Colorado Meets Pasadena

Hike to the historic Colorado Street Bridge in Pasadena

Hike to Colorado Bridge in Pasadena

Connect a neoclassical-inspired bridge with a bridge listed on the National Register of Historic Places on this hike in Pasadena.

Hike to the Colorado Bridge in Pasadena

Park at the San Pascual Stables and make for the trailhead at the north end of the lot. This is the Arroyo Seco Trail (“dry stream” in Spanish), which follows portions of the 25-mile seasonal river via a bike, hike, and equestrian track. (Tip: check the map before you begin, to get a better idea of the entire city-to-mountain route along the waterway.) As you walk under San Rafael Street Bridge, resist the temptation to cross the first footbridge and instead take the right (east) path along the stream. The trail surroundings are essential examples of local chaparral scrub, though you will also find squirrel-habited sycamores and oaks along the way. At the first junction, take the right path to venture closer to the canyon perimeter, which often has man-made stairs carved into the walls that take you up to the street, for more views.

After about half a mile, you reach the neoclassical-inspired La Loma Street Bridge, which is often called the little sister of this hike’s tour de force bridge still to come. The peaceful path continues uninterrupted until you reach a large rectangular pond. These are the Pasadena Casting Club’s reeling grounds, but also a nice spot for a break. 

From here, you can see the Colorado Street Bridge looming over the Arroyo Seco as you hike the last quarter-mile to it. This curved connector was built in 1912 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Its iconic design and vintage street lights have been featured in many films and shows, including La La Land and The Amazing Race.

undefined

Take the west track of the Arroyo Seco Trail back to your car. On the way, you’ll pass an archery course belonging to the Pasadena Roving Archers as well as a small labyrinth made from local geological samples. At nearly the 3.5-mile mark, you reach the lot.

Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

    View
  3. Rio Del Mar-velous

    Rio Del Mar State Beach in Aptos might be one of the best places for a treasure hunt. Its location between two other beaches makes for a good stroll featuring a spectacle of wildlife as you search the sand for sea glass and seashells.

    View
  4. Aloha from California

    Say Aloha without leaving California with a 7-mile out-and-back hiking adventure to Lake Aloha in El Dorado National Forest. You can also camp here, a premier place for stargazing.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Fall for It All in Reno Tahoe

    The best kind of getaway? Less time on logistics, more time on memory-making. Jackpot! You’ve got Reno Tahoe.

    View