Five Scenic Hiking Trails Within an Hour of Pasadena

Picture this. A global pandemic is nearly reaching its first anniversary. Stay at home orders have once again been issued, businesses have been closed, and there's nothing for you to do except sleep, eat and go to work (or, if you're working from home, maybe not even a third option). Now, imagine the world gets slightly better and leaving your apartment (or even just your bedroom) is acceptable for dining out, running errands, and getting a little exercise.

Now, your day off approaches and you're thinking to yourself that there's no way you can walk up and down your street for the millionth time. For me and my husband, our work schedules make weekends together rare. So when we do have a Saturday or Sunday off together we want to make the most of it. As Ohioans, we're not yet used to winters that don't involve scraping the ice off our cars. For this reason, we've decided to explore open, socially distanced trails to better appreciate the warm weather that Californians are blessed with in January and February (I would say it's to appreciate the fresh air, but I'm hoping that all of us are wearing masks whenever we leave our homes). So for now, I hope you enjoy the sunshine in your beautifully exposed eyes (don't worry, I only took my mask off for these pictures, I promise)!

5. Hollywood Reservoir Trailhead vs. Brush Canyon Trailhead (both 30 minutes from Pasadena)

Take your pick - Brush Canyon Trail to the Hollywood Sign or the Hollywood Reservoir Trail. Personally, I did not find the hike to the Hollywood sign particularly enjoyable (especially now that you can't even hike to the sign, itself).

With both of these trails, you'll be able to see the sign from a distance (although the reservoir trail is definitely a further distance away). However, the reservoir trail was much less crowded and a WAY easier walk as it was mostly flat and almost entirely paved. Additionally, there was much more parking available at the reservoir as the hill leading to the start of the trail had free parking on either side of the street. I used this address in my GPS and had no trouble finding parking on a Saturday morning. The walk itself was quiet and smooth with no rough terrain: only a peaceful view of the reservoir, some cute wildlife, and the Hollywood Sign just across the water.

However, trying to make it closer to the Hollywood Sign on a Saturday proved a much more infuriating task. We first attempted the Hollyridge Trail, following the GPS up a very narrow and winding road to no avail (parking was not allowed at the top). Even more frustrating, we could see the trail and numerous people on the other side of the closed gate. Next, we drove to Griffith Observatory, which was already out of parking at 10am on a Saturday morning (even the lots along the side of the road leading up to the observatory were completely full). Finally, we chose to follow the GPS to The Brush Canyon Trail where we found free street parking about a half mile from the trailhead. At this point, we had been driving around for over 2 hours and didn't feel much like hiking, but we had spent too much time in the car to go home without catching a single glimpse of the dang sign!

As we began our journey to the top, we realized that not only do you have to share the steep dirt path with groups of people, but horseback riding is evidently another popular option for this route. The trail itself was entirely uphill, crowded, and didn't seem worth it once you reached the very end. Not to mention, after a few quick pictures you then head back down the same way you came -- once again sharing the path with horses, runners, bicyclists, and other exhausted hikers.

Big surprise: I was partial to the Hollywood Reservoir Trail. It was nice not to stress about parking, and I think most people would agree that a trail is generally more enjoyable when it is not straight uphill then straight downhill, with your only view in the very middle. Additionally, as a COVID nurse, I had to appreciate the spaciousness of the reservoir trail as well as the masked faces of those we passed (it seemed masks were not well utilized on the hot, steep Brush Canyon trail).

In hindsight, this Ohioan might also just be partial to a view that includes water as opposed to dry, sandy trails...

4. Eaton Canyon Falls, Pasadena

Speaking of water, Eaton Canyon Falls did not disappoint. I'm learning that everything in California is brown. And dead. Honestly, I know that I have some adjusting to do, but this hike really showed me that I need to get used to dried out shrubs and brown dirt trails. Overall, I enjoyed the flat path that lead up to a rockier terrain just before breaking into a peaceful, breezy waterfall. Make sure to schedule a reservation as their COVID-19 policies include timed entry to prevent overcrowding (at least this means you won't be fighting for parking)! Aside from a bit of climbing closer to the waterfall, it was mostly flat and easy to navigate (even without signs marking a clear path). Although I get stressed if I'm not 100% sure at all times that I am on the correct route, this one was easy -- keep walking until you see the waterfall! I promise it's worth the dried out, crunchy walk.

3. Los Liones Trail, Pacific Palisades (45-50 minutes from Pasadena)

This one came as a recommendation from a much fitter friend, clearly. SO. MUCH. UPHILL. WALKING. I really vowed not to try these hot, chest-burning trails after Brush Canyon, but this one might have been a little more difficult. At least there was some shade, and the views from the top were absolutely serene. Clear blue water and a sprawling city, not to mention I think I found my dream house hidden among the hills (I wish)!

Honestly though, this trail is ideal for a picnic (as long as you can carry your lunch up a rocky path for 2 miles). Like the Hollywood Reservoir Trail, following this address in our GPS lead us to plenty of free street parking near the trailhead, as well as a few lots closer to the trail itself. Los Liones Trail can definitely be worked into an all day excursion as it is a 5-10 minute drive over to Will Rogers State Beach, an ideal spot to relax while you stretch your aching hamstrings.

I'm done with these hills, guys. Seriously, enough is enough.

2. Rocky Peak Trailhead, Simi Valley (35 minutes from Pasadena)

Obviously just looking at this picture you can probably guess whether or not I kept my vow and stuck to flat trails only. I've come to terms with the fact that California -- well, LA in general -- can only be enjoyed from the top of a mountain. Rocky Peak was easy to locate and, most importantly for me, easy to find parking at on a Saturday morning! This trail was perhaps the best so far because, like Eaton Canyon and Hollywood Reservoir, it was not "walk two miles, see a view, walk two miles back". Instead, for the majority of the trail, there were scenic overlooks of Simi Valley and the majestic mountains on either side. Although there was no coastal view -- no water at all compared to Hollywood Reservoir, Eaton Canyon or Los Liones -- it was still beautiful and well worth the drive (and hike). We were glad we brought a picnic blanket and some books to enjoy while taking in the views, the quiet, and the sunshine above Simi Valley.

1. Elysian Park, Los Angeles (20 minutes from Pasadena)

Number one goes to Elysian Park, even though the "secret swing" was gone (bummer). The views of Los Angeles and Dodger Stadium were gorgeous, especially for how little I had to exert myself (the hills were gradual, finally). With tennis courts, soccer fields, playgrounds, picnic tables, and expansive green spaces, this park had everything we needed for a relaxing Saturday out of the apartment. With parking at the entrance, along the road inside the park, and further up and around various curves, this place was huge with enough open space for everyone to have a socially distanced picnic -- or even play a little disc golf. We decided to try a few of their trails before heading back down and setting up our lawn chairs in the sun. As we ate our snacks and read our books, the day came to the perfect end when an ice cream truck drove through, really wrapping up our amazing trip to the park.

Whatever you decide, travel safe, wear a mask, and stretch your hamstrings ahead of time (you'll thank me later).