Plateau Strategy

Destinations › Los Angeles

Angels Flight Railway

Los AngelesAttractionhistoric railway
Angels Flight Railway
Photo: photo source

Two orange and black cars climb the short Bunker Hill incline, turning a steep grade into a moving city view.

Guide's tip. The walk reaches the lower station; riding is optional and separate from the mapped walking total. Verify that service is operating before paying, then watch the counterbalanced cars pass at the midpoint. Published hours are 6:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. Walk 0.10 miles to Biddy Mason Memorial Park.

On a walking tour. Stop 7 of 10 on the walking tour Los Angeles, Downtown origins to Grand Avenue, every stop on a map in walking order.

Open till 22:00 · about 15 min for a visit

The story

Angels Flight opened in 1901 to connect the commercial streets below Bunker Hill with the residential neighborhood above. The original route was dismantled in 1969 during redevelopment, then the railway returned nearby in 1996. After later closures and safety upgrades, it reopened again in 2017. The two cars, Olivet and Sinai, move as a counterbalanced pair on the steep incline.

Pause at the lower arch and watch one car rise as the other descends. The pleasure comes from understanding the simple shared motion and from seeing the hill at walking speed. A ride is optional and is not included in this tour’s walking distance.

The railway publishes daily hours of 6:45 a.m. to 10 p.m., but temporary service interruptions can occur. Verify operation and the current fare before boarding. Use the walking route if service is unavailable.

Open in the Destination Book →Plan a day around it →Stay nearby →

Nearby in Los Angeles