This place is the jackpot if you like birding and bridges!! Bare with me bc I'm about to share a…read morebutt 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!

I've been on a little running kick in 2021 and on a search for more interesting routes near my…read morehouse, 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).

One of my favorite trails of the Angeles. It's less crowded than Echo Mountain or Eton. It's longer…read morethan Millard or Monrovia. You can couple it with Millard falls to see water if you like, otherwise you are up on the ridge. It's single track and there are occasional mountain bikers to beware of. Otherwise, on a weekday it's solitude and beauty. I would say it's a moderate hike depending on how high you go up. Beware there is a lot of poison oak. In the spring and early summer there are a lot of gorgeous flowers. Enjoy!!!

Five stars for the view at the top!! So beautiful! You can see all off LA…read more The hike itself is pretty challenging. Most people would be able to do this, but it has quite a few steep uphill portions. Definitely wear hiking/trail shoes. We went in the morning, so most of the climb up was shaded, which was nice. Then we took the paved path back down to the start. You can spending 2+ hours out here, taking about an hour to get to the main peak area with a few picnic tables. Would be a great spot for have lunch or a snack! Then there is further spots you can continue on to. The trail is not heavily trafficked, but they were a number of mountain bikes. Keep you eyes open for them speeding down the mountain! I would absolutely hike here again, great workout & beautiful views. (And easy parking compared to many places in LA!)

We started the hike at 8am It was perfect weather, we got in through the bridge up to Henninger…read moreFlat is around 3 miles then is another 3 miles up to Idlehour Camp Trail. It's so worth it to the beautiful creek and the sound of the water is so relaxing. Recommended to bring mosquito repellent and cover your legs or you will end up all scratched at idlehour trail. Enjoy the trails and please leave no trace. In total we did 12.1miles in 5 hours

If you've ever seen those poor souls trapped or worse--injured-- on the Eaton a canyon waterfall,…read moretrying to comb up and over, know now and forever that there is a safer way to access upper Eaton Canyon. While the hike is approximately 13 miles round trip, the journey is worth the effort. Idlehour campground is nestled in a higher elevation section of Eaton Canyon, approximately 3 miles past Lower Henninger Flats. About 1 mile past the fire station at Henninger, look for a small wooden footbridge on the left of the trail and signs for Idlehour campground. This small trail off the toll road heads down into Eaton behind Henninger. While there is a lot of poison oak, the riparian flora and fauna are quite different than what one finds in lower Eaton near the white bridge. Bay trees, stinging nettle, willows, and abundant wildflowers in season color and perfume the landscape. There are a few primitive campsites here, with small wood burning stoves. Fire permits are required, and while you might get away with sleeping the night here, it's also best to make reservations. There are no restroom or trash facilities here, so plan on packing out what you pack in. Near the water, various insects, spiders, and other bugs like millipedes are abundant. California tree frogs, California newts (one of the most toxic creatures on earth!), and small fish can be found in the creek. Songbirds and raptors are occasionally seen. Large mammals like deer, coyotes, bobcats, raccoons, and bears are generally in the neighborhood, so store food safely away from camp... That old Bot Scout trick of hanging it from a branch at least 10 feet off the ground works! Idlehour can also be accessed from Inspiration Point via the Idlehour trail, which begins roughly where the Sam Merrill trail ends about 0.3 miles past Inspiration point via the Castle Canyon trail. All trails are marked with new wooden signs... Although finding your way back to Henninger via the Idlehour trail from Inspiration Point can be a little tricky. Head east from the Idlehour campground sign and start heading uphill. This is not a particularly difficult hike, but it's length makes it a moderate effort. Bring extra water, maybe a light snack, and plan for a few buggy spots, especially during the summer. The gnats can get thick.

This hike had a lot to offer. Pretty green mostly covered trails a lot of crossing water when it…read morehad rained before. About a 6-7mile hike round trip depending on your starting point we started around Altadena area by fair oaks street. Bring- a lot of water depending on how you handle hiking Adventure pass is needed to park I don't use them but some walking / trek sticks could be useful in some parts. I'm a large guy it took a lot out of me to get there it's a moderate to hard hike for me. With more exercise and a few more hikes under my belt to get back into shape I would hike it again. A lot of connecting places to hike through to as well. Echo mountain connection - inspiration point .

