Attractions and Places To See in the San Gabriel Mountains - Top 20

Duarte Bike Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

One of the few dedicated off-street bike paths, a section of the former historic Pacific Electric Railway route, passing an arched bridge that once carried Red Trolley Cars to Los Angeles. This multi-purpose trail was founded in 1977. It stretches 1.6 miles from Royal Oaks Park at Vineyard Avenue to Buena Vista Avenue. Next to the gently sloped paved cycling path runs a dirt jogging and equestrian trail shaded by oak trees.

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Iconic Pasadena Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

Iconic Colorado Street Bridge was designed and built in 1912 at a total cost of $191,000 (equivalent to $4,875,259 in 2019). Designed by Kansas City, Missouri, firm Waddell & Harrington, the structure carries Colorado Boulevard (then called "Colorado Street"), the major east-west thoroughfare connecting Pasadena with Eagle Rock and Glendale to the west, and with Monrovia to the east. The Colorado Street Bridge replaced the small Scoville Bridge located near the bottom of the Arroyo Seco. The bridge follows a curved path so that the footings would sit on more solid ground than a straight bridge would have provided. The bridge spans 1,486 feet (453 m) at a maximum height of 150 feet (45 m) and is notable for its distinctive Beaux Arts arches, light standards, and railings. The bridge is on the National Register of Historic Places and has been designated a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Civil Engineers. During the early part of the twentieth century, the Colorado Street Bridge became known locally as "Suicide Bridge" after dozens of people leaped to their deaths. Wikipedia has more details:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colorado_Street_Bridge_(Pasadena,_California)

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Mount Baldy

Highlight • Summit

Nicknamed for the absence of trees near its summit, the majestic mountain rises above the Angeles National Forest to a peak of 10,046ft, which marks the highest point in both the San Gabriel Mountains and Los Angeles County. On clear days its oft-snow-capped peak dominates the skyline to the north, rendering the city’s man-made monuments diminutive by contrast.

Mount Baldy is part of our Montagnes du Monde series, head over to bit.ly/3kBSNqN and claim your badge if you rode this classic.

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Brand Library & Park

Highlight • Historical Site

What is now Brand Library was built in 1904 as Leslie C. Brand's home, Miradero, "a high place overlooking a wide view." Designed by Brand's brother-in-law, architect Nathaniel Dryden, it was inspired by the East Indian Pavilion built for the 1893 Columbian World Exposition held in Chicago. On April 10, 1925, Mr. Brand died, leaving his estate to the City of Glendale upon the death of his wife, provided it be turned into a public library and park. Mrs. Brand died in 1945. By 1956, the mansion had been converted into a 5,000 sq. ft. library. In 1969 an addition, a modernized version of the original Saracenic design, added 21,000 sq. ft. It includes an art gallery, a recital hall, a sculpture court, and Brand Park Studios. This addition was built as "the cultural showplace of Glendale," a role it plays to this day. Today, a trail leads hikers to the Brand Family Cemetery marked by a pyramid where the family is buried along with their dogs, at Mr. Brand's request. brandlibrary.org

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Marshall Canyon Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Marshall Canyon Trail is in La Verne, CA, starts at Oak Mesa Park and features 1,310 feet of climbing, reaching a max elevation of 2,424 feet. Known for its oak tree cover and lush terrain, it’s often referred to as "Sherwood Forest" due to its green, shady environment. The lower section is relatively flat, with more climbing occurring deeper into the canyon. For mountain bikers, there are many variations off the main trail that can add both milage and elevation to your ride. Adding the Claremont Loop, for example, can extend the ride by 4-5 miles and 800 vertical feet. The trail and surrounding area provides a refreshing NorCal feel, with shaded trails and a creek, contrasting with the typically hot and dry surrounding hills.

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Strawberry Peak

Highlight • Summit

Strawberry Peak can be reached from two directions: from the east via Lawlor Saddle and the moderate Strawberry Peak Trail or from the west via the so-called Firebreak. The Firebreak is a so-called Mountaineers Trail and involves some scrambling over rocks and exposed areas. Tread strength and a head for heights are therefore a prerequisite for the Firebreak.

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Mount Lowe Railway Ruins

Highlight • Historical Site

The summit of Echo Mountain has the ruins of what was a resort complex for the Mount Lowe Railway circa 1900. A cable car took visitors up from Pasadena below to this summit where a grand hotel and recreation facilities existed. The ultimate plan was for the Mount Lowe Railway to proceed to San Gabriel Mountain but in the early 1900's a fire destroyed the facility.

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End of San Gabriel River Bike Path

Highlight • Cycleway

This marks the end of the San Gabriel River Bike Path but you now have the option to extend your ride. If you wish you can head simply head back to town or carry on up the San Gabriel Canyon Road to make this a classic day ride.

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Seven Trees Overlook

Highlight • Viewpoint

A steep trail leads straight up from the Brand Library to this peak with spectacular panoramic views of Glendale, the Los Angeles river valley and the LA basin, with Griffith park on the opposite side and the Santa Monica Mountains stretching to the West. A more gradual trail here is via the former Brand Motorway, closed to cars and still partially paved about halfway up. The trails continue further up to Thom's Peak, Tongva Peak, and Verdugo Mountain (over 3100 feet).

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