Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

My gym is about 4 miles from home. And about 4 miles in the opposite direction is the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook. This tiny state park is notable mainly for a killer flight of stairs. I find it much more rewarding and satisfying than the StairMaster at the gym, with all the benefits of a stair climbing workout and the added perks of amazing views of Los Angeles — from the San Gabriel Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. And this short hike can be done at whatever pace you’re comfortable with. Some people run it. Some do multiple laps.

Trail Details

Distance: 1.5 miles
Time: 30 min.
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 454 ft
Dogs: No
When to go: Year-round

This trail begins in Culver City on Jefferson Blvd. at Hetzler Road. There is a small parking lot that charges $6 to park, or free parking on the street. Be prepared to walk a bit, as the street parking gets very busy. And note that while there are no meters as of the date of writing, there are posts for meters, so they may be coming.

The trail itself is hard to miss. Right at street level you’ll see The World’s Most Clearly Marked Trailhead.

The trail heads up a switchback, bringing you to the foot of one, long staircase.

There are 282 steps to the top of the overlook. I should note that these “steps” are not normal steps. Some of them required that I lift my leg more than 90 degrees to step up. They are big steps, spread out.

At the top of the steps is an overlook with incredible views over Los Angeles. You get a clear shot of the San Gabriel Mountains, downtown LA, Hollywood, Westwood, all the way to the Pacific Ocean.

A short side trip from the top takes you to a beautiful visitor center, which has restroom facilities and a native plant garden.

Instead of taking the stairs down, save your knees! Retrace your steps to the observation deck then head to the east end. You’ll see a trail that snakes back and forth down the hill in a series of gentle switchbacks.

With a side trip to the visitor center, this hike clocks in at about 1.5 miles. Going straight up the stairs and down the switchbacks it’s 1.3 miles. If you’re in the area, this is a great way to start your day. If you’re not in the area, you should swing by and check it out at least once. The stairs — and the views — are amazing.

Baldwin Hills Overlook Trail Map

Download

Photo Gallery

Click on any photo to view a larger version. You can also leave comments on any photo.

Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook Tips

Don’t cut the switchbacks. It speeds erosion.
There are restrooms at the top in the visitor center.
The park technically doesn’t open until 8am, but this seems to be routinely ignored.
Looking to reward your effort with breakfast? Check out S & W Country Diner in downtown Culver City.
Sorry, dogs are not allowed.

Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook Resources

Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook – official State Park web site

Culver City Weather Forecast

The location could not be found.

Comments

Jennifer says
October 2, 2013 at 4:27 am

Looks like a great hike and I agree, I’d rather do this than hit the gym.

- Jeff Hester says
  October 3, 2013 at 5:13 am
  
  Thanks, Jennifer. It’s a fun hill. The views are amazing. I’m looking forward to seeing what it’s like when the local mountains are covered in snow. I hear the views are beautiful! A clear view of downtown Los Angeles with snow-covered mountains in the background. Wow!
  
josh says
October 3, 2013 at 2:52 pm

That featured image is awesome!

- Jeff Hester says
  October 4, 2013 at 10:55 am
  
  Thanks, Josh. I’m looking forward to hitting that trail next time the San Gabriels are blanketed in snow. Should make for some amazing photos.
  
Nankie says
December 29, 2013 at 10:47 pm

Great post! I discovered this place about 6 months ago and just love it!

Alanna Brooke says
July 23, 2016 at 7:44 pm

Come by Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook every Saturday until August 27th and do a free training prep run with Jose Zavala of Aztlan Athletics and get ready for ‪Conquer The Overlook‬!
Meet at the top of the stair climb at the Aztlan Athletics booth.
(We’ll also have DJ Denmaster to deliver tunes while you get your workout on.)

Going on every Saturday until August 27th Free Training Prep Runs!
-7:30am and 9:30am at Baldwin Hills Scenic Outlook.
-Two start times: @730am and @930am
-Raffle @1030am for a FREE registration for Conquer The Overlook
-OR-
Go online http://www.conquertheoverlook.com and register today with promo code: gameon and save $10.00 on registration

Address:

6300 Hetzler Rd., Culver City, California 90232, Culver City, CA

Description:
The Conquer The Overlook Climb 282 is coming back to the historic state park “Baldwin Hills Overlook”, Culver City!

All You Can Eat Gourmet Tacos Included* (*while supplies last)
2 Free Beers included per person in the Beer Garden
DJ Music and Entertainment
Dance and Chill Under The Stars
Official Race Results will be posted for online viewing.
All participants will be able to access resource agencies, health & wellness, and specialty booths.
Commemorative T-Shirt guaranteed to pre-registered only! All others while supplies last.

Luis S says
February 16, 2017 at 9:49 am

Going for the first time this Sunday coming up, Super Excited.
I am more of a more intense hiker but Ive heard that this place is beautiful so anything as long as I get to be where I feel most alive….. OUTSIDE