A view of downtown LA from Elysian Park
BOUNDARIES: Echo Park Ave., Baxter St., Park Dr., Scott Ave.
DISTANCE: About 0.75 mile
DIFFICULTY: Moderate (includes stairways)
PARKING: Free street parking is available on Baxter St.
Founded in 1886, Elysian Park is LA’s second-largest urban oasis (after Griffith Park). Its 600 acres are planted with native chaparral as well as eucalyptus and ficus trees. The park, which is home to Dodger Stadium, also features hiking trails, picnic areas, and playing fields for the nature-craving residents of central and eastern Los Angeles. The hilly area of Elysian Heights, part of the Echo Park neighborhood, abuts the western border of the park, thus providing a delightful escape for residents who wish to forget for a little while that they live in one of the nation’s most concrete-bound cities.
Begin at the intersection of Valentine Street and Baxter Street (east of Echo Park Avenue), and head east toward the hill. An elementary school is on your right. This is a peaceful residential neighborhood; the cute, cottagelike homes on the left side of the street are lushly landscaped with assorted plant life, including fruit trees, cactus, and colorful flowers.
Turn right on Avon Street. Ascend the steps on your left, a very long, zigzagging stairway that appears to be carefully maintained—there are even street lights installed alongside the steps. On the hill above are a few modern homes. Pause every once in a while to admire the stunning view behind you, which stretches from Century City to Griffith Park.
Turn right at the top of the stairs onto Park Drive. Directly across the street is 
Elysian Park, a lush green basin with dirt paths winding down to the bottom. This 600-acre park features an arboretum, countless dirt hiking paths, and picnic areas. Through the eucalyptus trees to the southeast, you can catch an excellent view of downtown. Joggers and dog walkers travel the dirt path just a few yards below, and if you’re so inclined, you can hop down the short slope and join them in exploring this big, rustic oasis.
Continue along Park Drive to Duane Street and turn right. Duane has the feel of a narrow country lane as it curves downhill to the left and becomes Avon Street.
Turn right on Lucretia Avenue. Just after the road curves to the left, look for a narrow sidewalk on your right; follow it to the next stairway, nearly as long as the one you ascended earlier, which zigzags down to Avalon Street. As you descend, admire more fabulous views all the way to the coast (on a clear day) to the west, and to the San Gabriel Mountains to the northeast.
Continue straight on Avalon Street one block to Echo Park Avenue.
Turn right on Echo Park Avenue. The next few blocks are considerably less idyllic than the elevated portion of this walk; some of the houses are run-down, and the commercial options don’t extend much beyond a liquor store and a hair salon.
When you reach the elementary school near your starting point, turn right on Baxter Street and follow it back to the intersection with Valentine Street, where you began.
Elysian Heights
Point of Interest
Elysian Park 929 Academy Road, Los Angeles, CA 90012; 213-485-5054, laparks.org/park/elysian
