36th Street Gorge Stairs

The 36th Street gorge stairs descend from West River Parkway toward Winchell Trail; expect long steps, no elevator, and seasonal ice or closures.

Use legal parkway or neighborhood spaces near a named access point. Many trail stairs have little or no dedicated parking, and opposite riverbanks require bridge crossings.

Developed areas generally follow 6:00 a.m.-midnight hours and undeveloped natural areas 6:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Trail, stair, beach, flood, and construction closures may be more restrictive.

Facilities are limited and concentrated at developed parks such as East River Flats or nearby recreation nodes. Natural gorge paths and stair accesses usually have none.

Trails, overlooks, river flats, and ordinary park access are free. Parking, reservations, rentals, and events may cost.

Bluff-top paved regional trails provide the most accessible experience. Winchell Trail, riverbank paths, beaches, and long stairways are steep, uneven, and seasonally muddy or icy.

Leash dogs and keep them on designated paths; steep bluffs, wildlife habitat, fast water, bikes, and narrow trails require close control.

Paved river overlooks and developed flats can suit families, while Winchell Trail and gorge stairs require trail readiness and direct supervision.

The 36th Street gorge stairs descend from West River Parkway toward Winchell Trail; expect long steps, no elevator, and seasonal ice or closures. River level, erosion, fallen trees, spring flooding, winter ice, and stair maintenance can change access quickly. Do not climb closed slopes or treat informal river edges as guarded beaches.