LA River Eco Tour and Secret Stair Hike
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 24 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is LA River Eco Tour and Secret Stair Hike worth booking?
LA River Eco Tour and Secret Stair Hike is a 3-hour experience in Los Angeles, United States, from $45 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 24 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 75 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (24)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $45 per person
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 you get
About this experience
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
Included
- Bottled water
What you'll see and do
Los Angeles River
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.
60 minutes here
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.
25 minutes here
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.
20 minutes here
Echo Park
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.
45 minutes here
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.
10 minutes here
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.
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Los Angeles
We will meet in the covered building by the restrooms. There are NO RESTROOMS along the route. Please be sure to use the bathrooms at the meeting point.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
We will meet in the covered building by the restrooms. There are NO RESTROOMS along the route. Please be sure to use the bathrooms at the meeting point.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- See LA in a Day
Know before you go
- 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.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 24 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
10 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Physical effort
3 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
24 verified traveler reviews for LA River Eco Tour and Secret Stair Hike. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Hidden charms in the City of Angels
The tour commences and concludes at the Lewis Macadams Riverfront Park with those taking part requiring a good concentration span, a moderate level of fitness and a willingness to see parts of the city they never knew existed. Chris, the guide who lives locally, is a wealth of information on the ecology, history, communities and the ongoing revitalisation of the LA River and as the tour moves up into overlooking neighbourhoods proves that he is equally knowledgeable about the residents, properties and architectural styles on display. The sheer volume of information that Chris unpacks would be enough to make this a worthwhile experience, but he also brought an iPad on which we could view scenes filmed along concreted parts of the river and high up in the hills enjoyed a production from the Laurel and Hardy era. Highly recommended to those from elsewhere in the United States and people like me who came from overseas hoping to have access to an experience that is both novel and captivating.
via Viator
Excellent Adventure
Eye-opening, thoroughly researched, and very fun. History, botany, and some Hollywood lore. Go check out the river and the stairs
via Viator
The real LA! Way more fun and interesting than the TV LA
We got to see amazing sights along the reborn LA River and learn how herons and egrets now live in what most probably think of as the dry concrete bed where car chases get filmed. We took hidden staircases that we never could have found on our own to see bungalows, flowers, art, and color from LA history (wait for the Pete Seeger song about the disappeared revivalist and the bed). Had a great time and learned so much from Chris, our guide and historian. Wonderful to see LA past, present, and future.
via Tripadvisor
Excellent Experience!
Chris was very informed and interesting. The history of the LA River and community around it was fascinating to learn about. Highly recommend!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for taking the tour and exploring Elysian Valley, Silver Lake, and Echo Park! They are such fascinating neighborhoods with so much hidden away in the less visited sections. Thanks again!
via Tripadvisor
Highly recommend! Well researched, interesting, off the beaten path exploring
Highly recommend this tour! Chris was very knowledgeable and I learned a lot about the LA River, the history of Frogtown and the surrounding area. I enjoyed seeing parts of Los Angeles I wouldn’t otherwise find. Chris researches and writes all the tours himself; he is also well integrated in the area and would greet residents along the way by name. This is a great tour for visitors or locals looking to see parts of LA off the beaten path.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 8
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by See LA in a Day, who run 10 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 67.6.
See everything See LA in a Day runsWhy this scores 75
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
LA River Eco Tour and Secret Stair Hike: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Los Angeles.
How much does LA River Eco Tour and Secret Stair Hike cost?
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Prices start at $45 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Los Angeles usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does LA River Eco Tour and Secret Stair Hike take?
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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Los Angeles is not rushed.
Is LA River Eco Tour and Secret Stair Hike worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 24 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Los Angeles, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule LA River Eco Tour and Secret Stair Hike?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is LA River Eco Tour and Secret Stair Hike suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book LA River Eco Tour and Secret Stair Hike?
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Around 8 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Los Angeles can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Los Angeles and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does LA River Eco Tour and Secret Stair Hike start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Los Angeles within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Los Angeles?
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Los Angeles rewards travellers who cluster their bookings by geography rather than by theme. Studio tours and Hollywood walks sit inland, the Malibu and Santa Monica coast runs west, and Griffith Observatory and the canyon hikes work best at dawn or dusk. We weight transport clarity in the ranking here: whether pickup is included changes an LA day more than the tour itself. On Outty we rank every Los Angeles experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Hollywood Sign 2.5-Hour Tour with Comedians and Their Dogs, Los Angeles Hollywood Sign Hike: Front, Behind, and Expert Guide, Griffith Observatory Hike: Guided Tour through Griffith Park. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Los Angeles?
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March to May and September to November, for clear air and open canyon roads. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Los Angeles?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in LA River Eco Tour and Secret Stair Hike?
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Included: Bottled water. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for LA River Eco Tour and Secret Stair Hike?
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We will meet in the covered building by the restrooms. There are NO RESTROOMS along the route. Please be sure to use the bathrooms at the meeting point. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for LA River Eco Tour and Secret Stair Hike?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to LA River Eco Tour and Secret Stair Hike if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about LA River Eco Tour and Secret Stair Hike?
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Across 24 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, photo opportunities. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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