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Written By Linhda Tran
Hike the new La Cienega Pedestrian Bridge, part of South Los Angele’s Park to Playa initiative.
As a South Los Angeles resident, we’re particularly excited that a new rust-colored pedestrian bridge has sprung up crossing the busy La Cienega corridor! A welcome respite when all of us, still hunkered down to allay the spiking COVID numbers, are itching for some new outdoor adventures!
To kick off the new 2021 year, we spent the morning of January 1st familiarizing ourselves with the new La Cienega Blvd Pedestrian Bridge and it’s clearly parked pathways. Take a look at what I’m talking about…. brand-spanking NEW!!!! Are you drooling yet?
Given that my constant google searches for the best way to reach the La Cienega path came up empty handed (sorry this Park to Playa site was not helpful, LA County, do better!) —I am taking it upon myself to give you the first taste: how do I get to the new Le Cienega Pedestrian Bridge? I’m including obvious options (for those who don’t mind paying for parking and want a shorter hike) and an options for those who enjoy free parking and don’t mind a longer stroll (that’s me!).
Stoneview Nature Center
The Stoneview Nature Center must be a hidden gem; according to the Baldwin Hills Conservancy - it opened in April 2017! I imagine it’s a hit with parents with young kids who want to wander their 5 arce immaculate gardens. My enlightened half is doing slow walking mediation while wandering the grounds.
It has a parking lot and restroom facilities. On the corner, look for the chainlink fence entrance to the hiking trail. Turn LEFT and you’ll be headed straight to the La Cienega Pedestrian Bridge. It’s very clear - and if you look in the distance, you will be able to see it! Keep in mind, the park has limited hours, and when the park closes - the entrance to the Park to Playa Trail (aka Trail to La Cienega Pedestrian Bridge) will be locked too — so read up on hours before you accidentally lock your car in the nature center!
This is one of the shortest walks; very direct. I estimate it’d take 15 minutes to walk to the bridge. I imagine it’d be great for a Nature Center + Bridge Walk stroll. Good for young kids too!
DIRECTIONS TO LA CIENEGA PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE, VIA STONEVIEW NATURE CENTER:
Drive to Stoneview Nature Center: 5950 Stoneview Dr.
Culver City, CA 90232 [check open hours]Park at the center’s parking lot
Relatively straight to the back of the trails - follow directions to the Park to Playa Trail entrance[it’s along the black fence]
Once you find the trail head, turn LEFT and head North East towards the La Cienega Pedestrian Bridge. You can see the bridge from there.
2. Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area
OK, admittedly, haven’t tried this route. However, it’s worth noting because I stumbled upon a generous - empty - parking lot (pictured below) after I crossed the Pedestrian Bridge to the east side of La Cienega Blvd. If you’re able to park here -send me your directions so I can update this post!
I would imagine this option would be the shortest walk, since the bridge empties out into this vast parking lot! Try this option is you want to cut to the chase, and do more exploring rather than hiking. There's virtually little to no walking here and you can hop in your car once you’re finished your look-see!
I am aware that the Kenneth Hahn State Park charges for parking - so bring $ and read ahead!
DIRECTIONS TO KENNETH HAHN STATE RECREATION AREA:
Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area; park closest to La Cienega to increase the odds of finding the bridge!
Address: 4100 S La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90056
3. Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook
This one is my favorite option [that I know of] because you get an easy, short hike in while leading up to the piece de resistance — the bridge (yayyyyy)! When you cross that purdy-new bridge, lined with plants along the side — it feels like a reviatlized Brooklyn moment except way more nature-y and less urban!
Basically, you drive to Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook, park (note the signs as I believe you have to pay $$). Then walk to the Southeast corner of the parking lot where you’ll find the Jim Webb Trail head (also marked as Park to Playa trail system). Take it! And it’ll lead you to the bridge after a 0.6 mile hike.
Hike is a straight out and back hike, with rolling hills and some elevation (I got out of breath, in a good way) but in no way advanced. I saw many people walking slowly and some fast up/down the steepest portion. It’s safe but recommend you bring shoes with traction since there’s a lot of loose gravel/sand. It is not a paved path! Be prepared!
Getting to the La Cienega Blvd Pedestrian Bridge, from Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook:
Drive to Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook: 6300 Hetzler Rd, Culver City, CA 90232 [Note, it costs $ to park in the lot, read posted signs! Optionally, if you’re a free parking junkie, you can search for free street parking along Jefferson Blvd and hike up, i.e. extra workout points!]
At the South East end of the parking lot - find the entrance to the Jim Webb Trail (google maps link is here)
It’s a clearly marked trail so once you’re on, meander your way to the bridge - out and back! It’s a can’t miss once you’re on the correct trail.
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Los AngelesHikingLa Cienega Pedestrian BridgeNatureOutdoorsCity GuidesHiking GuideActivitiesParksHike
Linhda Tran
