Rainbow Steps
The Micheltorena Stairs attract photographers, Instagrammers, and fitness enthusiasts from all across the city.
The Micheltorena Stairs in Silver Lake span four staircases across 1.5 miles, with the heart-painted Rainbow Steps by artist Corinne Carey rising across from Micheltorena Elementary School. Built in the early 1900s to connect hillside homes to trolley lines, the colorfully painted risers now draw photographers from across the city.
Rainbow Steps in Silver Lake
The Rainbow Steps, also known as the Micheltorena Stairs, sit in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles, where local artist Corinne Carrey painted the risers as a tribute to the surrounding community. Silver Lake contains many similar stairways, built in the early 1900s to connect hillside homes to the area's trolley lines. Because the site remains lesser-known, it offers a quieter option for photographers working in the city.
Best Photo Spots
Rainbow Steps includes three decorative stairways: Micheltorena Stairs, Music Box Steps, and Swan Stairs.
Micheltorena Stairs
Photographs of This Location
Common Questions
Walking the Silver Lake stairs is generally safe in daylight, especially on well-trafficked routes like Micheltorena and Music Box.
Park on the street at Sunset Boulevard and Micheltorena Street in Silver Lake, Los Angeles.
Practical Information
3400 Sunset Blvd, Silver Lake, CA; 3400 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA; CA-2 to S. Glendale Blvd to Alvarado St to Sunset Blvd
Free
Session Tips
- Visiting the Micheltorena Stairs early in the morning helps avoid crowds and influencers.
- To see the hearts, you need to stand back several feet at the bottom of the stairs rather than being close up.
- From the top of the Micheltorena Stairs on Winslow Drive, photographers can capture awesome views of the downtown Los Angeles skyline to the southeast.
- The hike is dog-friendly, so it can support pet photography sessions.
- Photographers can find occasional cartoon drawings on the pavement and fence along the Micheltorena Stairs, including a Space Ghost character, before reaching Winslow Drive.
What to Wear
- Sneakers with good tread are recommended for climbing the Silver Lake stairs.
What to Expect During Your Session
The Micheltorena Stairs start at Sunset Boulevard and Micheltorena Street beside a painted planter bearing a poem, then climb through a 40-step plant-lined passage of palm trees and flowers up to Larissa Drive. Early morning offers the best light and the fewest other visitors, ideal for photographing the painted hearts that only read clearly from several feet back at the bottom of the steps. Beyond the occasional cartoon drawings on the pavement and fence—including a Space Ghost figure before reaching Winslow Drive—the route is dog-friendly enough to support pet photography sessions.
The hike begins at the Micheltorena Stairs at Sunset Boulevard and Micheltorena Street, next to a painted planter with a poem.
The first leg of the Micheltorena Stairs is a 40-step plant-lined walkway with palm trees and flowers leading to Larissa Drive.
The second leg of the Micheltorena Stairs is 59 steps across the street from the first leg.
Getting There
Access & Transit
- Parking
- Street parking is available at the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Micheltorena Street.
- Public transit
- Silver Lake
- Walking distance
- The stairs begin at Sunset Boulevard, cross over Larissa Drive, and end at Winslow Drive.