoon and found that the screenshot of the map from Charles Fleming's book (found in the photos from another Yelper) was extremely useful! The houses here were beautiful and the uphill challenge from the slope/stairs was not too intense! read more

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Secret Stairs - Pasadena, CA Here are my 5 Tips for Secret Stairs TIP #1: It's no longer a secret and the first set of stairs is easy to find. It's located off Elmwood Drive. I recommend parking down the street off La Loma Road. TIP #2: The first set of stairs may be easy to find, but it breaks up and it's easy to get lost the first time. We got lost and walked into a few dead ends. Look up the map online or just check the photos on Yelp. I posted a screen shot of a map from Charles Fleming's book "Secret Stairs". TIP #3: It's stairs and it's steep. How easy or hard these steps are depends on YOUR fitness level. Run it for workout. Walk it for a great pump in your quads. Charles Fleming stated in his book that it's a total of 996 steps, 2.7 miles round-trip, and takes about an hour to complete. It took us about 45 minutes to complete and according to my Garmin GPS, we walked a total of 2.3 miles. TIP #4: Treat these steps like a hike and make sure that you're hydrated. TIP #5: Seven letters...R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Respect the neighborhood and the people that live here. *Pick up your trash and other people's trash. *Keep your conversations light. *Park in an area that does not inconvenience the people that live here. read more

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We checked out the Secret Stairs on a pretty warm afternoon. Shade is provided from the trees and this is a pretty quick little side trip to add if you happen to be in the area. We zigged and zagged up down and around the neighborhood and staircases. It was a fun little discovery and I look forward to checking out many other hidden staircases of LA. Obviously, nothing strenuous and fine for all athletic abilities, just remember you are walking very close to peoples homes so always be quiet and respectful of that. read more

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The secrete steps are a great place to get a strong workout. However, many portions of the steps and over growth is not being maintain as the city continues to ignore this valuable are. Many of the walkers have commented that in so many areas the growth actually cover over 50% of the walkway, creating an unsafe place to walk. Those concerned should write to PUBLIC WORKS and request they do their job and clear the steps for a more positive and save walk for all. send your concerns via email to pubwks@cityofwhittier.org read more

It's a hike of stairs, and it has a great views of downtown Los Angeles and the beach and lastly what seems to be Culver City or Century City skyscrapers! read more

Came here during an absolute rainstorm. The stairs were flooded, got my shoes wet. But it was really fun going up and down those stairs. I'd say the only thing to look out for is a tree growing into the stairs halfway up the top. read more

Nothing humbles you more quickly than a set of stairs. No matter your fitness level, an incline will take your breath away (and not like a beautiful pizza fresh out of a wood fired oven). These did that and then some. There aren't that many, but they're sneaky little guys. You go at them like a bull out of the gates and you are winded within seconds. There's essentially three separate flights to ascend and descend and the map in one of the photos does a great job of showing where to find them. The one off of Cherry is a little tricky, but just refer to that and you'll figure it out. I went up and down them twice and my phone's heart monitor thingy clocked 1.7 miles, 3,542 steps, and 50 floors and that took me about 30-40 minutes. Not too shabby for a quick workout and a nice change of pace from walking around the Rose Bowl. It's in a residential neighborhood so you do feel like a bit of a creep since the paths peer into backyards and such, but these are public stairs, so we are entitled to use them to lift our derrieres if we so choose; just be respectful when it comes to parking and noise and litter! read more

If you've got an hour to kill, this is a good way to do it. It is a short beginner's hike with a great view of the city. Although the difficulty level is mild, you'll still get a good workout since the stairs are pretty steep. Definitely a good starting point if you're looking to make your way towards the more advanced stair hikes out on the Westside. My husband and I finished it in just about an hour. This is actually the first hike listed in Charles Fleming's "Secret Stairs" guidebook, but I just happened to find this hike here on Yelp. Park on La Loma Road and walk up Elmwood, where you will find the first set of stairs located on the right. The stairs are located between people's homes so do be mindful of the local residents. Also, be sure to bring a bottle of water and some comfy shoes. read more

Nice walk! Grateful for the map another person had posted since you're navigating through a windy residential area. read more

Secret Stairs - Nice walk! Grateful for the map another person had posted since you're navigating through a windy residential area. - Hiking Near Me - Pasadena, California

I love this location because it's in suuuuch a beautiful part of the neighborhood. Come during the morning or sunset hour to get the best experience out of a nice stroll on this stairway path. It's really easy, not difficult at all --even if you're out of shape. It's also pet friendly! :) read more

Love working out here but have to say the past few visits have been a little awkward. It's a stairway right in the middle of a residential area so of course, keep in mind to be quiet and respectful, but I've caught a few people watching me work out from their windows/driveways and was stopped mid workout by construction workers asking for my number...sigh...women love that (sike). Anyway, outside of that, it's quiet and peaceful, the view from the top is pretty and it beats a crowded outdoor gym during COVID. I haven't shared the stairs with anyone else in my last few visits, it's pretty discreet! read more

Nice if you live close, but not special enough to drive from afar. I expected a stair case to the sky, instead it's short distance sets of stairs combined with up and down streets. read more

