Panoramic views from the Baldwin Hills stairs
BOUNDARIES: La Cienega Blvd., National Blvd., Washington Blvd., Duquesne Ave.
DISTANCE: About 3.5 miles
DIFFICULTY: Strenuous (includes stairways)
PARKING: Free street parking is available on Jefferson Blvd.
NEAREST METRO STATION: Expo Line (Jefferson/La Cienega)
Constructed in 2006, the stairs leading up to the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook are so mammoth that they can reportedly be seen from space. They also represent an epic opportunity to get outdoors and work up a sweat right in the middle of our big sprawling, concrete-bound metropolis; plus, they’re totally free and accessible to everyone.
The straight-up shot of 282 steps leading to the viewing platform is challenging, to say the least: the steps are giant and uneven, and many are much taller than typical stairs. But the 360-degree views of Los Angeles at the top are positively killer—and worth the killer workout.
Directly north of the stairway lies the Hayden Tract. This formerly run-down industrial neighborhood underwent a transformation beginning in the 1980s, when developers Frederick and Laurie Samitaur Smith partnered with architect Eric Owen Moss to convert industrial warehouses into striking contemporary creative and office spaces.
Walk Description
Begin at the intersection of Hetzler Road and Jefferson Boulevard. Look for the big sign reading TRAILHEAD, and follow the dirt path up the hill until you reach the base of the stairs.
Climb the 282 stairs to reach the 
Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook. Wander around the viewing platform and trails at the top of the 511-foot peak to soak in the awesome panoramic views of the greater Los Angeles area.
Follow the path to the right around the viewing platform to continue to the gracefully designed, glass-walled visitor center. Because of budget cutbacks, the center is open only occasionally, but the public restrooms are accessible to hikers.
Retrace your steps from the visitor center back to the top of the stairs, and descend the first set until you reach the point where the stairway crosses the dirt path.
Turn left on the path to follow it as it zigzags all the way to the bottom of the hill, crossing back and forth across the stairs. You will come across a couple of forks in the path, but as long as you stay on the dirt and continue downhill, you’ll end up in the right place. Taking the trail down, as opposed to the stairs, is much easier on the knees and offers the chance to slow down and enjoy the sights and scents of native plants, critters, and insects without fear of being trampled by an overzealous climber.
When you return to the trailhead, turn right on Jefferson. This industrial stretch is not very pleasant or attractive, but there are some interesting plant and garden stores along the way. After just under a third of a mile, bear left at the split in the road to stay on Jefferson.
Make a quick left onto Higuera Street. (The street sign says RODEO ROAD heading to the right.) You’ll see a sign welcoming you to the Hayden Tract, and then you’ll pass the LA School of Gymnastics on your left.
Turn right on Hayden Avenue. Here, the architectural style clearly shifts from industrial/commercial to industrial chic. The next three blocks are home to advertising and design firms, dance studios, and other types of creative enterprises. At 3585, you’ll want to leave the sidewalk to take a closer look at the elevated cactus garden designed by Eric Owen Moss.
As you approach National Boulevard, you’ll come to the 
Conjunctive Points complex on your right. This offbeat and striking architectural landmark comprises the intimidating angular black Stealth building as well as the topsy-turvy Samitaur Tower at the corner of Hayden and National. If the parking-lot security guard gives you the go-ahead, continue into the complex to see more innovative structures and designs.
Turn right at the corner of Hayden and National, and walk one block to Eastham Drive. Directly across National Boulevard, in 
Syd Kronenthal Park is an entrance to the Ballona Creek Bike Path. The next exit point is a little over a mile south down the path at Duquesne Avenue, or one could take it all the way to the ocean—something to keep in mind if you return on two wheels. But today you’re walking, so turn right on Eastham.
The buildings on Eastham reflect the converted industrial sensibility of their neighbors on Hayden. Continue back to Higuera and turn left.
From here, you’ll retrace your steps back to your starting point: turn right on Jefferson, and follow the road as it curves to the right and leads back to the corner of Hetzler Road.
Culver City’s Baldwin Hills Stairs and Hayden Tract
Points of Interest
Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook 6300 Hetzler Road, Culver City, CA 90232
Conjunctive Points Hayden Avenue between Higuera Street and National Boulevard, Culver City, CA 90232
Syd Kronenthal Park 3459 McManus Ave., Culver City, CA 90232
