01
Best family-friendly waterfall
Monrovia Canyon Falls Trail
Monrovia Canyon Park Foothills • Shaded Canyon Waterfall Hike • Best For Families And Casual Hikers
A short, well-graded canyon trail leading to a photogenic waterfall just above Monrovia.
From the park nature center, the trail climbs gently along a creek with plenty of shade, benches, and interpretive signs for kids. The falls are modest but charming, especially after winter and spring rains, and the route feels pleasantly removed from the city without requiring a big time commitment. Arrive early on weekends, as parking can fill quickly in the small canyon lot.
02
Best valley panorama
Clamshell Peak via Arcadia Wilderness Park
Arcadia Foothills Above Mayflower Village • Ridgeline Summit Trek With Big Views • Best For Sweeping San Gabriel Valley Vistas
A longer out-and-back climb that rewards steady hikers with wide-open views from Clamshell Peak.
Starting from Arcadia Wilderness Park, this route switchbacks up through chaparral slopes before gaining a broad ridge above the valley. The climb is exposed and can feel relentless, but the summit outlook stretches from downtown Los Angeles to the high country of the San Gabriels. Bring sun protection and plenty of water, especially on warm afternoons.
03
Most popular close-to-town hike
Eaton Canyon Falls Trail
Pasadena Foothills • Busy Creekside Canyon To A Classic Waterfall • Best For First-Time Visitors
An easy-to-follow canyon trail with multiple stream crossings that ends at a lively waterfall amphitheater.
Eaton Canyon’s wide main path makes it approachable for newer hikers, with enough rock-hopping and water to keep it fun. The final stretch narrows and can be crowded, but the cool mist at the falls feels especially good on hot days. Expect limited shade and plan for heavy foot traffic on weekends and holidays.
04
Best workout climb
Bailey Canyon Trail to Jones Peak
Sierra Madre Foothills • Steep Peak Hike From A Neighborhood Trailhead • Best Training Hike For Bigger Mountains
A relentless ascent from a small park into rugged chaparral, topping out with a quiet summit above Sierra Madre.
From Bailey Canyon Park, the trail wastes no time gaining elevation as it winds through old debris basins and into a narrow side canyon. Above the picnic area the switchbacks bite, but each turn opens broader views over the valley and nearby ridgelines. It is a great choice if you want a shorter outing that still feels like real mountain training.
05
Best all-day adventure
Bridge to Nowhere via East Fork Trail
East Fork San Gabriel River Canyon • All-Day River Canyon Hike To An Abandoned Bridge • Weekend Adventure Pick For Experienced Hikers
A full-day trek with frequent river crossings that leads to a surreal 1930s bridge hidden deep in the San Gabriel Mountains.
Starting from the East Fork trailhead near Azusa, this route follows the river upstream, weaving between sandy banks, boulder fields, and multiple waist-deep crossings depending on conditions. The famous concrete arch of the bridge appears suddenly around a bend, a striking contrast to the wild canyon around it. Expect rugged footing, changing water levels, and a long day; this one is best saved for stable weather and hikers comfortable with route-finding and getting their feet wet.