Castles in the Air

Beachwood Canyon Staircase Hike in the Hollywood Hills

This staircase hike takes you on a journey into classic old Hollywood charm and reveals gorgeous views, but you have to work for it! Your fantasy-world journey begins on Beachwood Drive among iconic storybook houses. An extremely steep and seemingly endless staircase lined with cacti and wildflowers transports you to Hollyridge Drive, where you hang a swift right.

On the left is the elegant Hollywood Castle (a popular film and video location), while to the right the Hollywood Sign beams proudly. Continue to stride down Hollyridge Drive as another castle appears on your left. Look to the opposite side of the street and spy another staircase between 2823 and 2831 Hollyridge. Here you skip down 132 stairs, turn right on Westshire, then circle around Lechner Place, a 270-degree turn to meet up with Hollyridge again.

Go left about 0.3 mile to be greeted by the first flight of stairs you climbed, which you now descend with ease to complete a 1.2-mile lollipop loop. If you’re motivated to conquer one last stairway (you will be!), head left at the bottom to a staircase at 2800 North Beachwood. As you reach the top, beam with pride as you look down at how far you’ve come! Simply reverse course down those same stairs to complete a total of 1.8 miles in fantasy land.

TIP: Catering to both the green-smoothie crowd and the beer connoisseur, head over to Beachwood Café for post-hike food and refreshments.

Start the trail at the staircase beside 3020 N. Beachwood Dr. Street parking is available, but limited, so arrive early. Note that much of the street parking on weekends requires a permit. Dog friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

    View
  3. Rio Del Mar-velous

    Rio Del Mar State Beach in Aptos might be one of the best places for a treasure hunt. Its location between two other beaches makes for a good stroll featuring a spectacle of wildlife as you search the sand for sea glass and seashells.

    View
  4. Hiker taking a photo of sunset at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve

    Sunshine and Skyline

    Head to Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve for a 4-mile out-and-back hike on the Bay Area Ridge Trail that offers a front-row seat to spectacular sunsets.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Fall for It All in Reno Tahoe

    The best kind of getaway? Less time on logistics, more time on memory-making. Jackpot! You’ve got Reno Tahoe.

    View