LA River Eco Tour and Secret Stair Hike

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3 hours (approx.)

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Overview

The LA Rive Eco Tour and Secret Stair Hike is meant for travelers and locals that want to see a part of LA that 99.9% of people will never find.

You won't find this route in a guide book or with any other tour company. It is a one of a kind route the combines the history of the LA River, LA transportation, ecology, urban planning, architecture, cult organizations, and more into an experience that you won't forget. While other tourists are riding around in celeb homes vans, you'll be getting a taste of what truly makes LA special.

See LA in a Day tours specialize in off the beaten path experiences. Secret stair hikes, Malibu wine tastings, and True Crime history are just a few of our favorite things to cover. Please check out some of our tours!

What's Included

Bottled water

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Gleneden Street
Los Angeles, CA 90039, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Los Angeles River

The LA River is more than a place to film a car chase for Grease of Terminator 2. This river has its own fascinating (and sometimes terrifying history.) This tour will take you through the LA River past, present, and future to help you better understand this vital waterway.The river is also a great place for bike riding, grabbing a bite to eat, or doing some bird watching. You'll know the best places for each by the end of the tour.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Lewis MacAdams Riverfront Park (formerly Marsh Park)

At our meeting point, we will learn about the people that have battled to make the river accessible. What started with pair of wire cutters and a rock n roll mindset, eventually morphed into the Friends of the LA River Organization. It wasn't always possible to walk or bike along the river like we can today. The river is undergoing a transformation and the Friends of the LA River Organization have had a vital role in the recent development.

25 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Corralitas Red Car Trail

Did you know LA used to have great public transportation? I know, it's crazy, but it's true. Here, you'll walk along an abandoned stretch of old trolley car lines and learn how we lost one of the world's best transportation systems.

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Echo Park

This is where the hike really takes off. Up into the hills you'll go, using secret stairs and forgotten paths. There's beautiful early 1900s architecture and views of LA landmarks like the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory. Echo Park is one of LA's older neighborhoods and the hills provided seclusion for occult organizations and self-sustaining religious compounds. The stairs, hills, and trails all lead to a secret swing with a great view of the LA River and LA's Eastside.

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Elysian Valley

The final stretch takes us back by the LA River. In this last section, you'll see where new restaurants, shops, spas, apartments, and pocket parks are popping up along the river. Los Angeles has massive plans for the future of the LA River. What we see now reflects the beginning of a $1.6 billion plan to revitalize and renaturalize the LA River. Who knows what the LA River will look like 100 years from now? It could be as alien to us as our river would be the Indigenous people of LA 500 years ago.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Spoke Bicycle Cafe

One of LA's best spots for breakfast or lunch. This is a great spot to go before or after the tour. You can also rent a bike here and spend some more time by the LA River.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
This is a 4.4 mile hike over 3hrs. Guests must be able to walk up and down several hills and staircases.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the LA River Eco Tour and Secret Stair Hike?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PDT).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025