Arroyo Seco Trail

This may be the most beautiful hike I’ve ever done in LA (for the terrain, not the views). The variety was extraordinary. Started on paved road, followed by accessible standard hiking (high traffic, lots of bikes). Up a small incline, which dumps you into a gorgeous white stone valley. If you block out the distant hum of motorcycles, you think you might be the only person on earth. Followed by the most beautiful section of hiking I’ve see in a long time. Narrow single trail, running along the river, on the side of the mountain. Isolated, even on a Saturday afternoon. Around 7.5 miles, I got hit with a weird exhaustion. It was probably me, not the trail, though the imperceptible constant incline does catch up to you. I made it to the sweeping Mountain View’s, and finished the trail at 11 miles on Highway 2. I realized that I was physically drained (again, really surprised by that) but also emotionally drained by how beautiful it was. I wasn’t ready to repeat it on the way back. So I hitched a ride to my car.

Great. Easy

02/13/21 Absolutely beautiful being out there. If you are hiking, I suggest going early in the morning (around 5 or 6). The first 3-5 miles are moderately trafficked by mountain bikers in the early morning but heavily trafficked towards the late morning/afternoon. When you get to Paul Little take a right; that keeps you on the path towards Switzer Falls. We didn’t make it all the way to the falls, another biker told us there was a mudslide and you need rope to cross. Also, if you don’t like using nature as your toilet, there are bathrooms at the Gould Mesa campground a few miles into the trail.

I didnt actually do the trail bc I got here and it was closed... :/

Great trail, especially if training for a longer hike or getting long distance hikes in. Fairly shaded in the first 3 miles and the last 2 miles but in between is a bit more exposed. The miles in the middle are pretty underused so many parts have bushes to walk through and a few downed trees. If you loose the trail when you get to the dry creek bed, follow the creek bed and you’ll get to the trail again. Mostly flat with a solid push at the end. Beautiful hike but warm in the summer. I’d give it a few months before doing the entirety of this hike.

this trail is perfect for all types of hikers. mainly flat at the beginning but harder as you go! Also it's gorgeous

Some overgrowth and a couple of landslides, but great trail otherwise. Second time I’ve done this part, and it’s much better when there’s water along the route.

Awesomeness great running trail with a. Moderate uphill rolling hills beautiful scenery I absolutely loved it. Will be back this is my new got to run!

The trail was very rocky past 3 miles in.

You should bring a helmet when going down the single track it was the most rewarding thing after having pedaled up the mountain; it is very technical With sharp turns but definitely very fun if your an adrenaline junkie loves bikes and heights. Awesome trail loved it. Conquered.

Amazing hi like my kids

Great trail with lots of wildlife. Have spotted bobcat and coyote and high variety of birds. It’s dog friendly!

Mostly paved, by an unattractive road. Does have an open view that is pretty at sunset, but not great if you want a quick hike in the wilderness. Fine for a leisurely walk though.

my happy place

So far is one of my favorite hiking trails around LA, great views, nice walk, birds, people,dogs, little lizards, squirrels, picnics areas, camping places so good, and the arroyo is not dry at all

01.22.18 We did ~12 miles total of the Arroyo Seco. It was a little boring scenery-wise but our hiking group was fun. Started at the first parking lot and hiked a rocky dirt road to another parking lot. We continued through that lot onto a trail with very small stream crossings. This 2nd trail had old grandmas walking with canes and a guy wearing a crispy white hat with nary a dirt speckle on it. I would rank this part of the trail as very easy. We turned around at a sign reading Switzer Falls 1.5 miles.

This trail needs to be closed to mtn bikes Riders are not staying on the trail causing bad erosion Riders are not yielding right of way to pedestrians or equestrians Save the arroyo Ban the bike

We went there this Sunday morning to hike the shady trails. There were a lot of mountain bikers out. We were warned to beware of the fast moving mountain bikers that race down that shady portion of the trail. Beware - A section of that path is very narrow and having a cyclist and pedestrian there at the same time is trouble. We turned back and headed up another path. Of course that was the sunny side. No big deal though. The views are beautiful and it’s always better to be outdoors enjoying nature.

Landed on this trail due to the closures of several Pasadena hikes today. We hiked the first 3.5 Miles, then headed back (which seemed to be a common turnaround for many). The trail actually extends 10 Miles to the Switzer Falls area. The first half mile is less than beautiful due to the proximity of JPL, but after that, you dip into the wilderness for what is a gorgeous, shaded, very EASY hike (more like a walk in the woods) that offers several stream crossings, wooded areas, and looming canyon walls. The air was at least 10 degrees cooler in the canyon, which was very refreshing. There are a few campgrounds along the way. This hike is good for most skill levels, is suitable for dogs, bikes and joggers,. The trail is a mix of single track and walk-and-talk. .

I loved listening to the water stream while we hiked, so relaxing.

nice refreshing stream, clean water and very green terrain

Easy hike with lots of shade.

One of my favorite trails. There is so much to explore here and great for beginners!

Amazing hike with great views. Much easier than anticipated.