Easy Hikes Near Pasadena

One of the delights of living in Pasadena is the access to easy hikes in the San Gabriel Mountains. Most hikes are just a few minutes drive away and one is immediately transported into a world apart from urban Pasadena. I have chosen three easy hikes near Pasadena as an introduction to the pleasures of hiking in the San Gabriels. The San Gabriel Mountains are filled with canyons that have streams and big trees and these sylvan canyons are a surprise to first time hikers because the San Gabriel Mountains look so arid.

Hiking near Pasadena is best if done from November through May because it gets too hot in the summer time and there is always a risk of being caught in a forest fire. Streams are up after the summer ends but you need to be cautious if it is raining. Water that is flowing gently can suddenly turn into the dangerous wall of water of a flash flood. Check the weather reports for flash flood watches before heading out from Pasadena for your hike.

No one has ever been killed by mountain lions on these easy hikes near Pasadena but the mountain lions are there. It is best to hike with someone and if you see a mountain lion, get close to each other so that the mountain lion thinks he is facing something big. Don’t run. You are much more likely to see a coyote but he is not interested in you. He is, however, interested in small dogs so keep yours on a leash and reel him in if you see a coyote.


MILLARD CANYON TO MILLARD CANYON FALLS
One mile round trip