Rocking Kindness: Monrovia

Find Gratitude Rocks in Monrovia Los Angeles County

Woman kneeling down to look at an art rock tribute to firefighters in Monrovia

While there may not yet be a rock snake along a Los Angeles trail (let us know if you find one!), there are opportunities to find inspiring stone artwork in the San Gabriel Valley. In Monrovia you can search for rocks hidden throughout the town, in all kinds of interesting spots. (Check out local group, Monrovia Kindness Rocks, for more info!).

The idea for this rock project is simple: a message of kindness, hope, inspiration, gratitude, or just a beautifully painted rock (many with holiday flair) can help someone have a better day or general outlook. Wander around and find some favorites, they're hidden everywhere (in trees, on the sidewalks, near plants, and so forth).

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Two must-sees? The geological gardens are the “Hillcrest Library Garden” in front of a house at the southwest corner of Myrtle and Hillcrest, created by Carrie Lynn Barker. Her goal was simple: inspire people to read more and discover books they might never have heard of. Or discover that some of their favorite movies (i.e The Birds) are actually based on books. And don't miss the “thank you” rock pile in front of Monrovia Fire & Rescue’s headquarters, honoring their heroic efforts during 2020’s Bobcat Fire. Because firefighters are rock stars in their own right.

BONUS HOT DRINK: Pair a Peppermint Nutella Latte or an O.M.G. Fruit Tea from Cup of Cha Tea House with your heartwarming rocks walk.

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