This place is the jackpot if you like birding and bridges!! Bare with me bc I'm about to share a butt load of pics! I think this hike may have been the most pics I've ever taken in one sitting (well over 350 - but I'm not sharing that many ok lol)!! This is a very easy hike - it can be as long or as short as you want it to be. We did about 6 miles. And it's almost completely flat - AllTrails says 160 feet but my AllTrails recording logged 230 feet - either way it's minimal. There are some optional stairs that have neat views as well. A lot of the trail is rocky and bumpy, and there was a ton of mud bc of all the rain - but still easy. And there's a little trail construction going on but it's easy to maneuver around. It's also a very busy trail. We arrived right before 8am and there was a moderate crowd - not too bad. But by 9am it was pretty packed. Luckily the trail is very wide so it's easy to keep your distance and not feel like you have someone on your heels constantly. There are some really great features on this hike - all sorts of surprises in all sorts of nooks and crannies! There's a huge archery range - who knew?? It's well marked so it easy to stay out of the way and safe. There weren't any archers when we started but tons had assembled when we were leaving! I'll be coming back to watch them next time bc it's such a neat range! There's a "casting pond" which was so totally random and I'd never seen or heard of anything like it before!! It's a huge, shallow "pond" of sorts, with these rings scattered around - I'm guessing it's for people to practice their casting techniques for fishing. The water was super clean too! And the birding - omg don't get me started on the birding wow!! I'm an avid birder and this place was heaven for me! I even managed to catch one of my life-list birds here!! Huge day for me (my fellow birders will understand lol)!! A female Red Shafted Northern Flicker!! Not to mention the Yellow Rumped Warbler, California Scrub Jays, tons of Lesser Goldfinches, Mallards, and House Finches, and even an Oak Titmouse!! It was a smorgasbord of birdies!! Totally unexpected for such an "urban" hike. And then there's the bridges...soooo many bridges concentrated in one area - like 5-6 bridges!! And they're all beautiful - especially with the mountainous backdrops! You can even walk under most of them. The most famous is the Colorado Street Bridge - aka "Suicide Bridge" - kinda cryptic but everyone seems to call it that so you desensitize. You can also walk on this one, which I highly recommend bc it's a true beauty, from above and below. There are numerous trail options along this huge route - looks like it links up to the rose bowl loop too. It's easy to find and has a dirt parking lot - it definitely filled up fast (was full by 10am) but again, it was a Saturday morning. I'll definitely be back anytime I'm needing to do some serious birding! read more

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I've been on a little running kick in 2021 and on a search for more interesting routes near my house, I discovered the Lower Arroyo Seco. I've always preferred running on a trail versus cement, so I was so happy to find a soft trail to run on that's not too far from home. I've been twice now and it appears that the trail is an out and back, although there are some river crossings (I think that's what you would consider them) so perhaps you can veer off and make things a little more interesting. I love looking up at the Colorado Street Bridge and getting a change of scenery--Pasadena really is a special place. While you're definitely out in nature, you're also spending a lot of time looking at a wire link fence and the cement river bed. Still, I like that this place is flat (running in the mountain trails near Pasadena seems, well, challenging) and I actually like that there are a fair number of people around since I've grown increasingly fearful of snakes and wildlife as I've gotten older. I've only come on weekdays so it's really not too busy, but do be sure to bring and wear your mask as you will see other people there. There's a parking lot onsite but also a few entries from the street (Arroyo) if you're on foot. I've always run here from my house so I haven't tried the parking situation, but this is a pretty quiet neighborhood and it seems like you could park on the street and walk down if the parking lot was full (although, you might just want to opt for some other sort of excursion if it's that packed during COVID times). read more

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If you're looking for an easy hike-- this is it! There's no barely an incline and it's a perfect trail to run/ jog! Today was a perfect January Sunday morning in the high 50s. There is a small stream that some may call a "river" and There's an area where people practice archery and you can walk all on a path towards the horse training camp. It's never too crowded even on the weekends-- definitely go if you're are local. There's also a path that takes you up to all the gorgeous houses. read more

Pretty challenging hike in Altadena. My friend found this on All Hikes so we decided to do this instead of the Bridge to Nowhere which is further out and needed a parking permit. The pros of this hike - easy parking, good incline, hikes with signs clearly marked. The cons - can be very narrow, many bikers coming through so you have to constantly stand aside and let bikes pass, and the view at the top was honestly nothing to write home about. Towards the end, it felt like it took forever to get to our car. I'm glad I tried this hike but I'd probably not do it again. read more

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This is a nice area to just hike through and take your time in nature. Take the kids, bring your sun hats and plenty of water. You can bring snacks or a picnic lunch to enjoy the sights. Do not bring matches or anything, because the area is very dry and there's a high risk of fires. A nice location, close to the Rose Bowl. read more

First hike of 2014, didn't disappoint! JPL Hike... is a hike to do. It's easy and there are river crossings! First mile a half, you'll see a lot of fences and eventually the JPL compound on the left hand side. When you get deeper into the hike, all you see is trees, plants, the sound of the stream. It's like a short getaway from all that worries you. It's just you and nature! You'll pass through 2 or 3 different campgrounds before you reach to the falls. You'll also see some remnants of trees and plants that were damaged by wildfire one or two years back. Oh There are three or four river crossings along the way. Skinny logs are laid there for you to cross them. They require alot of balance. If you are not careful, you'll land in the stream! haha I think it's more stressful trying to balance yourself on the logs. I usually walk through the streams. There's no risk of injury and don't need to think about anything else than walking one foot in front of another. Just to warn you, the falls that you picture in your head is not exactly what the falls here looks like. It's not like eaton canyon or chantry flats. It's pretty much a man made dam and water just flows down from it. Not really scenic at the falls at all! If you like an easy hike, this hike is for you. Don't forget to play a game of dodging horse poop! First person to not step in poop wins! lol read more

