Parks and Trails

Kid-Friendly Parks & Playgrounds

Pasadena has a variety of kid-friendly parks and playgrounds that provide hours of entertainment for families. Brookside Park is a popular choice, offering a large playground area with swings, slides, and climbing structures. Additionally, Brookside Park features several sports fields and courts, a picnic area, and a rose garden perfect for a family outing. Another great option is Playhouse Village Park, which is designed to resemble a small village with playhouses for kids to explore. This park also includes a sandbox, climbing tower, and shade. Both of these parks offer a safe and fun environment for children to play and explore.

Easy Trails

Easy trails are designed for beginner hikers or those looking for a leisurely outdoor experience. These trails are typically well-marked, have gentle slopes, and are often paved or covered with gravel. The terrain is stable, with minimal obstacles like rocks or roots. No prior hiking experience is necessary. These trails are suitable for all ages, including families with young children and older adults.

Comfortable walking shoes or lightweight hiking shoes with good traction. Trail running shoes are also suitable.

• Annandale Canyon
• Lower Arroyo Seco Trail
• Oak Grove Park Loop - Hahamongna Watershed Park

Moderate Trails

Moderate trails offer a bit more challenge for hikers. They may include uneven terrain, moderate elevation changes, and occasional obstacles such as rocks, roots, or streams. These trails often provide a more immersive natural experience, with opportunities for scenic views and wildlife spotting.

Sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good ankle support and traction. Waterproof footwear is recommended if the trail includes water crossings or muddy sections.

• Devil's Gate - Hahamongna Watershed Park
• Switzer Fall via Gabrielino Trail - Angeles National Forest
• Henninger Flats Trail - Eaton Canyon Park

Advanced Trails

Advanced trails require substantial hiking experience and a high fitness level. Hikers should be comfortable with backcountry navigation, capable of handling strenuous physical exertion, and prepared for changing weather conditions. These trails are suitable for those with significant hiking or backpacking experience.

• Brown Mountain Road to Ken Burton Trail - Angeles National Forest
• Bailey Canyon Trail - Mount Wilson
• Brown Mountain/El Prieto Trail - Hahamongna Watershed Park

Dog-Friendly Trails

Pasadena's pedestrian-friendliness is well-suited to dog walkers. Whether it's strolling through downtown or going off the urban grid and hitting the trails, don't forget you dog on a scenic hike immersed in Mother Nature. For a social experience, walk your pup to a dog park. Visit the new Playhouse Village Park, which offers a separate off-leash dog run for small and large dogs. The South Paws-adena Dog Park is worth a visit for the adorable name alone and is popular with locals for being well-lit after dark. Alice's Dog Park is within the seven-acre Vina Vieja Park on Orange Grove Boulevard and has two separate areas for big and small dogs. Hahamongna Watershed Park in La Canada Flintridge (near the Jet Propulsion Laboratory) also has a dog park.

There are plenty of trails within Pasadena to get active on. Grab your bike, dog, or family members, and discover the breathtaking views that Pasadena's landscape offers. Explore Eaton Canyon, visit the world-famous Rose Bowl and walk the 3-mile loop, or head out on a 7-mile stretch up to Mount Wilson. Last but not least, dogs are welcome on all trails along the Arroyo Seco. Don't forget to keep them leashed at all times and plenty of water for you and your pup!