| Objective: Stair climb the US Bank Tower in LA Location: Los Angeles, California Height: 1,018’ Floors: 75 Steps: 1,664 US Bank Tower is the 2nd tallest building in LA, after the Wilshire Grand. |
A tower run is a race up a staircase in a skyscraper. Climb 75 stories to the top of the US Bank Tower in downtown LA. This supertall skyscraper is the second tallest building in LA. The current tallest west of the Mississippi River, the Wilshire Grand Center has a spire that rises 80 feet higher. But, don’t feel bad. The US Bank Tower is partially on Bunker Hill, so from most angles it looks taller. Run the 1,664 steps and enjoy 360-degree views of the city from the observation deck. There is even a DJ spinning fat beats next to the doorway of the staircase.
| Step by Step | Above LA | Observation Deck | A Quick Descent | Plan Your Visit |
Step by Step
For spacing purposes, the stair climbers start in waves. Every 30 seconds, the event organizers send off another climber. You can climb this building at a nice and steady pace or run it. Occasionally you pass a struggling straggler, but most of the time the serious climbers are rushing by on your left.
Our lungs and sweat glands are definitely putting in some major overtime. On a couple floors, there are tables with cups of water. Take full advantage of the railing to help pull myself up. As you approach the top, you pass throngs of photographers and people cheering you on.
Above LA
After much huffing and puffing, you finally make it to the top of the building. This is one of the highest points in Los Angeles, and in the West. There is not much room at the top, just a narrow passageway and lots of air conditioning units. The walls partially obscure the view, so they tell you to descend 10 floors to the Observation Deck.
Observation Deck
The Observation Deck on the 65th floor is pretty much unoccupied. This is the best reward for getting to this spot under your own power. The view is spectacular and you can see the entire city. I can spot the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory. This reminds me of all the times I’ve looked at this building from the top of Griffith Park. I turn my gaze toward Westwood, the Getty, and the ocean.
There are so many helipads in this city. There are different numbers in the middle of the helipads. The different numbers correspond to the size of the helicopter that can land there.
I watch a hawk glide past the window. The hawk dives and swoops past the steel and glass structures. What does it feel like to soar so freely through this urban forest? How many people stop working every day to enjoy this regal spectacle?
A Quick Descent
After touring the city with your eyes, catch an elevator to the 55th floor. Switch to the super-fast elevator down to the bottom. You can actually feel your ears popping from the elevation change.
Plan Your Visit
| Parking: City National Plaza Garage 400 S. Flower Street, LA Validation: $2 for 3 hours with YMCA validation (normal rates thereafter) Take the elevator to the roof and turn right a couple times to get to the US Bank Tower. |
Climb LA’s tallest tower and enjoy the view from the top.