We love these stairs so much we live on them. They are a good workout, photo-op, landmark and shortcut around the neighborhood. I love seeing other people enjoy them. They are a not-so-secret LAism that we love to experience and share. That said, we have a list of tips to make your experience and ours a great one: - Bring water, it gets hot. - PLEASE keep your conversations light. This is a residential neighborhood and the stairs run between private backyards. At regular voice we can hear every single word of your conversations, which means our children can hear them too. Graphic, rough and rude talk can ruin a nice day outside with our kids. Keep it clean. - Be clean - please don't leave trash or cigarette butts. It's gross. - Wear a mask. - Please DON'T rip out or cut our plants, sit in our gardens, hang out on our front stairs or use our garden hose. The stairs are public, but our homes are not. - Please DO ask us for help if you need it. We live on these stairs. We get it. - Bring your dog - because everyone who lives on the stairs loves dogs. - Please DON'T bring your aggressive dog that you can't control. The stairs aren't even 6 feet wide, and you are going to meet other people with THEIR dogs. You get where I'm going. - Bring water for your dog - it gets hot. - Enjoy yourself. If you want a serious workout, pick a stretch and do it 10 times. Just don't talk about your last doctor's appointment at full voice on your phone while you do. Nobody wants to know about your colonoscopy. Oh, and get the book. These staircases are all over LA, and we hike them too. They are beautiful and challenging shortcuts that link neighborhoods and different pieces of history together. Cheers. read more

Hidden gem! In a quiet neighborhood. Park down the street on la Loma. Beautiful spot nestled in between some houses with a great steep hill just below ! read more

Secret Stairs - Hiking Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Great neighborhood. Peaceful and secluded. Daughter, our dog, and I enjoyed walking up the steps. Not rigorous at all.

Great quick workout. It's more intense than it seems but great cardio workout. I tried it first thing in the morning. It was nice not having the blazing sun hit us. But there is a lot of trees around. Very nice workout. read more

It was beautiful, fun, invigorating, exciting, etc. I loved this trail and will definitely bring my friends up here soon. I went alone so I felt a little uncomfortable at first but near the end felt empowered and exhausted. It also didn't help that I went at 10:30am with rising heat but had a blast regardless. read more

A famous person once said, " If you want to keep a secret, you must also hide it from yourself" - George Orwells, 1984. Well, getting right to the point, as the title suggests, this hiking location is really not a secret since many people know about it. Two of my good friends, named Dominic and Kevin, insisted that I venture with them to this hiking place. Now, the first thing that came to my mind was that "it isn't a secret if everyone knows about it". That would destroy the definition of secret. My friend Dominic told me that it was invisible and cannot be seen by the naked eye. I challenge his bluff with two sets of fish for sale. Anyways, there are more than just 1 step of stairs at this location. You can probably get lost if you don't retrace your steps. What i love most about this location is that this hiking location resembles a small city within Kyoto, Japan. You have that nice secluded area that is well balanced with nature and sunshine. Since they are stairs, if you're not fit, this might be a tough hike for you since it really depends on incline for the most of the part. My friends Kevin and Dominic hit the gym 24/7 and were defeated after the first round of steps. It is a bit of a challenge, but it depends on your body physique. read more

Great break from the daily commute. Easy to find Right off the 134 / Figueroa Exit. Had a great workout, Jogged up 5 times, walked down. Will be coming here more often. read more

Secret Stairs - Hiking Near Me - Pasadena, California

Anyone come here to anytime? Let me know..... It's really good for the shape of legs and keep energy! read more

Secret Stairs - Hiking Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Very fun way to get some exercise!!! You're able to take some awesome photos as well. Might look a lil intimating at first, but trust me you can do it! Looking forward to doing it again. :) read more

Lol this is like a walk not a hike not a workout. Just know that if you are expecting to workout and burn some calories and then some. This is not the spot you want to hit up. It's in residential area and there's only street parking. The neighborhood is full of nice people but it's not that much of a secret apparently. read more

After a failed attempt at hiking at the Eagle Rock Canyon Trail, I decided to come to these Secret Stairs! They really are a secret! It is a nice alternative to driving all the way to the west side for the Baldwin Hills stairs. I came on a Thursday morning and it was empty. I was the only one there, which was nice. I guess people have work or something. hahah. I timed my first trip up the stairs and it was about 2.5 minutes. I did it a few times before my knee started to bother me. I worked up a sweat though! It was also very hot that day. The stairs span across two streets, so be careful when you're crossing the street! It is a residential area with tight roads, but you should still check for cars! I parked on the wider road (I think it was La Loma) and then walked over to the stairs. The residential streets were too narrow and it didn't seem like a good place for a visitor to park. Overall, this will be my new go-to place for a quick little cardio workout! read more

Absolutely love this place it was quite easy to find as the stairs span several streets. Great place to work out and catch a vibe. Make sure to breathe in the nice atmosphere that surrounds. Definitely a cool place to check out! read more

Great workout. Nice neighborhood. Unfortunately I couldn't find the rest of the stairs. Next time I will look online for a map. :) read more

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Awesome alternative to mechanical stairs at a gym. It's up and down which makes it more enjoyable and helps with recovery. Great neighborhood with great people willing to help if you make a wrong turn. read more

Don't underestimate the beauty scenery...these stairs will kick your butt!

I love walking in these secret stairs. It's a little hard to find at first but once you get the hang of it and know the path way it's all smooth. I would recommend to bring water and a snack Incase you get hungry. It's fun to find it. Bring friends along with. read more

Fun quick walk in a beautiful neighborhood. Stairs are a bit hard to find but once you do it's a nice easy climb. I wish I lived here.