![]() Trail builders, mountain bikers, hikers and Forest Service rangers know they can find Messer on the mountain as the forest’s eyes and ears. ![]() “There is water flowing in places we haven’t seen in many years,” said Messer, who is president of the Concerned Off-Road Bicyclists Association in Calabasas. What a difference even a normal amount of winter rain can make on this natural wonderland. “To younger eyes, that was the only forest they’ve known.”Īll things have become new in the myriad of trails, canyons and waterfalls stretching from Malibu Creek, across the hills of the Santa Monica Mountains, to the soft-soil slopes of the San Gabriels, Messer said. “Some of them don’t remember the forest this way,” he said, because they hadn’t seen it before the nearly six-year drought. In limited trips since the rains began in October and after the heaviest downpours in December and January, some students told Messer they had never stepped into a muddy canyon or gazed upon a green, chaparral-covered slope. There are multiple guided and self-guided walking tour options that allow you to discover iconic landmarks including the historic Arroyo Terrace neighborhood, a National Register historic district that’s home to nine Greene & Greene houses, the Gamble House, Colorado Street Bridge, and more.Steve Messer enjoys taking students from the inner city up into the San Gabriel Mountains, into Big Tujunga to explore nature, breathe pure air and help him with trail repairs. The park also includes more recreational areas like a 24-hole Frisbee gold course, bicycle trail, picnic areas, and dog park.Īnyone who visits Pasadena knows its historic architecture is simply awe-inspiring. Hiking through the Arroyo Seco, you'll come across wide, open fields that morph into luscious marshlands, and are canopied by native oak woodlands, and elfin forests. The Hahamongna Watershed Park (Arroyo Seco) truly embodies all of features that California's inland landscape has to offer. Of course, exploring all of the land takes more than one day, so camp sites are also an option. Not only are these great ways to exercise, they're perfect for outdoor adventuring and unique, scenic photo ops. Some trailblazers highlight Throop Peak, Switzter Falls, and the Bridge to Nowhere Trail. These hikes range from moderate to very difficult in skill level. In the Angeles National Forest, hikers are able to explore the 1,600 square miles of the vast mountain range. ![]() Pasadena's proximity to the San Gabriel Mountains also lends itself to many gorgeous hiking trails. Families visiting with children should be cautious and keep a safe distance from the birds at all times. Amongst its most notable features are the free-roaming, wild peacocks that inhabit the area and make for some great Instagram-worthy photos. The grounds include a waterfall and countless flora, including the Arboretum's own forest bathing guide. The 127 acres of the LA Arboretum and Botanical Garden borders the east Pasadena territory. The garden also holds many public events like morning yoga, weekend walks, and children's activities. The area also boasts a redwood forest, lake, bird sanctuary, and the largest camellia garden in the US. This garden also continues multiple-themed gardens – nine to be exact. Nestled northwest of Pasadena, are the Descanso Gardens. The waterfall and shallow pool in the middle of the trek is great for little legs and tired pups to stop and rest before continuing along the plant-lined path. The trail is only 3.5 miles round trip, with a third of the hike being completely flat making it non-strenuous and appropriate for all ages and fitness levels. Eaton CanyonĮaton Canyon is a 190-acre zoological and geological nature preserve, perfect for hiking. So make sure to plan your route around meal times and locations. Tip: there are small dining areas and restaurants scattered throughout the property. The Desert Garden also is eye-catching, with it's uniquely-shaped foliage, the garden is one of the largest and oldest assemblages of cacti and other succulents in the world. The Japanese Garden, with its five-room house built in Japan and shipped to Pasadena in 1904 is especially unique. The grounds include various themed gardens from around the world, which means visitors can get a taste of global beauty, without the pricey plane ticket. The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical GardensĪ local and celebrity favorite, the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens is an entire day's worth of outdoor fun. And with its seating areas and shaded benches, the gardens also make for a great location for a sunny afternoon picnic or birthday party. Children and pet-friendly, the gardens are a popular place to take the whole family. Discover sculptures and rock art as you roam through the various areas of the garden. The Arlington Gardens is a quaint, community garden that is perfect for an afternoon stroll.
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