Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Culver City Nature Trail: The Westside's No-Excuse Walk
By David Lockeretz of Nobody Hikes in L.A. / Special to LAist
Some of the famous hikes in the L.A. area require physical fitness, acclimation to altitude, tenacity and a willing to tackle the unknown. However, there is only one prerequisite to walk on the 0.25-mile Culver City Nature Trail: a pulse.
It’s easy to talk a great game about wanting to get more exercise, or to get out into nature. This trail provides an easy opportunity for anyone who lives or works on the west side of L.A. to put their money where their mouth is. The Culver City Nature Trail is conveniently located, and fully ADA accessible. The wooden walkway climbs gradually up the western side of the Baldwin Hills in a series of switchbacks. On the way up, if the weather is clear, you can get nice views of the Santa Monica Mountains, the Hollywood Hills, the ocean and more. At the top, you can extend the trip by walking around the baseball diamonds. There’s also a large sun dial and some interpretive plaques, describing the history of the area.
Those looking for a more rugged outdoor experience would be better served to visit the Santa Monica Mountains or the Angeles National Forest, but for many people, the accessibility of the Culver City Nature Trail make it a perfect spot for a family walk or a quick stroll before or after work. No special athletic gear is required; on my visit there I saw a woman walking up the trail wearing high-heeled boots. Yet for joggers, the trail can be quite a workout when done several times in a row.
Support for LAist comes from
The Culver City Nature Trail is located in Culver City Park, at 9800 Jefferson Blvd. (on the corner of Duquense). From I-10, take the Fairfax Ave. exit. Head south on Fairfax for 0.3 miles and turn left on La Cienega. Go 0.6 miles and turn right on Rodeo Road. Go 0.3 miles and turn left on Jefferson. Go 0.8 miles and turn left, into the park. From Santa Monica, take I-10 to the National Blvd. exit. Turn left on National, go 0.8 miles and stay straight on Exposition. Take the first right on Hughes. Drive a total of 1.2 miles (Hughes becomes Duquense), cross Jefferson and enter the park. From the South Bay, take I-405 to Sepulveda Blvd. Head north on Sepulveda for 1.1 miles and take a slight right on Jefferson. Go 1.5 miles and the park will be on your right.
The Culver City Nature Trail is operated by the Baldwin Hills Conservancy. For more information about the trail, visit the Conservancy’s website.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Experts say students shouldn't readily forgo federal aid. But a California-only program may be a good alternative in some cases. -
The program is for customers in communities that may not be able to afford turf removal or water-saving upgrades. -
More than half of sales through September have been to corporate developers. Grassroots community efforts continue to work to combat the trend. -
The bill would increase penalties for metal recyclers who possess or purchase metal used in public infrastructure. -
The new ordinance applies to certain grocers operating in the city and has led to some self-checkout lanes to shutter. -
Children asked to waive right to see a judge in exchange for $2,500
Best of LAist