How long does it take to walk the Silver Lake stairs?

A complete self-guided walk of the main stairways and the reservoir typically takes between 2 to 3 hours. This allows time for photography at the Micheltorena Stairs and a moderate pace up the steeper sections like the Music Box Steps.

Are the Silver Lake secret stairs difficult to climb?

Yes, this route is considered challenging. You will encounter several hundred steps across multiple flights, including the 133-step Music Box climb, making it a strenuous workout that requires good physical condition.

Is the Silver Lake walking route family-friendly?

While older children may enjoy the rainbow stairs and the reservoir, it is not recommended for families with toddlers or those requiring strollers. The steep inclines and lack of step-free access make it difficult for young children.

Can I see the Hollywood Sign from Silver Lake?

Yes, several stops on this walking route, particularly the Micheltorena and Swan Stairs, offer excellent framed views of the Hollywood Sign and the Griffith Observatory from the hills.

What are the Music Box Steps?

The Music Box Steps are a historic stairway located at 923 Vendome Street. They are famous as the filming location for the 1932 Laurel and Hardy short film 'The Music Box,' where the duo tries to move a piano up the stairs.

Is there a guided tour Los Angeles offers for these stairs?

While there are occasional group events, most visitors prefer a self-guided audio walk. This allows you to tackle the challenging stairs at your own pace and spend more time at landmarks like the Neutra VDL House.

Where can I find the rainbow stairs in Los Angeles?

The most famous rainbow stairs are the Micheltorena Stairs in Silver Lake. They are located on Micheltorena Street, just off Sunset Boulevard, and are a popular spot for photography due to their vibrant colors.

Is Silver Lake safe for solo walkers?

Silver Lake is generally considered a safe, residential neighborhood. However, as with any urban area, it is best to do the walk during daylight hours and remain aware of your surroundings, especially on the more secluded staircases.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Perched on the rolling hills northwest of Downtown Los Angeles, Silver Lake is a neighborhood where bohemian spirit meets architectural prestige. This self-guided walk invites you to conquer the 'Secret Stairs'—a network of historic pedestrian pathways built in the early 20th century to connect hillside residents to the streetcar lines below. Today, these stairways serve as a playground for fitness enthusiasts and a canvas for local artists. As you navigate this walking route, you will uncover the layers of Silver Lake, from its cinematic past to its pivotal role in social justice movements. The journey is a physical challenge, featuring hundreds of steps that reward you with some of the most stunning panoramic views of the Hollywood Sign and the Griffith Observatory. Beyond the physical exertion, this neighborhood stroll highlights the profound influence of Mid-Century Modernism. You will encounter the legacy of Richard Neutra, a pioneer of the International Style, whose glass-and-steel structures redefined Southern California living by blurring the lines between indoors and out. The route also delves into Hollywood history at the site of a legendary slapstick comedy and pays homage to the birth of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. Whether you are an architecture aficionado or a photography enthusiast looking for the perfect 'rainbow stair' shot, this walking route offers an intimate look at a community that has always marched to its own beat. This is more than just a walking tour Los Angeles experience; it is a deep dive into the hidden corners and creative soul of one of the city's most iconic districts. Prepare for a workout that feeds both the body and the mind as you explore the vertical landscapes and modernist masterpieces that define the Silver Lake experience.

Highlights

Climb the 133 steps made famous by Laurel and Hardy's 1932 film 'The Music Box'

Snap photos on the vibrant, multi-colored Micheltorena Stairs

Admire the Neutra VDL Studio, a masterpiece of Mid-Century Modernist design

Enjoy panoramic views of the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory from the Swan Stairs

Learn about the birth of the LGBTQ+ rights movement at the Mattachine Stairs

Stroll along the scenic Silver Lake Reservoir and Meadow

Tour Stops (6)

Music Box Steps

Welcome to the Music Box Steps, perhaps the most famous stairway in Los Angeles. In 1932, the comedic duo Laurel and Hardy filmed their Oscar-winning short film 'The Music Box' right here. The plot was simple yet grueling: the pair attempted to haul a large piano up these 133 steep steps. While the surrounding neighborhood has changed significantly, the concrete stairs remain largely as they were during filming. As you begin your climb, notice the plaque at the bottom commemorating the site. This spot represents the early days of Hollywood when the hills of Silver Lake served as an outdoor studio for silent and early sound cinema. It is a steep start to your self-guided walk, but a essential piece of film history.

Micheltorena Stairs

The Micheltorena Stairs are a testament to the community's creative flair. Known colloquially as the 'Rainbow Stairs,' this multi-flight path features steps painted in bright, cascading colors and decorated with hearts. Originally built to provide residents with a shortcut to the Pacific Electric Red Car lines, these stairs have been transformed by local artists into one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in the city. As you ascend, take a moment to look back; the elevation provides a framed view of the Hollywood Sign and the Griffith Observatory through the lush hillside foliage. This stop perfectly blends the utilitarian history of Silver Lake's infrastructure with its modern identity as an artistic hub.

Swan Stairs

The Swan Stairs are part of a larger network known as 'Swan’s Way.' This particular set of steps is known for its impressive height and the physical demand it places on walkers. As you reach the upper sections, you are standing in the heart of the Moreno Highlands, a tract developed in the 1920s with a Mediterranean architectural theme. From this vantage point, you can truly appreciate the verticality of Silver Lake. These stairs aren't just for exercise; they represent the pre-automobile era of Los Angeles, when walking was the primary mode of navigating these steep grades. The quiet, residential atmosphere here offers a peaceful contrast to the bustling streets below.

Silver Lake Reservoir

At the base of the hills lies the Silver Lake Reservoir, the neighborhood's namesake and its literal and figurative heart. Named after Herman Silver, the first president of the Water Board, and not for the color of the water, this decommissioned reservoir now serves as a massive recreational space. The 2.2-mile perimeter path is a favorite for local runners and walkers. As you walk along the fence, look for the 'Silver Lake Meadow,' a lush grassy area that was once part of the water infrastructure but is now a popular spot for picnics and community gatherings. The reservoir reflects the neighborhood's transition from a critical utility site to a cherished urban oasis.

Neutra VDL Studio and Residences

You are now standing before a landmark of modern architecture: the Neutra VDL Studio and Residences. Built in 1932 and later rebuilt by Richard Neutra and his son Dion after a fire, this structure served as Neutra’s home and office. It is a prime example of the International Style, characterized by flat roofs, glass walls, and an emphasis on functionalism. Neutra believed in 'biorealism,' the idea that architecture should be designed to support human health and well-being through a connection with nature. Notice how the glass allows the interior spaces to merge with the gardens and views of the reservoir. This site was a laboratory for architectural ideas that would eventually influence residential design across the globe.

Mattachine Stairs

The final stop on our walking route is the Mattachine Stairs, a site of immense social and historical significance. These steps are located near the former home of Harry Hay, the founder of the Mattachine Society. Established in 1950, the Mattachine Society was one of the first gay rights organizations in the United States. In an era when such activism was dangerous, Hay and his colleagues met in secret in the hills of Silver Lake to advocate for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. In 2012, the city officially named these stairs to honor the society's legacy. This stop reminds us that Silver Lake has long been a sanctuary for progressive thought and a birthplace for movements that changed the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Silver Lake Modernist walk is highly recommended. It features the Neutra VDL Studio and Residences, showcasing the pinnacle of Mid-Century Modern design alongside historic 'Secret Stairs' that offer unique perspectives of the city's residential landscape.