A little bit of everything for people, dogs, horses etc. my favorite part was the horse ranch. There's fly fishing though the pond appears empty and archery too. Scenery was nice, dry basin overall. Had a good time walking around with dogs and people alike. read more

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The trailhead is located at the north end of the San Pasqual Stables parking lot. The Lower Arroyo is also a tourist attraction and park that's good for kids and dogs. Walking, hiking and jogging are the most common recreational activities in the Lower Arroyo. Connecting many miles of equestrian trails, the Lower Arroyo trails are permitted for mixed use by foot traffic of humans, horses and dogs. No bicycles or motor vehicles are permitted in the area. read more

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Great area for short trail runs, walks, to bring your four legged friend or just relax. We make our way down here each July for the Summer Pasadena Trail Race and each time I ask myself why I don't frequent the area during the year. If you're in the area for training or long runs, I'd say this is a great area that is a bit more secluded that you can add in for extra mileage and varied terrain. Park near the Rosebowl or above in residential. read more

This is a nice and easy hike. The whole trail is flat gravel ground so it's easy for walking or jogging. You'll be able to see the Colorado Bridge above you. We didn't go uphill and just stayed with the flat even trail. There's a cross over bridge for you to cross to the other side after about half an hour walk, depending on your pace. Came here because we wanted to see the bridge from below and to see the concentric rocks. We were able to see them plus the various planted flowers in bloom, so it was delightful. There are two downsides. There's a part of the entrance road leading to the parking lot where it's basically one-car wide. So if you take that route driving in or out, you'd have to watch out for oncoming traffic. Another down side is there's plenty of horse manure on the main trail so beware. Also, there's only one restroom at the parking lot so use it before your hike. Haven't ventured on the other trails and would love to come back. My pups enjoyed the trail. I would recommend it! read more

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This trail is a hidden gem, we've been to this area many times and never bothered to hike this trail until now. We parked at the intersection of S San Rafael and S Arroyo and this area didn't have any signs with parking restrictions. We walked down the stone stairs to start our hike along a chain linked fenced next to the ugly square cement river. The path is wide and doesn't require any hiking shoes. Expect to see many walkers with their dogs and the occasional horse. read more

Lower Arroyo Seco Recreation Area - Sunday evening hike 3 miles 2022 - Parks Near Me - Pasadena, California

This is a fairly easy hiking / walking trail with some nice views. You can start by parking at the Rosebowl Aquatic center then cross the street to follow the dirt path towards Arroyo Seco. You have some options here, you can follow straight toward Arroyo Seco or veer right and explore by walking the scenic route under Colorado Bridge. Both ways are fairly easy. I myself enjoy leisure walks here, but have seen many who jog it regularly. The path is mainly flat and looks good for joggers and runners. The only complaint I'd have here, which has nothing to do with the trail location itself is that some have taken to littering face masks on the floor. Please pick up after yourself and help keep our recreational trails beautiful. read more

Great place to run or hike or even walk leisurely. Good views and very peaceful. Not too crowded.

A fabulous location tucked away in Arroyo Seco! Lots of archery target and lessons. A horse boarding school and plenty of greens. A great place to walk and run. read more

Lower Arroyo Seco Recreation Area - Wild rabbit! - Parks Near Me - Pasadena, California

Other then the fact that this girl (pictured) is here a lot with her dog, this place is a 10/10. If you are traveling here and see this girl and her dog stay as far away!!! She's here often and sometimes her dog is leashes sometimes he's not, but this girl gets off on running up as close as possibly to your and your loved ones so her dog is not only salivating looking at your legs but trying to actually attack you but the scariest part is she has absolutely no control of her dog stumbling all over the place and dog lunges to bite! This is not the first time this has happened here 4th time today being scared to death over this dog and her definitely carrying pepper spray and a knife next time. It is important to note she does this often happened again today twice in a day, it's intentional and there's definitely mental illness involved because she doesn't even say sorry just stares blankly so creepy! beware especially when she doesn't have a leash on him. It is important to note if you are alone or with elderly she will seek people out and if she's on another trail will purposely run through an area of the park that's being protected and where they are doing conservation work to get as close to you and your family/children/pets/ loved ones as possible! read more

