Stairway to the stars
The Berendo Stairs, built in 1924 – the same year as the Frank Lloyd Wright Ennis House in the neighborhood – exhibit a bit of the old glamour of Los Angeles. The three flights of steps with graceful sloped concrete banisters ascend 557 feet. Curved benches situated along the way are useful for hikers wanting to take a stylish breather while enjoying the great view. The “neighborhood Stairmaster” ends with a trail into Griffith Park and access to Griffith Observatory.
The logistics: starting at Berendo Street and Crowell Avenue, climb the first and longest set of steps up to Bonvue Avenue. Turn right and follow Bonvue Avenue past the first flight of stairs on the left (this flight lands on Glencairn Road and, although pretty, won’t get you to the Observatory without taking a mazelike path through neighborhood streets and skipping the other flights of stairs completely). Continue to the second set of steps on the left, Glendower Stairs, a few feet before Glendower Avenue. The first flight of Glendower Stairs opens to Bryn Mawr Road. Take a quick right and then left to catch the second flight up to Glendower Avenue. Exit the stairs to the right and walk northeast to Glendower Road. The big yellow sign saying “No access to Griffith Observatory” means no access to vehicles – bipeds and quadrupeds (leashed dogs) are welcome.
Info
Address The intersection of Berendo Street and Cromwell Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027 | Getting there Unmetered street parking | Hours Always open; however, please use discretion and respect the neighborhood, honoring quiet times.| Tip Trails Cafe (2333 Fern Dell Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90068) has outdoor seating on picnic benches and tree stumps, simple eats, and Stumptown Coffee in the gorgeous setting of Griffith Park.
For hikers wishing to adventure on to Griffith Observatory – and the steps where James Dean famously screamed, “I got the bullets!” inRebel Without a Cause – follow Glendower Road, taking the trail into the park before the road turns sharply right. Head along the trail, staying to the left at the fork. Turn left on the big fire trail road and then take a hairpin turn to the right to reach the observatory. The hike to the observatory from the trailhead is just over a half mile.
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