Pasadena, California

The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Pasadena, California include the top-rated Eaton Canyon Trail. This 3.5-mile round trip hike is a must-visit for its scenic views and moderate difficulty level. Along the trail, you'll find a river, a waterfall, and unique rock formations that add to its charm. The trail is also well-known for the Eaton Canyon Natural Area, a 190-acre zoological, botanical, and geological nature preserve at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains. For more outdoor adventures, check out the Arroyo Seco, a major feature of the city, known for its hiking, cycling, and equestrian trails. Lastly, don't miss the chance to visit the Hahamongna Watershed Park, where you can enjoy bird-watching and view the seasonal wetland habitat.

Top Spots in and near Pasadena

  • Los Angeles, California

    Los Liones Trail

    5.0
    4.41 mi / 1115 ft gain
    Los Liones Trail is an out-and-back trail that is moderately difficult located near Pacific Palisades, California.
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Porter Ranch Ridge

    4.0
    3.36 mi / 548 ft gain
    Porter Ranch Ridge is an out-and-back trail where you may see local wildlife located near Los Angeles, California.
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  • Hermosa Beach, California

    Surf at El Porto

    4.0
    The South Bay of LA has plenty of good surf. Sand bars are back and its fun...watch out for the sharks.
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  • Malibu, California

    Ratner Beach

    4.5
    Unlike most beaches in Los Angeles, this tiny little stretch of beach is usually empty, and is a little gem! It is the perfect place to get an unobstructed view of the sunset, and the sticks in the ground make for a picturesque sunset picture! Just be warned, this beach is right on PCH, so expect...
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  • Trippet Ranch, California

    Eagle Rock in Topanga State Park

    4.4
    5.99 mi / 1106 ft gain
    Eagle Rock is located in Topanga State Park in the Santa Monica Mountains, and it is a unique formation that provides an amazing panoramic view of Santa Monica. On a clear day, the Catalina Islands and Palos Verdes Peninsula are visible. You can park on along the street of Entrada Rd. or pay $10 ...
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  • Topanga, California

    Parker Mesa Overlook via Trippet Ranch

    4.0
    6.75 mi / 1181 ft gain
    This is a 6.8 mile round-trip hike that starts at Trippet Ranch in Topanga Canyon. Even though the range in elevation is 400 feet from peak to trough, the up and down trail totals to approximately 1800 feet elevation gain making this a beginner to intermediate adventure.  The trail itself is pre...
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  • Topanga, California

    Top of Topanga Overlook

    1 mi / 1613 ft gain
    Top of Topanga Overlook: San Fernando Valley's Quick Escape with Panoramic Views Top of Topanga Overlook is a parking area with an optional short hike, very close to Warner Center in Woodland Hills. Perfect for those after-work getaways, especially if you need a break from the hectic city life. ...
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  • Azusa, California

    Bighorn Mine Trail

    5.0
    3.69 mi / 607 ft gain
    If you decide to head over to Wrightwood for some skiing during the winter, make sure to get a hike in while you’re at it. There are several trail systems along the Angeles Crest Highway (Hwy 2), and one of them is scenic Big Horn Mine Trail. The end point of the hike is the historic and abandone...
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  • Azusa, California

    Summit Mt. Baden-Powell

    5.0
    7.86 mi / 2808 ft gain
    This well maintained and well traveled trail is a popular route with day hikers, backpackers, and Pacific Crest Trail through hikers. Since the trail is on the face of the mountain, snow may linger late into the season. The Pacific Crest Trail is clearly marked on the western corner of the Vinc...
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  • Long Beach, California

    Red Car Greenbelt

    5.0
    0.63 mi / 0 ft gain
    The Greenbelt used to be the right-of-way for the long lost Pacific Electric Red Car, an amazing system of public transportation that connected Long Beach, LA, Orange Coutny, and even San Bernardino. The pathways are landscaped with plants typical of the area and plenty of native flowers for the...
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  • Long Beach, California

    Colorado Lagoon

    5.0
    0.95 mi / 30 ft gain
    The Colorado Lagoon is a wetland that is being restored. To make this 1 mile walk into a loop, you have to walk along sidewalks near the park. This is a very kid-friendly destination. This trail crosses over the lagoon on a boardwalk. It also accesses a sandy swimming beach with restrooms, picnic...
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  • Mount Baldy, California

    Sunset Peak via South Trailhead

    4.0
    7.16 mi / 1493 ft gain
    In order to get to the Sunset Peak Trailhead, utilize Google Maps to take you to the location provided. There is very little parking (only a small pull off along Glendora Ridge Road), but this trail is rarely traveled, so there should be enough space regardless of the time you decide to hike! Jus...
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  • Claremont, California

    Stoddard Canyon Falls (Baldy Slide Waterfall)

    0.74 mi / 174 ft gain
    Located near the Angeles National Forest, it's a short hike, approx. 0.75 miles roundtrip and just about anybody can go. To get there, input the intersection of Mt. Baldy Rd. and Barrett Stoddard Truck Trail into your GPS. This will bring you to a small dirt parking lot. The trailhead starts a...
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  • Claremont, California

    Stoddard Peak Trail

    4.0
    5.93 mi / 1129 ft gain
    On the way to Mount Baldy and within the trail system of the San Gabriel mountain range is the Stoddard Peak Trail. The Stoddard Peak Trail, which is basically the old Barrett-Stoddard fire road, goes through the Stoddard Canyon into Stoddard Flat, and then eventually leads to Stoddard Peak. The ...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Stoney Point via North End

    4.0
    1.42 mi / 240 ft gain
    Stoney Point via North End is an out-and-back trail where you may see local wildlife located near Chatsworth, California.
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  • Stevenson Ranch, California

    Towsley Canyon Loop

    4.5
    5.84 mi / 1460 ft gain
    The Towsley Canyon Loop can be done in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise loop. The clockwise path starts with a gradual ascent through Wiley Canyon and steep descent into the Towsley Gorge while a counter-clockwise route starts with a steep climb out of Towsley Canyon and a gradual descent ...
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