Lower Arroyo Seco Recreation Area - Beware - Parks Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Arroyo Seco Trail is a 4 mile (round trip) loop trail located near Pasadena, California and is good for all skill levels. The trail is good for hiking, walking, and trail running. It has an easy flat trail with no elevation. The trail start at the San Pascual stables in South Pasadena and ends by the Colorado street bridge. There are no major scenic view except for the bridge and a sewer canal. However, this trail is good to get a cardio-workout. Overall, it's a decent trail with lots of trees and shrubs. read more

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We came here to hike with the kids and they enjoyed themselves. It's so hot, depending on when you hike, so bring a hat and sunscreen. We found parking at the aquatics center, and also at the bottom of a trail under the bridge. read more

I did about a 6 mile loop hike of the Lower Arroyo Seco parking at the archery parking area and going north to the front of the Rose Bowl and then back south until I got to the equestrian area and golf course. Then I turned north to complete the loop. I got my information for the hike from Charles Fleming's article in the August 22, 2011 LA TImes article as part of his series of walking in Los Angeles. The part of the hike that is the nicest is the area that was returned to a riparian habitat under the Colorado Boulevard and 134 Freeway bridges. It's very pretty and very un-city like. read more

Lower Arroyo Seco Recreation Area - A hawk waiting for breakfast. - Parks Near Me - Pasadena, California

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My friend and I try to do hikes every month and we decided to come here since we couldn't meet until 9:30 and it was a hot day. This was a nice 3 mile stroll, no uphill and had a few cool places to see along the way, including an archery area and a few rock displays that people had put together. There was one cool stairs that we climbed, the only real incline. Overall a good, easy hike with a few interesting things to see on the way. Also, it's dog friendly and parking was easy! read more

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I come here all the time to run. There are lots of trails to explore and veer off from. there is an archery range/course which is pretty neat to watch. The parking lot gets crowded on weekends. I like to start here at the parking lot and run north along the channel to the Rosebowl run around that and back. -OR- I run south from the parking lot to the San Pasqual Stables parking lot cross the channel and run north past the archery range and cross the channel again to get back to the lot. -OR- Just go down there and make your own options. there are lots of people enjoying the rec area from horseback riders, archers to dog walkers. read more

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A park that feels like a hidden gap lined with trees, the Arroyo is an interesting use of land nestled next to a flood control basin and concrete river. The path is wide occupying both sides of the concrete wash. You may find walkers, hikers, horses, and bicyclists using this wonderful area. There is also an area dedicated to archery. The casting pond is most interesting to visit too. read more

Ok ok folks...lets review adequately. This is a very nice walk/bike trail sidled up next to a river.. amidst the backdrop of an upscale lovely Pasadena neighborhood. It's not a hike in the mountains. So NO, there is no incline unless you take a side trail up to the main Street. Personally I find this to be a lovely walk with lots of art deco architecture to look at. Nice beautiful famous old bridge and lovely well kept homes from a bygone era. I hike everywhere in LA and I like this one for an in the city stroll or run. Currently it is very very green and lush with plenty of water coming down from the river. From the parking lot if you are facing the river and go right you will eventually cross under the old lovely bridge and get into nature for a short duration till you get to the Rose bowl. To the left you will follow the river and hit the horse ranch. At the time of writing this we are on covid 19 lockdown and this has been my happy place. It's really lovely for a suburban retreat. read more

I love coming to this spot to do my walks and escape the city...even though it's in a busy city, there's plenty of escapism to find here. I've been using this spot for close to thirty years and in that time it's gotten some landscape improvements but mostly it's the same. There are shady spots but it does get a lot of sun and it's really hot during the summer. Also, one thing to keep in mind is that during the summer (late June to late August) there is a day camp that takes over the park for most of the day (this sucks if you hate the noise and intrusion of kids‍). There is an archery range that gets a lot of use and there's a casting pond which gets quite a bit of activity as well. The trail hooks up to the trail that circles around the Rose Bowl all the way up to the Devil's Gate Dam. It's a fairly diverse trail with lots of sand and rocky paths and plenty of hills to challenge you. There are lots of picnic spots with tables and some areas with tree ("benches") and large rock ("benches"). There is a restroom that's usually very well stocked with tp and soap and it's cleaner than most park restrooms. The only bad thing I have to say about this place is that last summer my car was broken into and burglarized. I never had anything like this happen to me during the entire time I've used this park until last year. I stayed away for two months and eventually came back. I noticed that someone put up a warning note about car break-ins, so it must have been happening quite often since then. Just be safe and don't bring any valuables bc there's no police patrol and there are no surveillance cameras in the parking lot. read more

