Best Go-To City Hike: Stocker Corridor Trail

OutdoorsHikesHikingHiking GuideTrailTrails

Jan 6

**Hiking the Stocker Corridor Trail**
***With a recommended detours to Rueben Ingold Park***

Kenneth Hahn Park is a bit of a beast - so I often avoid and go to the adjacent Stocker Corridor Trail! This is my go-to, favorite easy walk / hike (note: I like to be active!). It’s literally across the street from Kenneth Hahn, so if I am feeling extra ambitious, I cross the street and pop over to Kenneth Hahn. I haven’t felt the need though - as once you do the Corridor hike, you’ll find it more accessible with free parking, easy access, and close to amenities like bathrooms and picnic tables Hoping to spread the cheer with my favorite urban hike.

*After the rainiest season to date - super lush!*

*The lush pathways of the Corridor Trail (after a rare rainy season)*

Stocker Corridor Trail next to Kenneth Hahn Park — *Dry seasons with soft, rolling hills on the Stocker Corridor Trail with Stocker Street on the left*

Stocker Corridor Trail - At a Glance

Hike Level: Easy
Distance: 1.4 miles one way; 2.8 miles in and out
Time: 45 minutes one way, 90 minutes both ways (we walked very leisurely and took a lot of photos)
Do I have to do the whole thing? This trail is very city / urban friendly. You can do a quick 30 minutes, or do a longer loop - or do it multiple times if you want a bigger workout! I find it very easy to know where I am and find my way back to my car.
Note: When I say Stocker Corridor Trail, I am referring to the 3 mile hike, parallel to Stocker Street in South LA.
If you want a longer hike check out the famous and sprawling Kenneth Hahn Park (literally across the street), the entire Stocker Corridor, or the entire Park to Playa trail!

Recommended Hike Itinerary

*Rueben Ingold Park’s nicely surfaced loop walkway (yay for being less harsh on the joints)*

I like to spice up my hike with some elevated hill views - so for maximum bang for your buck, I recommend also visiting by the Rueben Ingold Park before/after your Stocker Corridor Trail visit.

To get there, once you’ve parked at the same Stocker Corridor Trailhead parking lot, take the concrete stairs (they go straight up!). They shoot you out to the Rueben Ingold Park’s brick-colored, surfaced walking trail (great for running and easy on your joints!). I love the Baldwin Hills community and find walking along the elevated gets nice breezes and views of the rolling hills. It’s definitely a strong sense of place - so definitely do a quick walk about (0.4 miles long) while admiring the mid-century homes. I estimate it took less than 7 minutes to walk it (completely flat other than the stairs to get there).

Directions for Stocker Corridor Trail and Rueben Ingold Park — *Map and Directions to Stocker Corridor Trail and optional Rueben Ingold Park detour!*

Hike stats from parking lot to Valley Ridge Rd (almost done and did the short hill)

Hike stat from top of Valley Ridge Rd (detour) to the end of Stocker Corridor Trail

**Intersection of Valley Ridge Ave and Stocker St** (pictured) — the Stocker Corridor Trail continues - cross Valley Ridge Ave and it ends shortly after.
**Optional paved hill burner -** walk the hill up Valley Ridge Ave to get a good hill workout! Locals race up and down to get their heart rate up :)

Parking / Trailhead Entrance

*Stocker Corridor Trailhead and Parking Lot - park here!*

One of the rare times parking is FREE!!
You’ll find an acceptable parking lot at the trailhead - Google Maps link is here
Once you’ve parked, the trail head is unmistakeable!
If this lot is full - you can also check out the Norman Houston Park which also has FREE parking, it’s across the street (great park for picnicking, basketball and other family friend activities). Note - please follow all parking rules and regulations!