The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook
At the suggestion of Will over at [sic], today I finally ventured to the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook, and I wasn’t disappointed.
From where I was standing, the snow-topped mountains are more than 40 miles away. The long distance view was stunning and amazing.
But that’s only one of the many views to see from there.
If you look closely, you can see the Hollywood sign in the background. In the far background between the mountain ranges is the San Fernando Valley, and on the far side, the Angeles National Forest, over 20 miles away. Toward the right is the Los Angeles River.
But its scenic overlooks, panoramic views and the Hollywood Sign aren’t all you’ll find while here—it’s made for those that want a “little” exercise.
The people who’ve reached the top of these stairs climbed over 300 steps. And I don’t mean just any steps–these steps are both high and deeply inset.
Here’s what the steps look like from the top:
If you see the large orange construction equipment at the bottom that’s where I have to go. Hopefully going down should be easier than going up.
The myriad of features of the Baldwin Hills Overlook still aren’t over yet:
The bold green line in the map above represents the snaking trail that goes around and around the hill. If by chance you get tired going up—and or down–the steps, you can walk or run the trail; and meet back up with the steps later on.
Once you reach the top, or if you started at the top, there’s the parking lot next to the beautiful Visitors Center pictured above.
If you’re interested in the Visitors Center, you need to go on the weekends. Due to budget cuts, that’s the only time it’s open. They have a lot of interactive and information about the area’s history and development.
In case you’re wondering, that’s the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica in the horizon, a distance of about 15 miles away.
So the next time you’re Travelin’ Local, and want to find a place that has a beautiful vista, panoramic views, and provides an opportunity to stretch your muscles and get some exercise to get your “Ya Ya’s Out,” be sure to visit the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook, a treasured gem in the heart of Culver City.
Lisa,
Wow, that first picture with the mountain range in the background is incredible! And all those steps! What a beautiful view!
.-= Lance´s last blog ..Sunday Thought For The Day =-.
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LisaNewton Reply:
January 10th, 2010 at 6:04 am
@Lance, It was a pretty clear day yesterday, so the views were fantastic.
And I’m feeling those stairs this morning.
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Hi Lisa, What a coincidence! I was just going to send you a message today telling you to check out the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook. I just went up for the first time a few weeks ago and I went back up again today. Its such a great park. I hope that it gets more publicity – I feel like a lot of people don’t know about. Take care!
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LisaNewton Reply:
January 11th, 2010 at 5:43 am
@Vanessa, I think you’re right; I didn’t see too many people there. And for a Saturday afternoon, on such a lovely day, that’s unusual.
But, I don’t want it to become like the Santa Monica stairs, which has lots of people, as far as I’ve heard.
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Hi Lisa,
I LOVE the photo of the mountains. That is so beautiful.
And those steps. Talk about a trek or good workout. But it appears it’s all worth it.
Thank you for being such a great tour guide.
.-= Barbara Swafford´s last blog ..Looking Forward =-.
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LisaNewton Reply:
January 11th, 2010 at 5:44 am
@Barbara Swafford, It doesn’t get any better than being able to get a great workout with wonderful views at the same time.
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I am a native Californian. For the passed 30 years I have lived and worked in Houston, Texas. Every summer I come back home to Los Angeles to visit my family and friends. My sister told me about the Baldwin Hills scenic overlook park in Culver City. But she had never been there. Yesterday, 7/5/2010, I went to check it out for the first time. I also asked my mother to come with me. She’ll be 81 in August. We both made it to the top and both were amazed how beautiful the city looks from above. Thank you for this awesome park and we will proudly tell others of the magnificence and splendor this park has to offer. Thank You!
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