01
Best classic Monrovia hike
Monrovia Canyon Waterfall Trail
Monrovia Canyon Park • Shaded Canyon Waterfall Hike • Family-Friendly Favorite
A gently climbing creekside trail that delivers a photogenic waterfall just minutes from town.
This is the hike most locals send visitors to first: a manageable climb shaded by oaks and sycamores, with a year-round waterfall as the payoff. Expect a well-maintained path, interpretive signs, and enough elevation to feel like real exercise without losing the whole day. Go on weekday mornings or cooler afternoons if you prefer a quieter experience.
02
Best close-to-town escape
Hillside Wilderness Preserve
Foothills Above Monrovia • Quiet Foothill Preserve • Everyday Training Loop
A network of dirt roads and singletrack that climbs from neighborhood streets into open views over the San Gabriel Valley.
The Hillside Wilderness Preserve feels surprisingly wild given how close the trailheads sit to residential streets. Short, steady climbs reward you with big views over Monrovia, Pasadena, and on clear days, all the way to downtown Los Angeles. It’s a solid pick for quick pre-work hikes, dog walks on cooler days, or building mileage without committing to a long drive into the mountains.
03
Best first San Gabriels waterfall
Sturtevant Falls via Chantry Flat
Chantry Flat, North Of Monrovia • Classic Forested Creek Trail • Best For First-Time Angeles Hikers
A popular forest canyon hike with historic cabins, a lively creek, and a broad waterfall at the turnaround.
From Chantry Flat, the trail drops into a shaded canyon and follows the creek past old cabins and stone walls that hint at the area’s resort history. The grade is friendly enough for newer hikers, but the return climb out of the canyon will get your heart rate up. Arrive early for parking and to enjoy the falls before the crowds build, especially on warm weekends.
04
Best adventurous side-trip
Hermit Falls via Chantry Flat
Chantry Flat Near Arcadia • Adventurous Swimming-Hole Trek • Best For Hot Days And Strong Hikers
A steeper canyon route to pools and cascades that feel a world away from the suburbs.
Hermit Falls uses some of the same canyon paths as Sturtevant but quickly feels more rugged and secluded. The descent is fun and fast, but the climb back out is steep and exposed, better suited to fit, sure-footed hikers. When water levels cooperate, the polished rock pools make this a refreshing option on hot days, provided you pack out all trash and respect posted safety signs.
05
Best big-day challenge
Mt. Wilson Trail from Sierra Madre
Sierra Madre Trailhead • Long Ridge And Canyon Mountain Route • Bucket-List Challenge
A demanding out-and-back that climbs from foothill neighborhoods to one of the San Gabriels’ signature summits.
For hikers ready to go beyond casual canyon walks, the Mt. Wilson Trail offers a full-value day with sustained elevation gain and constantly changing scenery. The path threads through chaparral, shaded gullies, and pine forest before topping out near observatories and broad views over the entire basin. Start early, carry plenty of water, and treat this as a true mountain outing rather than a casual stroll.