Castles in the Air

Beachwood Canyon Staircase Hike in the Hollywood Hills

This staircase hike takes you on a journey into classic old Hollywood charm and reveals gorgeous views, but you have to work for it! Your fantasy-world journey begins on Beachwood Drive among iconic storybook houses. An extremely steep and seemingly endless staircase lined with cacti and wildflowers transports you to Hollyridge Drive, where you hang a swift right.

On the left is the elegant Hollywood Castle (a popular film and video location), while to the right the Hollywood Sign beams proudly. Continue to stride down Hollyridge Drive as another castle appears on your left. Look to the opposite side of the street and spy another staircase between 2823 and 2831 Hollyridge. Here you skip down 132 stairs, turn right on Westshire, then circle around Lechner Place, a 270-degree turn to meet up with Hollyridge again.

Go left about 0.3 mile to be greeted by the first flight of stairs you climbed, which you now descend with ease to complete a 1.2-mile lollipop loop. If you’re motivated to conquer one last stairway (you will be!), head left at the bottom to a staircase at 2800 North Beachwood. As you reach the top, beam with pride as you look down at how far you’ve come! Simply reverse course down those same stairs to complete a total of 1.8 miles in fantasy land.

TIP: Catering to both the green-smoothie crowd and the beer connoisseur, head over to Beachwood Café for post-hike food and refreshments.

Start the trail at the staircase beside 3020 N. Beachwood Dr. Street parking is available, but limited, so arrive early. Note that much of the street parking on weekends requires a permit. Dog friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Man hiking up a trail at Montara Mountain, with a view of the Pacific and Grey Whale sand beach in the background

    From Beach to Summit

    No need to decide between a beach and a mountaintop—this hike includes both! Explore the stunning coastal scenery on this 6-mile out-and-back up Montara Mountain and into Rancho Corral de Tierra.

    View
  2. Picnic and a Pedal

    West Marin has all the right stuff for an afternoon getaway: bike paths, babbling brooks, canopy forests, and secluded picnic spots. Combine a picnic and a pedal at Samuel P. Taylor State Park by biking the easygoing Cross Marin Trail.

    View
  3. Sebastopol Food & Wine Roll

    One apple farm, three charming towns, multiple wineries, and infinite natural beauty. Savor a perfect autumn day in Sonoma County by biking the West County Regional Trail from Sebastopol to Forestville via Graton. It’s a 17-mile (round-trip) adventure. 

    View
  4. Go, Tell It on the Mountain

    Want to be king of the mountain? Head to King Mountain, the 108-acre open space preserve just above Larkspur in Marin. Despite its lofty name, hiking King Mountain proves that simp

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Woman walking in the Venice Canals of Los Angeles County

    Canal Contemplations

    With its incense-scented boardwalk, bohemian shops, skateparks, and abundance of body builders, Venice is happily eccentric, and artistic. Exhibit A: Its network of European-style canals with charming bridges, offering a tranquil tour of the town’s history.

    View
  2. Sponsored

    Yes, Seattle!

    Ready to try something new this winter? Seattle’s ready for you! Beautiful by nature with its Puget Sound setting, surrounding mountains, and nearby national parks, winter in Seattle can be a magical and festive time. Ever been in a hot tub boat?...

    View
  3. Wine Down, Dine Out in Lake Chelan

    The fertile soil around Washington State's Lake Chelan is ripe for more than just the amazing apples. Vineyards here yield high quality grapes, and some of the country’s best less-discovered wineries. Locals know it, and you will too when you start choosing from the more than 30 wineries in the region.

    View
  4. What's Up, Winthrop!

    It’s not just its location close to Washington State’s spectacular and less visited national park (North Cascades) that makes Winthrop such a winsome mountain town. This lively enclave in the Methow Valley bristles with a whimsical blend of Wild West charms, contemporary culture, and a mosaic of outdoor adventures—from river to lake to waterfalls, and beyond.

    View