Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook State Park (BHSO)

Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook State Park rests at the toe of the western ridge of the Baldwin Hills.  The park feature panoramic views of the Los Angeles Basin from the platform at the top of the world renowned workout “stairs”. The main hiking trail is steep and winds up a one mile path from the park entrance at Jefferson Blvd or down from the Scenic Overlook.  The trail zig-zags around the steep staircase created from the rubble of the demolished structure that formally sat at the top of the hill.  An easy loop trail crowns the 58-acre park.  Seasonal displays of native wildflowers, bird and wildlife viewing, picnicking and opportunities for kids and families to connect with the park’s natural and cultural heritage are here for visitors to experience. The Visitor Center features a small theater, a conference room and an interactive exhibit that tells the story of development in and around the Baldwin Hills area.  The facility is available to rent for special events, weddings and meetings.

The 65-acre project site was a geographic landmark in the Los Angeles Basin as an empty hill with an abandoned aerospace structure near its apex.  The land was purchased by a developer in 1999 for a planned 200-unit housing complex labeled Vista Pacifica. Through timely community organizing and key legislative action, the site was purchased by Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy on behalf of California State Parks to establish a flagship urban park in Southwest Los Angeles County.  The park was opened in 2006 after an extended planning process with local stakeholders.  The Conservancy helped lead the planning process and has contributed to the native plant pavilion, Jefferson Streetscape and crosswalk, Hetzler Pedestrian Path and various amenities utilized by park visitors.

Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=22790

Address: 6300 Hetzler Road, Culver City, Ca 90232

Phone: Park Visitor Center 310-558-5547

Park Hours: 8 am to sunset daily

Parking Fee:  $2/hour or $6/day.  Use automated pay machine in parking lots.  Display receipt on dashboard