Hike to the Secret Staircases of Rustic Canyon + Nazi Ruins

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A hidden staircase, the longest public staircase in Los Angeles, drops 24 stories into the middle of lush Rustic Canyon.

There are actually two staircases with over 500 steps -- each! We'll use the longest one to climb our way out of Rustic Canyon toward the end of our loop.

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I will combine a 4-6 mile hike with the stairs taking in Rustic and Sullivan Canyons by way of little known trails. We'll make it up as we go along. Along the way we'll visit Murphy Ranch, a 1930s hideout where Third Reich sympathizers could sequester themselves until German rule had been established in the USA

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Check out the pictures from our last hike there: https://www.meetup.com/localhikers/photos/all_photos/?photoAlbumId=15100752

Directions to Trailhead

Interactive Map: http://goo.gl/maps/r7nN8

From Sunset Boulevard, 3 miles west of the 405, turn north at the light onto Capri Drive. After 1/3 mile continue through the traffic circle, remaining on Capri Drive for another 1/3 mile until it comes to and end at Casale Road. Sullivan Ridge Fire road begins to the left but do not turn left on Casale Rd. Find street parking to the right or on an adjacent roads. After you park, walk to the end of Casale Rd. This is where we will meet and check in.

LA Marathon is today. If you are coming from the Santa Monica side, you won't be able to cross over San Vicente. Go to PCH and take Temescal up to Sunset. Or take 405 to Sunset See http://www.commuterama.com/lamarathon/

Trailhead coordinates: 34.061097, -118.504121