I come here to practice archery, we have the best outdoor archery range right here in out backyard! Did you know junior olympians train here? I wish more people would be kind to each other and remember this is a public shared space, there are city rules for a reason. People want to treat the Lower Arroyo like their own backyard and the are rules in place for safety. Like you wouldn't hike in the middle of a gun range or let your dog off leash so, please let's have some respect for each other. Please note the City of Pasadena now requires that all individuals using the public archery range must prominently display the City-issued archery credential when using the Lower Arroyo Archery Range. For more info go to Pasadena Roving Archer's website. https://www.rovingarchers.com/events/city-credential-class-2017-08-05/ read more

Took my dog for a 7am walk. It's about a 3.5 mile trail that loops around, or you can use the bridges for shortcuts. Technically it's as long as you make the walk to be. There's lots of rocks & plants (including poison ivy in some areas) so watch your step. If you're someone that prefers to take a walk/run when there's not many people around, I suggest coming before 8am. read more

Lower Arroyo Seco Recreation Area - Parks Near Me - Pasadena, California

The series of trails here are well marked and provide trail walkers and hikers a few options to venture through the Lower Arroyo Seco. I started off at the San Pasqual Stables and turned around at the 134 freeway bridge, which provided a nice ~4.5 mile hike. Note not to go here when it's hot (like I did) as there isn't much shade on the trails south of the Colorado Street Bridge. Before turning around, I found a spot under the 134 freeway bridge for a lunch break. read more

Lower Arroyo Seco Recreation Area - Parks Near Me - Pasadena, California

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The Lower Arroyo Seco Rec Trails offer a great alternative to running or walking the Rose Bowl Loop (or they can act as a extension for your run, as the trails link up to the loop on both the North and South sides). There are both, straight-forward trails that run along the channel (on both sides) and adjacent nature focused trails on the East side of the stream. Both are remote areas that offer a bit of solitude while remaining close to the Rose Bowl. It is easy to find serenity here, however on the weekends you may find horses in the trail, going for rides from the Equestrian Center on the South end of the park. It's also important to note that while the rules of the park are to keep your dog(s) on leash, the culture here sings a different tune. If you dog is timid or more aggressive be careful, many of the dogs here are not on leashes and the owners are reluctant to do so. You may have random dogs appearing solo on the trails in front of you.... All in all, this is a decent hike/walk/run. It's location is convenient and its usage is rather low. read more

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I came here twice to take my dogs on a quiet hike. The approximate address is 420 S Arroyo Blvd. if you want to enter through the lower park area where the archery range is. The entrance is a fork which narrows down to a single road, so watch out for cars! We took the trail by the entrance today. There wasn't much green as shown in the photos from a few years back. It's pretty much dirt and dead plants the entire way until you reach one area where the green algae water is. There is very little shade. There is a lot of horse poop on the trails and some small animals. There was a couple walking their dog off leash although I am sure there was a sign somewhere that says to leash your dog. If your dog has a strong prey drive, I think it's a good idea to have it leashed as we saw some lizards and a rabbit on the trail while we were there. Even though it's a pretty standard southern California hike with gray and brown views, I like that we didn't have to share the trail with many people. It gives my dogs some room to explore. It's a nice quiet place to take your pup on a stroll. read more

This park is great. It has lots of hiking/walking/running trails. The trails actually continue up to the Rose Bowl, past JPL and up into the San Gabriel Mountains. Although the river is in a concrete channel, water has been diverted into a series of streams that water a restored native riparian (stream) habitat. Trails are braided with lots of options. There is also a restored archery field, casting pond and restrooms. No picnic grounds but lots of quiet benches and places to enjoy the restored landscape. Also a great place to walk your dogs, but please, use a leash. I'm personally fine with letting dogs off leash but you share these trails with horses (there are stables down steam) and dogs can frighten horses and throw riders. I come here several days a week. read more

