Secret Stairs #26: Cove-Loma Vista Loop, 2.2 miles, 664 steps

A challenging (as in gulping-for-air climb) but entertaining hike through a beautiful old section of Silver Lake. How hilly was the area? Check out the photo below of Edendale Place, one of the steepest streets in the US. Plenty of history surrounding staircases built in the 1920s. Photo 2 is of the 163-steps named for activist Harry Hay's Mattachine Society, one of the earliest (1950) US gay rights movements, established in his house at the top. Hard to make out in my photo, but the little sheet of paper beneath the sign is a tribute to Harry with a pic of him in a skirt. The steps in photo 3 lead down from a charming walk-street lined with homes— some a century old—and shaded by ancient oak, eucalyptus, banana, cedar, and pine trees. 182 steps up, 69 steps down. No cars/bikes. However, I'm an old movie fan, so the last two photos are of my favorite staircase on this walk, featured in the 1941 Three Stooges slapstick short "An Ache in Every Stake." The guys had to deliver a block of ice 134 steps to the top before it melts to a cube. Of course it does. Gotta love L.A. history!