Yes, A.M.

Echo Park Urban Hike

12.07.2017

It's easy to find good artisan coffee in Echo Park, but it's also a great place to work up a sweat and take in glorious morning views before grabbing that morning pick-me-up. This 3.5-mile (round-trip) urban loop starts with a heart-pumping climb up 230 steps at Baxter Stairway, one of the longest staircases in LA. At the top you'll be greeted by 360-degree views—from Century City’s soaring towers in the west to the glistening high rises of downtown in the south. After catching your breath, hang a right on Park Drive until you enter Elysian Park at Duane Street. This city park is home to the Chavez Ravine Arboretum, which is free to visit. The serene grassy stretch is covered in over 100 varieties of trees from around the world, including acacia, ficus, and over half a dozen species of eucalyptus, some of which date all the way back to 1893. Take a peaceful stroll among these natural relics before returning the way you came. Ready for coffee now?

Coffee and Pastry Bonus: Where do you go for your coffee fix in Echo Park? Fix Coffee! Fix rotates guest roasters every two months. Pair your brew with an almond chocolate croissant and enjoy it on the outdoor patio.

Park near Fix Coffee on Echo Park Ave. and walk three blocks up Baxter Street, then climb the Baxter Street Steps. At the top, take a right on Park Dr., then enter Elysian Park on your left at Duane St. Follow the Elysian Park Trail either left or right (because this a loop, you can go either way), which leads you down into the Arboretum and back to the park entrance, where you can retrace your steps to descend Baxter Steps and complete the hike. Echo Park and the patio at Fix Coffee are dog-friendly!

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