Lower Arroyo Seco Recreation Area - Beautiful park. - Parks Near Me - Pasadena, California

Nice place to walk the dog or escape the city. Located near the Rose Bowl, it's a mini oasis. This is pretty much a trail/path destination. Great location to get out for fresh air. Lots of people walking dogs and even a small pond where people practice fishing. If you want to switch up your local walking/hiking routine try this place out ! read more

Lower Arroyo Seco Recreation Area - Mountain Lions !!! - Parks Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Great hiking with plenty of interesting sights along the way. I particularly like the flexibility of making the hike what you want...a bit more or less of a workout...a bit more or less sun/shade. As a bonus, the archery range is a nice diversion from the usual and a fun activity for your older kids. Dogs love this area and owners are pretty decent about picking up after their furbabies. Honestly, the trail and general area get no complaints from me. But because of that, it's just so dang popular! You have to get out there pretty early on a Sunday and even earlier on Saturday (more heathens milling about after all ;D) to find parking on the inside. Another bonus though, which I suppose is a trade off to the aforementioned popularity...no Adventure Pass needed. Careful this time of year...saw a rattlesnake before the heat of the day. read more

This long, narrow park situated along the cement basin of the Arroyo Seco river is one of my favorite places for a relaxing, meditative walk. The park is slowly being rehabilitated and replanted with native shrubs so although the cemented river channel is an eyesore, the surrounding cliffs, vegetation and old bridges offer a lot of visual enjoyment. There are miles of flat dirt and rock "hiking" trails and loops to explore. There are plenty of rules governing this park, and signs to remind you of them. No bikes or motorcycles are allowed. Dogs are welcome but required to be on leash (though I've seen plenty off people ignoring the rule.) Horses frequent the trails as well. I like to bring my children here and I think this is a nice place for families. There are no cars and the river is totally gated off so it's pretty safe. There are a few picnic tables here and there. There is at least one small, free, parking lot. Although the trails are flat they are bumpy. I don't think it would be easy with a stroller, but if you have little ones who like to run around this is a nice place to take them for a bit of urban-nature. read more

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This is my absolute favorite place to go running. Actually, it is my favorite place to go, period. It is well trafficked, so I feel safe running there by myself, but it is also not crowded. Spending time here makes me forget that I live in a city. There is abundant wildlife to observe--we've seen coyote and bobcat before, but they're absolutely not interested in humans so no need to worry. There are lots of trees, flowers, butterflies, and singing birds. Also a lot of cool geologic features. A great place for naturalists! read more

Not impressed. Smelly sewer on trail. Boring views. Short hikes. Not enough bathrooms. Only redeeming quality is seeing cute dogs walked by their owners. Although, some owners have dogs off leash. This is a safety concern. Will not be returning. Part of path is blocked for construction. Lame weekend spent. read more

This is a fantastic option for a nature walk without a mountain road drive if you don't mind hearing traffic. The one drawback is the plethora of locals who allow their dogs off leash. I am a dog owner, and, while I love for my own dog to run free, I do not allow it in unfenced areas accessible to other people and pets. In a city environment, this creates risk for pets and people. A "friendly" dog rushing a dog who is sweet but cautious can result in injuries to pets and people, untold stress when trying to get away from such a dog, and legal liabilities. Just be considerate and keep your dog's leashed. Even small dogs can attack larger dogs, their owners worrying over the little attackers and oblivious to injuries to the canine and human victims. Please don't allow your dog's off leash. You don't know every walker or their dogs, and your "friendly" dogs running free are a hazard and stressor in this highly populated area with many strangers, as hard as that is to accept. read more

Lived in Pasadena area for years and have never gone here. Walked the dog.this morning starting at the casting pond and headed towards the Rose Bowl. Too many dogs off leash with careless owners who don't pick up dog poop. A tad green this time of year, with stagnating ponds of mosquito water. Just so so. Much prettier hikes around. read more

