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Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

Baldwin-Hills-Overlook-at-Sunrise

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.

Baldwin Hills Overlook Trailhead

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

Stairs to Baldwin Hills Overlook

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.

Baldwin Hills Outlook Panorama

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

Baldwin Hills Overlook Visitor Center

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.

baldwin-hills-scenic-overlook-trail-map

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 file: Baldwin-Hills-Overlook-Trail.gpx

Photo Gallery

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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

Culver City Weather Forecast

[forecast width=”100%” location=”90232″]

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