Monrovia, California

Monrovia, California is home to some of the top trails and outdoor activities. The Monrovia Canyon Park is a must-visit for those looking for a scenic hike. The trail is moderately difficult, passing by a flowing creek, leading up to a beautiful waterfall. The Sawpit Dam trail is another favorite among hikers, with its unique rock formations and views of the San Gabriel Mountains. For a more relaxed outdoor adventure, the Monrovia Historical Museum offers a peaceful garden and a peek into the city's history. Nearby, the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden in Arcadia offers a stunning collection of plant species. These are just a few of the best outdoor attractions in and near Monrovia.

Top Spots in and near Monrovia

Monrovia, California
Hike to Monrovia Falls

3.7

1.5 mi / 700 ft gain

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 $6 on weekends and $5 on weekdays. Additionally, all cars need to exit the parking areas at 5PM. Alternatively, you can p...
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Arcadia, California
Hermit Falls Trail

4.8

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

This trail is currently closed. Visit the Forest Service website for updates. 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 f...
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Arcadia, California
Mt. Wilson Loop from Chantry Flat

4.5

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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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
Eaton Canyon to Idlehour

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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Altadena, California
Hike to and Rapel Thalehaha Falls in Rubio Canyon

3 mi / 710 ft gain

If you are new to canyoneering and want to do an adventure like this, reach out to the guys and girls at The Blue 8 target="_blank" who guided us through Rubio Canyon. They are a dedicated team of stunt professionals who train and offer personal instruction on everything action-adventure from can...
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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 is an out-and-back trail that is strenuous located near Mount Wilson, California.
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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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Los Angeles County, California
Hike to Mt. Disappointment

3 mi / 1200 ft gain

From the 210 Freeway in La Cañada, take California Highway 2 north 14 miles up into the San Gabriel Mountains. Make sure you have your National Forest Pass (sold at REI or Ranger Station) or your Interagency Pass because they have started checking parked vehicles. At the Red Box Picnic area, make...
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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
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
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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