Secret Stairs - Mother's Day!

Another great Secret Stairs adventure with the people that set in motion the pursuit of urban elevation exploration... my parents.



After receiving the book as a Christmas gift, friends & loved ones alike, have all been on one journey or another through a hidden Los Angeles neighborhood; enriched by the knowledge & history the author brings forth.



This past Mother's Day, after lunch at Bella's, we made our way south on the 110 to the Highland Park area. The first half of our walk was through the foothill neighborhoods that lined the arroyo seco area.



We learned a great deal about a long forgotten piece of Los Angeles history, the Great California Cycle Way (must see!)



Forging back over the river and up a flight of stairs that took us back into the quiet neighborhoods & further into the south eastern hills of Highland Park.



A new adventure in a part of town I had only been a few times. From back alley graffiti to San Gabriel Mountain views, this secret stairs really encompassed it all.



Thanks again Mom for turning me on to great new adventures!

West Fork Bith Path - Hidden LA Gem

I'm going to come right out and say it... I went on the best bike ride I have ever been on this past weekend.



The West Fork Bike Path combines everything one could love about the mountains, hiking, rivers, waterfalls & puts them on a bicycle path through the canyons outside Azusa, California.



After a winding drive up Hwy 39, past two resivors, you will find yourself deep in the what I believe is call the San Gabriel Canyon. A ranger station meets you as you pass the second resivor & visitors must purchase a $5 day pass or opt for the risk of towing or ticketing.



The path begins at a bridge crossing & follows the river for 8 mile w/ a class 1 path. Slowly taking the rider past several small waterfalls, many people 'catch & release' fishing, along with a few families splashing around in the water.



The whole experience left me with a need for more adventure. Another ride will soon be taken through the canyon... who's coming next time?

Secret Stairs - Valentines Day

Enjoying a nice afternoon with my girlfriend Georgette, we ventured off to find some more Secret Stairs this Valentines. This time heading to the hills of Eagle Rock & Pasadena.



What a magnificent neighborhood, tucked away behind numerous small hills & terraces, quieter the farther we ventured in. We snuck into a house that was under construction.



This was one of the most covered and shaded walks yet, with many chances to venture off through the close knit neighborhoods.

Secret Stairs - Hollywood

There is this great book out right now called Secret Stairs: A Walking Guide to the Historic Staircases of Los Angeles. It is an urban adventure all it's own.



The book is filled with over 30 step by step guided tours through scenic neighborhood, involving great architecture facts & history of the surrounding area. Along the way, lots of staircase hiking.



Taking three of us this particular evening, on a wonderful journey through one of the original planned neighborhoods for Hollywood... nicknamed here Hollywoodland. Exploring the neighborhood just north of N. Beachwood Dr.



Many of the planned routes will take the traveler on a winded journey up a flight of stairs, but is well thought out by the author, a walk through the narrow streets of the terraced homes before the adventurer has recouped for the next flight.


[this home is located in Silver Lake, CA]
Another adventure into a part of Los Angeles I've never experienced... till now. More to come soon.