Arcadia, California

Arcadia, California offers some of the best trails and outdoor activities for those seeking scenic outdoor adventures. The Eaton Canyon Trail, a must-visit, is a moderate-level hiking trail known for its waterfall and the beautiful Eaton Canyon River. Another top trail is the Mount Wilson Trail, featuring a stunning view of the San Gabriel Valley and an observatory at the peak. For those interested in bird watching, the Arcadia Wilderness Park is a great spot with its diverse bird species. The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, located in Arcadia, is a fantastic place to enjoy a leisurely walk amongst a variety of plant species. So, pack your hiking boots and get ready to explore the best of Arcadia's outdoor attractions.

Top Spots in and near Arcadia

Monrovia, California
Monrovia Falls

3.7

1.46 mi / 459 ft gain

Monrovia Falls is closed indefinitely due to the Bobcat Fire and mudslides. Read more on the CityofMonrovia.org website. The Monrovia Falls are at the end of the main trail located in Monrovia Canyon Park. The park is easy to locate and has ample parking. Keep in mind you do have to pay a fee of...
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Arcadia, California
Hermit Falls Trail

4.4

2.49 mi / 1014 ft gain

Note: Hermit Falls is Temporarily Closed From Roberts Camp, many hikers will head to Sturtevant Falls, which is an amazing 60-foot waterfall. But, if you choose to head in the opposite direction on First Water Trail, you’ll be rewarded with a fresh water swimming hole at this 35-foot tumbling wa...
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Arcadia, California
Sturtevant Falls

4.6

1.61 mi / 423 ft gain

As you head down to Roberts Camp, a historic set of historic cabins, you’ll head out on a steep, paved road for approximately 0.6 miles. Once you reach the camp, head over the bridge and keep an eye out for the sign for the Gabrielino Trail, which will take you to the falls. Along the trail, you...
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Arcadia, California
Mt. Wilson Loop from Chantry Flat

5.0

12.74 mi / 4852 ft gain

Mt. Wilson is one of the more difficult mountains in the San Gabriel to hike, making this adventure Intermediate. While 5,700 feet doesn't seem that tall, the mountain has a prominence of almost 5,300 feet, meaning that hike is steeper and longer than some of the other popular mountains that star...
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Altadena, California
Eaton Canyon to Idlehour Trail Camp

4.5

10.99 mi / 3291 ft gain

Idlehour is nestled deep in the Angeles National Forest, so it feels like you're in the heart of some untapped wilderness instead of six miles away from a bustling metropolis. The trail camp is accessible by foot through a variety of locations, but the most popular route is through Eaton Canyon, ...
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Pasadena, California
Eaton Canyon Falls via Eaton Canyon Trailhead

4.2

3.54 mi / 528 ft gain

The hidden forty-foot-tall Eaton Canyon Falls fills an amphitheater at the top of Eaton Canyon Trail, tumbling into a wide pool that you can rest alongside or wade in. Normally the water is waist deep, but during this recent trip, we found the water only to stop at our ankles as it tends to fluct...
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Azusa, California
Fish Canyon Falls

2.0

4.08 mi / 801 ft gain

This trail is currently closed! Learn more on the U.S. Forest Service website. Follow Encanto Parkway towards the hills until you come to a junction with a sign labeled "trail" that points towards a parking lot to your right. Parking is free, though on weekends it may be difficult to find a spot...
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Altadena, California
Thalehaha Falls

1.71 mi / 679 ft gain

The trails starts in a foothill neighborhood of Altadena CA at the corner of Pleasantridge Dr. and Rubio Vista Rd. This is one of the better entries into the Angeles National Forest because it is one of the lesser known. Find a place to park on the street and head out on the trail into Rubio Cany...
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Altadena, California
San Gabriel via Sam Merrill and Mount Lowe Trails

17.55 mi / 5614 ft gain

San Gabriel via Sam Merrill and Mount Lowe Trails is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Altadena, California.
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Altadena, California
Echo Mountain and Inspiration Point Loop

4.1

10.16 mi / 3369 ft gain

The trail switchbacks up the mountain before reaching the first historic marker, in 3 miles. These are the remains of the Mount Lowe Railroad, which brought customers to Echo Mountain Resort, also in ruins, nearby. Explore the historic sites, then head up Castle Canyon Trail. A steep climb will ...
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Pasadena, California
Arroyo Terrace Trail

5.0

1.54 mi / 194 ft gain

Arroyo Terrace Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Pasadena, California.
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Pasadena, California
Central Arroyo Seco Community Recreation Loop

5.0

0.66 mi / 36 ft gain

Beautiful views of the Rose Bowl and surrounding San Gabriel Mountains. A protected .75 mile loop, that offers an easy path, to stroll along. You’ll find convenient water filling stations, clean bathrooms, and a fitness area, along the path. Easy parking all around.
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Pasadena, California
Lower Arroyo Seco Loop

4.3

2.88 mi / 230 ft gain

Nestled next to the CA-134, this trail presents a relaxing atmosphere while only a 30 minute drive from Downtown Los Angeles and a 5 minute drive from Old Town Pasadena. From bird-watching to archery, this trail provides a peaceful atmosphere with no lapse in beauty. The trail which is around 1....
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Los Angeles County, California
San Gabriel Peak

4.0

2.79 mi / 1040 ft gain

At 6,000 feet, San Gabriel Peak gives you one of the best views of the Los Angeles basin on the front range of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. As you pass through Muller Tunnel, the trail will be littered with rocks and boulders. A little over 100 feet in, the road will fork in thre...
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Los Angeles County, California
Idlehour Trail

4.0

14.89 mi / 4665 ft gain

Idlehour Trail located near Mount Wilson, California, is an out-and-back trail that is strenuous and can take 8-10 hours if done all at once. There are opportunities to camp off the trail, making this a backpacking trail in the Angeles National Forest as well. To access the Idlehour Campground ...
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Altadena, California
Millard Falls

3.0

1.27 mi / 289 ft gain

To get to the trail, park at the Millard Campground Trailhead parking lot, where you'll find plenty of parking. Follow the trail that leads away from the lot and past the Millard Campground. If necessary, you'll find bathrooms at the campground. Follow signs for Millard Falls as the trail veers r...
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