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Print Friendly MapThe Arroyo Seco Bike Path runs about 2 miles between South Pasadena and northeast Los Angeles, offering views of the LA skyline and the distant mountains. It begins south of Pasadena Avenue and travels southwest along its namesake stream for its entire route.
Although the trail parallels the Arroyo Seco Parkway (State Route 110), the traffic noise is hardly noticeable. The pathway travels under the cover of tall sycamore and oak trees and offers access to Hermon Park (also known as Arroyo Seco Park) and Ernest E. Debs Regional Park. South of Avenue 49, you can also take a pedestrian bridge over the Arroyo Seco to reach Sycamore Grove Park.
Your journey will end at the Montecito Heights Recreation Center. This is less than a third of a mile from the must-see Heritage Square Museum (3800 Homer Street), which interprets 100 years of Southern California history—from 1850 to 1950—through a series of preserved Victorian-era homes.
One day it's hoped the path will continue farther south to connect with the Los Angeles River Trail.
Parking can be found at several places along the trail, including Hermon Park (5566 Via Marisol), Sycamore Grove Park (4702 N. Figueroa Street), Ernest E. Debs Regional Park (4235 Monterey Road) and the Montecito Heights Recreation Center (4545 Homer Street).
As of the date of this review, the Arroyo Seco is closed for repairs. Most of the entry gates have been chained up. I was able to get on the path and it can be dangerous to anyone riding a bike. The recent storms have caused large boulders to slide down the hill on to the path along with mud and debris. There are also pieces of concrete/steel plating missing which is a hazard. I will post again once it is open.
The ride is pleasant and paved with few cracks. You are at the bottom of a wash with some garbage along the path.
There are many trees, and notable architecture in the bridges and homes.
Overall it is a decent outing.
This is a nice short trail and ideal for families with small children. There is a park at the trail entrance and adjacent to the path. The homeless encampment situation has for the most part been cleaned up, but you will find a few homeless folks here and there...but overall safe.
My young daughter is just learning to ride and this was perfect for her. The homeless problem mentioned in other reviews seems to be solved. At least, we didn't have any trouble and we've been three times now.
We went on this short trail the other day. The other reviewer is correct about the homeless camp, which is a short distance from the Montecito Park starting point and which is right along the trail below street level. Our first clue was the human feces in the middle of the bike path. Nothing against homeless people but not that safe for women riding alone especially if you have an expensive bike.
Do not go on this trail alone. It's become a large homeless camp.
Went on this trail on a fairly hot Saturday afternoon, biking with the kids. Parking was easy on the south end of the trail even with a kids' baseball game/training at the park. The trail looks clean and safe. Other people walking or biking passed by us with a smile or said a friendly hello. I'd go on this trail again but earlier next time.
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