I love bringing my pups here to explore and to get a nice little walk in. It's not really much of a hike, but more of a nature(ish) walk. You can take a few laps around and work up a sweat and there's never too many people there to crowd your space, but always a few other people walking around (so I feel safe enough to go alone). Sometimes if it's empty I get brave and let my dog off leash, but WARNING sometimes the Pasadena PD will ride around on their horses giving tickets to people with their dogs off leash. It's a stupid ticket you don't want to get. Overall, I love this place, it's quiet, relatively nature-y, and close to home. I recommend coming here and getting a run in. read more

Great hiking spot for the fury creatures we call our doggies....and of course for us humans. It didn't receive a 5 star rating because it was SOOOOOOOOO difficult to find. You have to put in the cross streets to find the place or else gps will take you elsewhere. I probably circled Pasadena twice before I found the place. It was a great hike with friends. Lots of fallen trees to take pictures on. Will definitely be back again. read more

Great alternative area for running/walking if you get tired of the rose bowl. There are quite a few trails you can take. Depending on which one you take, you can get a scenic route or a more man-made view (cement, gates, etc). Enjoy running here because it's less crowded than the rose bowl and you get to see the different vegetation, rivers, and little gardens along the way. For the most part, the trail is pretty flat. There also is an archery range so if you want to practice shooting some arrows they have a small section dedicated to this. Lots of people come through here riding bikes and walking their dog. I've also seen people riding horses. read more

Lower Arroyo Seco Recreation Area - Parks Near Me - Pasadena, California

Plentiful trails for joggers, walkers and dog-walkers! Beautiful vegetation even in December (mid-winter). I can see why people get their wedding photography taken against the backdrop of the Colorado Street Bridge and the foilage under it - it's a hidden gem! read more

Lower Arroyo Seco is a very nice and charming park that features waterfalls and is located in a very nice and quiet residential neighborhoods in charming city of Pasadena, California. This park is easily accessible from the 210 Freeway, via North Windsor Avenue and on the dry stream Arroyo Seco. Perfectly nestled between two beautiful cities: city of Altadena and city of La Cañada Flintridge. Lower Arroyo Seco features stunning scenic and panoramic mountainous views. This park also offers stunning and grand waterfalls as well as bridges. I love coming for self-reflection and mediation. There are large amounts of horse poop along the trails. read more

I love the arroyo for jogging. The major issue I have are the people who let their dogs run around off of their leashes which lately had been pretty much every dog owner. I've had two such dogs run at me growling. It's dangerous for joggers, people on horseback and the dogs themselves with all of the wildlife in the Arroyo. Also, if you're one of those people tying their dog poop bags to the east metal fence please stop. It's disgusting, you're lazy and I'd just die to see what your house looks like. read more

This is NOT a review of the park - this is a notice to all that use the park. My car was broken into today in the lower parking lot (Arroyo & Norwood). The thief found my wallet which I had was hidden in my car. Be aware folks; thieves are everywhere! read more

This is really a nice hidden gem that my friend introduced me to in the middle of Pasadena. It was hard to believe that just a few blocks east are the hustle and bustle of the rest of the city. The only thing that betrays the facade of tranquility are the sounds of the nearby freeways. Some cool things about this place: Free parking Lots of trails to explore Interesting things like the Colorado Blvd bridge that you can walk under A cute building south of the bridge that's apparently a cooking school? Weird reflecting pond south of the parking lot You can walk north or south till you get bored If you need some time to relax, think or exercise without distractions, this place is hard to beat due to its location right there in the city. Highly recommend exploring but be careful driving down to the parking lot as it's a single lane shared by cars going in both directions. read more

It's quiet. Lots of people of different backgrounds. But not overcrowded. Lots of trails. As a newbie, I didn't really know what to expect but I just kept running. Its beautiful, in the rustling city there is this little gem. Great place to get away for a bit. read more

love the area! love jogging there. however, it would be nice if the dog owners/walkers would pay attention to the signs and laws by keeping their dogs on a leash. there have been too many occasions where my husband and i have had dogs run after us or try to bite us. on average 50-60% of the dogs are off leash. other wise the trails are a great place to get away and run! read more