It’s that time of year in Pasadena where the bleachers start getting assembled in preparation for the Rose Parade. Since moving here three years ago I’ve been mesmerized by how early this process starts…I had NO idea!
Our first year here Catherine and I took part in the float assembly process (it’s largely done by volunteers). To this day it’s still one of the highlights of our time here. I mean look at that dragon!
Lots of people travel around the holidays, particularly at Christmas, but here in Pasadena things really start hotting up as New Year’s Day gets closer. Which is why it’s the perfect time to take advantage of these six Pasadena hikes. Well, let me be more clear, some of them are technically Altadena hikes. But they’re close enough for any Pasadena visitor or resident to take advantage of.
Rose Bowl Trail Loop
Hike Length: 3.1 miles
Surface: Pavement/areas of grass or sandy trail if desired
Hike type: loop
While this is not my favorite Pasadena hike, I’ve listed it here for several reasons. First of all if you’re visiting to see the Rose Parade or the Rose Bowl it will give you a chance to tour the tents where the parade floats are being put together. If you’re feeling crafty there’s even a chance that you could sign-up as a volunteer and get to work on one of the floats (I highly recommend).
The Rose Bowl loop trail literally takes you around the Rose Bowl itself as well as past the Brookside Golf Course & Country Club. The trail is dog friendly so long as they stay on leash. There are several grassy areas to play catch, do some warm-ups or stretch before you start your walk. If you’re into road biking there is also a well used bicycle lane.
If you’re not into “hiking” on a paved road make sure to keep an eye out for the dirt trails that run along the roadside. These give you a little more freedom to walk about and help you feel a little closer to nature.
Arlington Garden
Hike Length: variable
Surface: Compressed earth/rock/grass
Hike type: many loops and a maze
If you’re visiting Pasadena and need a short, tame family hike or even a place to take a picnic I highly recommend Arlington Garden. Situated on a 3 acre plot of land, Arlington Garden is a non-profit native plant refuge. The garden is maintained with the help of many volunteers and has plenty of little nooks and crannies for kids and adults to explore.
Arroyo Seco Trail
Hike Length: 3 mi.
Surface: Some paved/ mostly compressed earth
Hike type: loop
If you’re looking to check off a few sites as well as get in a walk the Arroyo Seco Trail could be the answer. This gentle, mostly flat pathway begins near the San Pascual Stables and follows along the Arroyo Seco river.
As you follow the clearly marked trail you will be able to see the arches of the Colorado Street Bridge above you which you might recognize from the movie La La Land. As you make your way around the loop you’ll pass a duck pond as well as an archery range.
Millard Canyon
Hike Length: 2.6 mi.
Surface: Compressed earth
Hike type: out and back
Go slightly north of Pasadena and you will arrive at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains in Altadena. There are many Altadena hiking trails to choose from and I will outline several more in this list of hikes near Pasadena.
Millard Canyon is a perfect family hike for kids and adults of all ages. After passing the Millard campground (a first come first serve campground) you will arrive at the trailhead. This trail has some elevation change, but is generally rated as an easy to moderate trail.
You will cross the stream several times along your way, but unless you hike after a huge rain storm it is highly unlikely that you will get wet. As you get closer to the waterfall you might start to hear the falls depending on what time of year you hike. The picture above was taken in the spring after a wet winter in SoCal. In the summer the falls slows down to a trickle, but there is still water flowing and fun to be had in the small pool it creates.
Eaton Canyon Falls
Hike Length: 1.9 mi.
Surface: Compressed earth
Hike type: out and back
This hike is very suitable for indoorsy camper types. It’s fairly flat, has a little bit of adventure in the form of rock hopping and comes to an end at a waterfall. Eaton Canyon is a great family hike, but can be a little crowded at the weekend so come prepared to look for parking. Like Millard Canyon, Eaton is so close to Pasadena it’s worth crossing over into Altadena to spend some time in the San Gabriels.
Before you head off on the trail make sure to check out the visitor center to get a glimpse of the wildlife you should be on the lookout for along the way. The trail crosses the river a couple times and you might even have a chance to try out your bouldering skills if you’re brave. Before you turn around to head back you will come to Eaton Canyon Falls. Like Millard the amount of water you see will depend on the season you venture into the canyon, but there’s pretty much always some water flowing.
Switzer Falls
Hike Length: 3.6 mi.
Surface: Compressed earth
Hike type: out and back
As if I haven’t included enough waterfall hikes on this list, here’s one more. Switzer Falls is a very popular and approachable family hike. Like Eaton Canyon, Switzer can be fairly crowded on the weekend. Don’t be deterred, there are several overflow parking lots. Keep driving around and you’ll find a parking spot.
On your way to the trail you pass through a picnic area and a paved trail. As you make your way towards the two-tier falls you will see the old foundations of a mountain resort called ‘Switzer-land’ that is long gone. After several switch backs you will begin to descend into the canyon until you reach the base of the falls. Depending on the season you might be able to wade into a pool above the first tier to cool off.
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