Stairway to Hollywood Heaven - a special "Secret Steps of LA" Hike

SUNDAY - Jan 25, 2015: "Stairway to Hollywood Heaven"

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If you enjoy Los Angeles History and hiking at an Easy / Moderate pace with a very interesting and knowledgeable hike leader, this is the one you have been waiting for!

Description:

The staircases are generally either from the 1920s boom years or from the Works Progress Administration in the 1940s. They were built because developers in hilly areas needed to find a way for prospective home buyers to get down from their houses to a school, church, or streetcar line. But the Depression, and then World War II, halted most staircase construction.

Our hike is #36 and #37 from Charles Fleming's book "Secret Stairs of Los Angeles". Experience some unusual LA history up close - hear stories of Hollywood legends, catch glimpses of 1927 era homes and navigate some crazy small streets. Hear the real story of Pat Moore, see houses of the "rich..and richer" and visit a little secret area, right in Hollywood. It will be great fun, and best of all - Starbucks will never be too far away! We will finish our hike with your picnic lunch near some 1920 cottages in delightful Camrose Park . The park has clean restrooms and we will be close to the Bowl and our starting point (if some of you have to dash).

The book "Secret Stairs" is recommended reading to enhance your experience.

(See the KCET TV video below for more information on the "Secret Stairs").

http://www.kcet.org/living/travel/socal_wanderer/outdoors/secret-stairs-los-angeles-video.html

Meet:

In the Parking Lot of Hollywood Heritage Museum, just east of the corner of Franklin and Highland (think 101 Freeway and Hollywood Bowl Exit) in Hollywood. Your leader will be carrying a small US flag and surrounded by lots of enthusiatic hikers.

Distance:

5 mile walk at a moderate pace for 2-3 hours. When we are done, we will have climbed the equivalent of a 43 story building!

Bring:

Good walking shoes, hiking boots not required. Water, sunscreen, hat and snacks / your sack picnic lunch. No Adventure Pass needed and well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome.

Leader:

Chris Spicher of Lancaster will be leading his 1st hike with us (way to go Chris!!)

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