One of my favorite hikes in LA. I would rate this as Moderate given the elevation change and rocky…read morepaths but it's possible for all ages and skill levels. You get to hike through many different zones including goat paths on the side of the mountain, paved roads at the beginning, and multiple creek crossings and some minor boulder climbing. Parking is at the top of where you turn left to go down toward Millard Falls and there are only 6 spaces available so that area fills up quickly. We arrived @ 7:30AM and didn't have any issues parking and didn't encounter anyone until our hike back out. It's easy to follow the path as it's marked well. The first landmark you'll see is a formerly used cabin as you descend down into the canyon and as you follow the canyon to the end you will see many old mining equipment and plumbing strewn near the creek you are walking parallel to. You have to cross the creek a few times but it's only a few inches deep and there are rocks already placed for crossing. There are portions with pools deep enough to dunk in and even a section with 3 small pools with water slides into each pool. Something worth checking out when the weather is warmer. The mine at the end is underwhelming because it's blocked off with steel bars and is very low to the ground and is flooded with water. I would say the walk to the mine is the best part not the destination. Overall a great hike with beautiful scenery and hiking with the sound of running water the whole time is a real treat.

This place is great but if you are planing to go all the way up you must know that it's 8 miles so…read morethat's 16 miles back and forth also take lot of water, electrics and Gatorades.

Mt. Wilson is such a great and fun climb. It's long but not overly challenging or technical. I…read morewas looking forward to the cafe at the top, but they were closed for the winter. A couple of people told us they spotted bears. The descent towards the parking lot seemed long. The hike is about 15 miles with 4,400 ft of elevation gain. My favorite part though and the primarily reason why I would do this hike again and again is the amazing ice cream shop in town! Mother Moo Creamery has the most amazing homemade ice cream and pies and anything and everything they make. I will do anything, absolutely anything for good ice cream. Easy parking and there is a very disgusting bathroom at the trailhead. Come and create your own adventure.

My second time doing the stairs here is how I found them…read more Number of stairs- 9 Sycamore Glen to Redwood Dr.-this staircase is not in Fleming's Secret Stairs book, Walk #1, though they could have easily been part of the route. 60 steps Elmwood Dr. to Redwood Dr. 98 steps Redwood Dr. to Tamarac Dr. 81 steps up then 19 steps down Tamarac Dr. to Glenullen Dr. 86 steps Glenullen Dr. to Cherry Dr. 99 steps Cheviotdale Pl. to Capinero Dr. 44 steps La Loma to Cheviotdale Pl. 54 steps Cheviotdale Pl. to Cherry Dr. 43 steps La Loma to Evergreen-this staircase... Hope it helps It's around two miles.

I decided to give the Secret Stairs a visit after a tip from Yelp! There is just something charming…read moreabout a neighborhood network of stairs. The stairs serves well as an easy hike or an exercise spot for those who love stair climbing. One thing I did not expect is that the stairs go up and down. Rather than take you higher and higher, some of the stairs just takes you across hills which for me is disappointing. Also, I did not find the houses along the trail particularly scenic. They are probably nice for Pasadena but definitely a far cry from what you see in nearby Arcadia, San Marino, La Canada, etc. Overall, I consider the Secret Stairs a local attraction. It's a worth a visit if you live less than 20 minutes away and its a fun neighborhood novelty but it's definitely not worth your time if you don't live in the area. Parking: I parked on the street on Elmwood which is the beginning of the trail, but I don't highly recommend it. It's not a particularly well maintained street and it is super narrow and steep without proper curbs/sidewalks. There is also a sign that says 'Tow Away on Red Flag Days'. Refer to the affixes picture. If I returned, I would either park on the street prior to Elmwood or just skip to a different segment.

The trail is not open and will continue to be closed when Chantry Flats finally opens on Oct 1…read more Many of the trails up there are gone from the Bobcat Fire. Stick to open trails only, they are beautiful and worth the adventure. Search and rescue teams and the Forest Service advise the closure for safety and environmental concerns, not to kill your fun.

Hermit Falls is still closed and will remain closed when Chantry opens Oct 1st. The trails are in…read morehorrible shape and terrain poses life safety issues. Helicopter rescues are never guaranteed due to weather conditions and other safety factors (canopy, deadfall, loose boulders, rotor wash) that would put rescuers and public at risk. Sturtevant Falls is gorgeous alternative and the trail is open. Otherwise, Eaton Canyon is still a great option because of accessibility.

THE RESERVOIR IS FULL OF WATER =============================…read more Eight inches of rain in November of 2025 has really filled up the Devil's Gate Dam Reservoir. It's really nice walking or riding bikes over the dam and seeing the pretty scenery. You can access the roads and trails via the intersection of Oak Grove Drive and Berkshire or the multiple access points on the east side of the dam.

Devils Gate Dam is one of those places that feels straight out of an urban legend. Getting there…read morewas half the fun - a little hike, a little adventure, and then boom... you're face to face with this massive rock formation that legit looks like the devil's face carved into stone. Creepy but awesome. The tunnel itself? Yeah, definitely has that "horror movie" vibe. Dark, echoey, and unsettling enough to give you chills -- in a good way. I was honestly surprised it didn't smell musty or gross inside, which made exploring it even better.