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A great find! Friends have been telling me about this walk for some time now, so Sunday the pups and I decided it was time to investigate. Glad we did. A very easy and well signed trail along both sides of the river with off shoots you can choose to take (which you should!) or not. There was a lot of greenery and cover (a least after the recent rains), making for a very pleasing walk. The bridges you pass under are impressive, the ones you cross over were spaced further apart that I was envisioning (but that could just be because I wasn't sure where I was this first time). Folks, and their dogs, were very pleasant and helpful (I like to ask questions). We went left out of the parking lot, circling down to the stables and completing that loop just shy of two hours. Next time we'll try right (which apparently takes you to the Rose Bowl). The parking lot was packed (and entrance under construction) when we got there at about 9am (we got the very last tiny spot - thank goodness for a MINI). IMO had folks parked a little more considerately a few more cars could have fit. A smashing new favorite for my dogs (and me). read more

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I probably shouldn't have gone hiking after only 4.5 hours of sleep and suffering from a slight hangover. But who could resist getting lost in the woods with a hot Colombian on a fine Sunday morning? This is a rhetorical question, coming from an unpaid whore. A mere 5 minute drive north of the Arroyo exit from the 210 Fwy, a paved path through the serene canyons of Altadena awaits. Sure, you have to walk a quarter mile to pass the ugly JPL compound, but the sound of trickling streams and you know, nature-stuff, should help to soothe those jittery city-nerves. There are several trails to choose from, and the easier ones are often abound with various dogs and compensating owners. The more difficult ones often seem to be taken by mountain bikers and adventurers. Yes, yes, everything is pretty. But man-oh-man, people here are actually NICE. I've never heard so many friendly hellos, good mornings, or passersby who actually smile while LOOKING YOU IN THE EYE. In Los Angeles, this is quite the experience. Then again, maybe they were just staring at my Wonder Woman costume. Oops, did I give away my secret? Whatever, just go there! Take for a walk, look at dirt, dig a hole, kick some dogs, or give a hand job off a beaten path. I don't really care, but nature can be cool...sometimes. read more

Lower Arroyo Seco - Hiking Near Me

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Easy hike with a small stream to add to the freshness of the environment. Too bad JPL is right next door and you may see an occasional power line and large pipes that kind of kill the scenery. Overall, it's a great way to escape the city for a quick nature walk and it's also easily accessible from the 210. Street parking on Altadena Dr/Casitas is recommended. read more

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Well. This trail is the perfect example of how humans destroy nature. It would be a beautiful trail, but there are fences everywhere, JPL in sight (not the prettiest sight in the world..), construction zones and cones here and there, and of course -- remnants of the fire a few years ago. I hike in the San Gabriel Mountains all the time, and this is one of the worst trails ever. Plus, it's technically "closed" because the fires destroyed lots of the trails, but people still walk past the signs and hike on the trails. Some of the trails lead to NOWHERE. Yes, I said NOWHERE. It's so frustrating! Save your time and energy, and hike somewhere else. It's not the prettiest hike, unless you absolutely LOVE hiking along iron-rod fences.... read more

I hike this trail a lot. Great place to photograph nature, or just get away for awhile. read more

Lower Arroyo Seco - Colorado st. Bridge - Hiking Near Me

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A lot better options for a "hike" hike nearby, but this is an A-OK walk/hike...perfect for a smaller, less edgy trail experience. There are lots of picnic tables along the way should you want to stop for a little snacky...and plenty of shade. It also passes thru a frisbee golf course and athletic field if you fancy a little spectator sport moment. read more

This park is settled near the angeles crest highway. I was in the hahacongna park area, which is a great place for hikers and muontain bikers. If you want a private park gathering this location is also good as there isn't that mubh of a crowd like other parks. But come early because there isn't that much parking. read more

Lower Arroyo Seco - Hiking Near Me

11 streams and 7 bridges to the man made (concrete dam) waterfall...a total of 9 miles round trip. Very beautiful hike. My only complaint is the large amount of horse poop and the lack of adequate parking. Make sure you bring your own water and wear water proof hiking boots. Be prepared to share the trail with several bikers and runners. There are outhouses about 1/2 way into the hike. Plenty of rest stops and picnic areas. read more

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First of all, the rating of five stars is for how the hike was relatively easy. The scenery was quite nice but it's hard to ignore the human interference. There were a lot of fences in places that doesn't quite need them. JPL was definitely in sight a few minutes into the hike but as you progress on, the trail becomes narrower and you become more emerged in nature. Most of the trees have been damaged by cutting and by the winds that devastated L.A. a few months ago, so there's a lot of woods and stones scattered around. What I really liked about this hike was that you had to pass by streams. If you are one that gets bothered by wet shoes, wear some sort of outdoor sandals. You can also walk through mini wood bridges to cross it but I gave up trying to balance myself on these halfway and just walked through the streams. The cool water was nice anyways. It's relatively easy to get to and parking wasn't bad. The parking is located at the end of Windsor street. There's also small picnic areas throughout the hike. The trail wasn't as beautiful but if you would like a nice walk with your dog or a friend or two, I recommend this. read more

Good place to relax in nature and unwind. Pack a lunch and plenty of water and enjoy the outdoors.

Right next to JPL this is my default hike if I don't wanna drive too far. 10 miles round trip to Oakwilde camp. It connects all the way up to Switzer falls and you can do a one way shuttle hike from there if you have friends. Not the place you wanna go if your looking for solitude. You lose most of the yahoos two miles in. read more