La Mesa Secret Stairs — Attraction in La Mesa

Not so secret anymore, you can reach the summit after climbing 245 steps. These stairs used to serve as major public thoroughfares. Very few of these public stairways exist in San Diego so definitely worth a climb at least once if you’re not a regular. There are breaks where you cross streets to continue your ascent so it can be done at your own pace; nothing is too slow or too fast. I recommend just looking up “La Mesa Secret Stairs” since there are a few different routes to take. I also recommend parking at Highwood Park located at 4200 Parks Ave., La Mesa, CA 91941 as the streets are narrow and mostly residential parking. Nice houses to look at on the short walk up to the first set of steps. La Mesa gets pretty hot in the summer so go early or later to avoid the heat. Shade is minimal.

Finally, these stairs are located amongst houses but they are PUBLIC access ways so they do not have specific operating hours. I do not know why Google continues to deny my fact checking. There are very specific hours listed...based on what code or ordinance? I couldn't find anything because they are public, just as any other sidewalk. Can you not walk around your neighborhood on Saturdays and Sundays? They are accessible 24/7. Obviously, exercise your own judgement and be courteous about being out there but keep in mind that I (and many others I walk with) have never seen any posted hours of operation such as those signs you will find in...

This is something different to do that is free. On-street parking only.

The secret stairs are in a neighborhood. We talked to people that live there, PLEASE don't go late at night. This isn't a hang out spot or a place to be loud. There are homes right next to the stairs. Please respect the owners and the area, and pick up after yourself. Thank you!

There are 2 different sets of stairs. You can go up only the first one or both. Only do this if you can climb semi-steep stairs x 4 sets. It is tiring, especially if you don't exercise often. (Like me) BUT you can stop and take a picture or rest a second. There are no places to sit. People who live in this neighborhood use the stairs often, so if you have questions, they will answer you. Everyone was really nice. You walk the stairs and leave. It took us an hour because we did both sets. The second set is down the street a little ways. I don't have directions, BUT if you see someone walking them, they will let you know where to go. It was very peaceful and a few places to take some...

This was on my bucket list after I heard about it. We found a place to park and began our adventure.

There were people walking for exercise and people like us, just out for an adventure. We had a great time, but be aware it’s a lot of stairs. Choose your time of day and temperature and bring water.

It was only three flights of stairs but I was out of shape. It was a really nice experience. Yes, you are walking through a neighborhood but it had the feel of a hike.

You are literally walking in between people’s homes so be respectful and be a good neighbor.

The views are spectacular and worth every step. We took a moment to take in the views at every street. We could see downtown San Diego, San Diego State university, Cowles mountain, El Cajon and to Cuyamaca mountain. It was worth...