LOS ANGELES
LA River Eco Tour and Secret Stair Hike
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At a glance
- Location
- Los Angeles
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation available
- Operated by
- See LA in a Day
- Booking
- Instant confirmation, mobile e-ticket
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
Itinerary
- (1h)
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Good to know
- 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.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation available — see Viator booking page for exact deadlines and refund terms.
About the operator
See LA in a Day operates this experience in Los Angeles. All bookings are managed and confirmed directly through Viator, the world’s leading marketplace for tours and experiences, ensuring secure payment, instant confirmation, and 24/7 customer support.
Tour information last updated October 5, 2026