Starcrossed Stairway?

Urban Stairway Hike at Hollywood Heights in Los Angeles

09.13.2023

Located mere steps away from the touristy Hollywood hustle, the only thing you’ll find bustling in Hollywood Heights is all of its old-world charm.

Built into the hillside next to the Hollywood Bowl, this quiet LA neighborhood delights with historic homes, steep and narrow (mostly carless) streets, and enchanting city views. Best of all, it features a network of walkways and staircases that makes it super fun to wander and explore.

Enjoy this little-known gem with a short 1.4-mile stairway walk starting at the intersection of Franklin Avenue and Hillcrest Road. Head north on Hillcrest and make a right on Glencoe Way. Look out for the Samuel Freeman House at 1962 Glencoe, built by Frank Lloyd Wright in his signature Mayan block style.

At the dead end, take the stairs to the other side of Glencoe. Enjoy the views of the Hollywood Hills, then climb the 110-step concrete stairway on the left (found next to 2033 Glencoe) up to Paramount Drive. Head down the hill, making a right on Camrose and a left on La Presa Drive, savoring the charming cottages, supple succulents, and blooming bougainvillea that give off lovely Mediterranean village vibes.

Make a right on Yeager Place. At the next intersection, you’ll see High Tower—a Bolognese-style elevator that movie buffs might recognize from the 1973 Robert Altman film The Long Goodbye. 

Unless you are a resident of one of these hillside homes, you can’t actually ride the elevator. But for a closer view of the five-story tower, take the Los Altos Place stairs, which meet Broadview Terrace. Make a right on Alta Loma Terrace. Along the way you’ll spot a range of unique and original mid-century-style homes, even one resembling a nautical boat.

The path will drop you off at the Highland Camrose Park, an ideal spot for a picnic. Make a right on N. Highland Avenue and keep right on Franklin to retrace your steps to the start.

Parking: There is free 2-hour street parking on Hillcrest Ave. near the starting point (check street signs for exact times). Paid parking is available at the Ovation Hollywood lot at 6801 Hollywood Blvd.

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