01
Best family-friendly waterfall
Monrovia Canyon Waterfall Trail
Monrovia Canyon Park Foothills • Shaded Canyon Waterfall Hike • Best For Families
A gentle, well-marked canyon path that winds through oaks and sycamores to a photogenic waterfall.
This is the go-to hike when you want real nature but don’t want to scare off casual walkers or kids. The trail climbs gradually along a cool, tree-lined canyon, with plenty of spots to pause by the creek and watch for deer or birds. Aim for early morning on weekends, as parking and the main falls area can get busy once the day warms up.
02
Best close-to-home climb
Sunset Bench via Lower Clamshell Trail
Hills Above South Monrovia Island • Sunny Fire-Road And Ridgeline Hike • Sunset And City-Lights Pick
A steady climb from the neighborhood up a broad fire road to a bench with sweeping views over the San Gabriel Valley.
Lower Clamshell starts right above the residential streets, making it an easy choice when you want a workout without a long drive. The route is mostly exposed, trading shade for ever-expanding views as you gain the ridge. Time it for late afternoon and you’ll be sitting at the bench just as the valley lights flicker on below you.
03
Best half-day forest escape
Ben Overturff Trail
Upper Monrovia Canyon • Steeper Forest Trail With Historic Camp • Training-Friendly Out-And-Back
A longer, more rugged climb that leaves the crowds behind and winds up to the ruins of an old mountain camp.
Starting from the Monrovia Canyon area, this trail quickly feels more remote as it switchbacks through chaparral and tall pines. The grade makes it a favorite among locals training for bigger mountain days, but it stays interesting with creek crossings, birdsong, and occasional views back toward the city. Pack extra water and a snack so you can linger at the historic campground before heading down.
04
Classic SoCal waterfall outing
Sturtevant Falls via Chantry Flat
Angeles National Forest Above Sierra Madre • Wooded Canyon To Tall Waterfall • Weekend Crowd-Pleaser
A scenic loop through shaded forest cabins and along a lively creek to one of the area’s signature waterfalls.
From Chantry Flat, the trail drops into a cool canyon lined with century-old cabins, giving the hike a storybook feel before you even reach the falls. The final approach follows the creek, with boulders and pools that invite quick breaks on hot days. Parking fills early on weekends, so locals often treat this as a morning mission and are back at brunch before the lot overflows.
05
Best first-time foothill hike
Eaton Canyon Falls Trail
Lower San Gabriel Foothills In Pasadena • Popular Creek Walk Through Open Canyon • Best For Visitors And Casual Hikers
An approachable, mostly flat canyon walk that follows a creek to a rocky amphitheater and waterfall.
Eaton Canyon is often the first foothill hike people try, and for good reason: the path is easy to follow, the scenery shifts from open wash to tighter canyon walls, and the payoff at the falls feels bigger than the effort. Be prepared for multiple creek crossings, which can mean wet shoes in cooler months. Go on a weekday or early morning if you prefer a quieter experience, as this one is no secret to the rest of the San Gabriel Valley.