Are the Pittsburgh city steps safe to walk on?

Most steps are safe and regularly used by residents, but they can be uneven. Always watch your footing, use handrails where available, and avoid the steps during or immediately after rain or snow.

Is this walking tour Pittsburgh family-friendly?

It is suitable for active families with older children who enjoy hiking. However, it is not recommended for toddlers or anyone requiring a stroller due to the constant staircases.

How long does it take to walk the South Side Slopes route?

The full route takes approximately 90 to 120 minutes depending on your pace and how long you spend taking photos at the overlooks.

What is the best time for photography on this walk?

Golden hour (the hour before sunset) is ideal. The sun sets behind the city skyline, providing a dramatic glow over the rivers and the downtown buildings from the monastery and incline overlooks.

Can I do this walk in reverse?

Yes, but starting at the Monongahela Incline allows you to do a mix of climbing and descending. Starting at Ormsby Park would make the route almost entirely uphill, significantly increasing the difficulty.

Are there places to eat along the stairway route?

The Slopes are primarily residential. It is best to eat near the start on Grandview Avenue or wait until the end of the walk to explore the many restaurants on East Carson Street in the Flats.

Do I need to pay to see the Saint Paul of the Cross Monastery?

No, the exterior grounds and the overlook near the monastery are free to visit. Please remember this is an active religious site and maintain a respectful volume.

Is the Monongahela Incline part of this walk?

The walk begins at the Upper Station of the incline. Riding the incline is a great way to reach the starting point from Station Square, but it requires a standard transit fare.

The South Side Slope Stairway Challenge | Self-Guided Walking Tour

About This Guided Walking Tour

Pittsburgh is famously known as the City of Bridges, but locals know its true character is forged in its verticality. This self-guided walk takes you into the heart of the South Side Slopes, a neighborhood where the streets are often made of concrete steps rather than asphalt. This neighborhood stroll is designed for those who want to see the city from a different perspective—specifically, from the top of the steep hills that once housed the city's industrial workforce. This walking route is a physical challenge, but the rewards are some of the most stunning photography opportunities in Western Pennsylvania. Begin your self-guided adventure at the top of the Monongahela Incline, the oldest continuously operating funicular in the United States. From there, you will navigate a mix of hidden-gems and iconic landmarks, including the vibrant, mural-covered Color Park and the legendary South 18th Street Staircase. These stairs aren't just for exercise; they are officially designated city streets, a remnant of a time when steelworkers needed a direct path from their hilltop homes to the mills along the river. Along the way, you will discover the peaceful grounds of the Saint Paul of the Cross Monastery and the rugged beauty of South Side Park, often referred to by locals as Jurassic Valley due to its lush, reclaimed greenery. As you explore independently, you will witness the architectural transition from historic worker cottages to modern hillside dwellings. This walking tour Pittsburgh provides a glimpse into the industrial heritage that shaped the region while offering quiet, panoramic views of the downtown skyline that most tourists never see. Whether you are a photography enthusiast looking for the perfect angle or a hiker seeking a urban workout, this route offers a unique way to experience the grit and beauty of the Steel City.

Tour Highlights & Things to See

Panoramic skyline views from the Monongahela Incline
The vibrant street art and industrial vibe of Color Park
The legendary South 18th Street Staircase challenge
The serene architecture of Saint Paul of the Cross Monastery
Reclaimed nature in the 'Jurassic Valley' of South Side Park
Historic worker housing and unique hillside architecture

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour.

Tour Stops & Points of Interest (6)

1

Monongahela Incline Upper Station

Start exploring with Zigway at the top of Mt. Washington. The Monongahela Incline, built in 1870, is a testament to Pittsburgh's vertical history. Originally constructed to transport German coal miners to their homes on the hill, it is now the oldest funicular in the U.S. From this vantage point, 400 feet above the river, you can see the 'Golden Triangle' where the three rivers meet. Notice the tracks—they are set at a steep 35-degree angle. This station serves as the gateway to the Slopes, representing the vital link between the industrial valley and the residential heights that defined 19th-century life in the city.

2

Color Park

Descending toward the river, you reach Color Park, a vivid contrast to the city's industrial past. This area was once an underutilized industrial strip, but it has been transformed into a community-led street art gallery. Every surface here, from the jersey barriers to the bike path, is a canvas for local muralists. It is a photography favorite, offering bright pops of color against the backdrop of the Monongahela River and the South Side Bridge. This space celebrates the creative spirit of modern Pittsburgh, turning a transit corridor into a destination for self-expression and urban exploration.

3

South 18th Street Staircase

Prepare your legs for one of the neighborhood's most iconic features. Pittsburgh has over 700 sets of public stairs, more than any other city in the country, and the South 18th Street steps are among the most impressive. In the early 20th century, these were the primary 'commuter routes' for workers. As you climb, look for the street signs—these stairs are legally considered city streets. The effort is rewarded with a changing perspective of the city as you rise above the rooftops of the South Side Flats, moving from the busy commercial zone to the quiet, wind-swept heights.

4

Saint Paul of the Cross Monastery

At the crest of the hill sits the Saint Paul of the Cross Monastery, a place of profound quietude. Established in the mid-1850s, this monastery was founded by the Passionist order to serve the growing immigrant population in the Slopes. The architecture is a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles, featuring a stunning retreat house and a hidden garden. From the parking lot and the adjacent overlook, you can experience one of the most balanced views of the Pittsburgh skyline, framed by the monastery’s historic stone walls. It serves as a spiritual and architectural anchor for this hillside community.

5

South Side Park

Continue your walking route into South Side Park, a 65-acre green space that feels worlds away from the city center. Known to locals as 'Jurassic Valley' because of its steep walls and dense, prehistoric-looking foliage, this park is a masterclass in urban reforestation. It occupies a former coal mine and sandstone quarry site. As you navigate the trails, you will see how nature has reclaimed the industrial scars of the 19th century. The park is a vital ecological corridor and offers a rugged, wooded experience right in the middle of a dense residential neighborhood.

6

Ormsby Park

Your journey concludes as you descend back toward the 'Flats' at Ormsby Park. This community hub represents the flatter, more traditional grid of the South Side neighborhood. Named after Oliver Ormsby, an early landowner and businessman, the park today is a center for recreation with its courts and pool. This transition from the wild heights of the Slopes to the structured streets of the Flats marks the end of your stairway challenge. From here, you are only a few blocks away from the vibrant shops and cafes of East Carson Street, the perfect place to refuel after your climb.

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Explore “The South Side Slope Stairway Challenge” with your very own Private Tour Guide with Zigway. Start free on iPhone, skip the large group and the fixed routes, and hear the city come alive as you go.

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Frequently Asked Questions

This walk is considered challenging. It involves significant elevation changes and hundreds of concrete steps. It is a great urban workout but requires a moderate level of physical fitness.