URBAN FORESTS & OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

The Arroyo Seco

The Arroyo Seco translates to "dry gulch" in Spanish and was named by explorer Gaspar de Portolà. The land was first inhabited by the Hahamog'na Tribe of Tongva Native Americans, who lived along the banks, where oak groves provided acorn for food and the views of the surrounding San Gabriel Mountains cascade. A stream is carried from near Mount Wilson through the Arroyo and eventually into the Pacific Ocean, creating a lush urban forest in Pasadena that feels a world away.

Things To Do in The Arroyo Seco

In the Lower Arroyo, find the Bird Sanctuary for expansive vista views, practice fly fishing at the Casting Pond, and shoot some arrows at the Archery Range, or experience the riparian habitats, oak woodlands and sage scrub through shaded trails. There’s lots to do in the Central Arroyo, like flying a kite, picnicking, playing baseball, and enjoying a round of golf. Take the 3.3-mile loop around the Rose Bowl Stadium and Brookside Golf Course on foot, by bike, on rollerblades, or with a walker. In the 1,300-acre Hahamongna Watershed Park, play Frisbee golf at the first disc golf course in the world, enjoy the picnic areas, and explore the extensive network of bridle, bicycle, and hiking trails.

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Hahamongna Watershed Park

Hahamogna Watershed Park is located at the Southeast corner of Oak Grove Drive and Foothill Boulevard. This 1300-acre...

Oak Grove Disc Golf Photo Credit Mary Marasco

Oak Grove Disc Golf Course

World's 1st permanent ""polehole"" disc golf course. Directions From the 210 Fwy, exit Berkshire Dr., turn east off...

Rose Bowl Stadium, loop and surrounding area

Rose Bowl Loop

"The Rose Bowl Loop Trail is a popular and fitness and recreation loop around the famous Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena....

Brookside Golf Club

Brookside Golf Course is located in Pasadena, California—it is adjacent to the Rose Bowl Stadium in the Arroyo Seco...

Rose Bowl Aquatics Center

The Rose Bowl Aquatics Center, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, opened in 1990 and is located in Pasadena's...

Attractions & Landmarks

The Arroyo Seco has a long history of recreational use. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the Arroyo Seco was an important source of inspiration for local artists and the focus of "The Arroyo Culture" became a local expression o the American Arts & Crafts Movement.

Exploring the area's historic landmarks and modern day attractions provide an immersive experience into Pasadena's heritage. Head to the Rose Bowl Stadium for their monthly public tours, visit the flea market on Second Sundays, explore the flora and fauna at Descanso Gardens, take the little tykes to the Kidspace Children's Museum, uncover history at the Gamble House and Pasadena Museum of History, and enjoy the sightseeing at the Colorado Street Bridge and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Rose Bowl Stadium

America's Stadium. The stadium is the proud home of the Tournament of Roses Football Game, UCLA Bruin Football,...

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Kidspace Children's Museum

Interactive Exhibits for Kids. Kidspace Children's Museum offers more than 40 hands-on exhibits, in addition to...

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Descanso Gardens

Descanso Gardens features nine botanical collections, a (ride-able) miniature railroad, house museum, modern art...

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The Gamble House

Craftsman Masterpiece. The Gamble House was designed in 1908 by Pasadena architects, Greene & Greene as the...

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Pasadena Museum of History

Note: The Pasadena Museum of History is temporarily closed.. Preserving Pasadena's Legacy. Pasadena Museum of...

Colorado Street Bridge

Picturesque Views. The Colorado Street Bridge is a historic Beaux Arts bridge that spreads over Pasadena. The bridge...

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Jet Propulsion Laboratory

NASA Facility in PasadenaJPL is a research, development, and flight center for the National Aeronautics and Space...

Walking, Hiking, and Biking Trails

The Arroyo Seco offers a plethora of outdoors and recreational opportunities to the urban population of Los Angeles County. Significant portions of the Arroyo Seco watershed are protected open space, ranging from the National Forest to golf courses to passive nature parks. There is almost a continuous stretch of open space in the Arroyo Seco from the Angeles National Forest in the San Gabriel Mountains to its confluence with the Los Angeles River.

Lower Arroyo Seco Loop - Mild

From bird-watching to archery, this trail provides a peaceful atmosphere with no lapse in beauty. The trail which is around 1.5 miles long is relatively flat and runs along the Arroyo Seco River. Passing under historic and beautiful bridges while listening to the singing of birds and the flow of steady streams this hike has a lot to offer.

Brown Mountain Dam - Moderate

Hiking to the Brown Mountain Dam waterfall hike quickly transports you from suburban LA to a natural wonderland. The shaded trail starts at JPL and passes ruins, secluded picnic areas, and beautiful willows, oaks, and sycamores. Today it's a flat and relatively easy hike that's fun for all levels of hiker.

Switzer Falls Hike - Moderate

The trail to Switzer Falls takes you along a babbling brook, through historic ruins, on the side of a spectacular gorge, and then finally, to a pristine waterfall in the Arroyo Seco. The 4-mile trail takes approximately 2 to 3 hours.

The Gabrielino Trail - Advanced

Stretching 28.8 miles through the heart of Angeles National Forest, the Gabrielino Trail covers not only some of the most popular areas, but also some of the most remote. The Gabrielino Trail was chosen as the nation’s first National Recreation Trail (NRT) in 1970 because it "represents its region, supports a diverse community, and is among Americas best trails."