Highland Park to South Pasadena via Debs Park and Arroyo Seco - 7 miles

Meet in lower Highland Park; walk 7 miles; finish in South Pasadena; ride Metro A Line as needed to return to the start.

Why do this one? Since its 1990s opening, the Metro Gold (now “A”) light rail has always felt like it was designed to accommodate nice one-way treks for urban walkers. Park at one station, walk overland through fascinating hill and dale, arrive at a different Metro stop, ride back to the starting point. The walking is a mix: Arroyo Seco flatland blocks of 100–140-year-old dwellings including El Alisal: stairways and narrow streets that provide a unique approach to Peanut Lake; ridgeline, car-free Debs Park roadway and descending trail and stairway to reach the community of Hermon; Arroyo Seco channel bike path; equestrian trail; then 7 blocks of cool South Pasadena. This is a good springtime walk and the projected cool weather (60s high maybe) tell me “Do it now”!

Disclosure: our April 26 walk conflicts on the calendar with a very short CicLAvia  that is happening along two Westside boulevards on the same day.

What is the nature of the walking? The first mile is flat, the next 1 ¾ miles are often steep and gain more than 500’ of elevation. The next mile is up then down, not too steeply, on wide park paths both paved and not. There is a short narrow trail link to a long stairway going down. Then flat streets and hard-scape bike path. Then a longer stretch of largely level dirt trail. A short climb out of the Arroyo canyon then flat, residential blocks to the end. There are a couple of trail portions that we have done before but that I will scout before April 26 to make sure they are not overgrown. If they are, there are options.

What’s the effort level?. With 7 miles and about 700’ of elevation gain, this is a mid 2 on the Inman scale where "4" is the highest.

Is this a new route or a repeat? We have been connecting South Pasadena to Highland Park on walks for 15 years. There is lots that is familiar and will be so this time. But its always lovely and I always try to add something new. Haha, I see that Charles Fleming just led his throng on some of this route on 4/18. Not to worry, I never do things exactly the way that Charles does. 

About the start point? Drive or take transit: We start at a Metro light rail station in the lower end of the Highland Park neighborhood. There is lots of free parking. There is no restroom here but we will arrive at one by 10:15am.

What about the restroom and sit down breaks during the walk? After walking less than a mile, we arrive at the Lummis House, aka El Alisal. There is time to roam inside the house and on the grounds. We might take 20-25 minutes here. Then there is 3.5 miles of up and down walking to our long break point at Fresco Market in Hermon. They are good for interesting beverages and fresh cut fruit. This isn’t the best sit down spot but you can improvise. We could spend a half hour here but more likely that we just take 20 minutes then walk ten minutes to some shaded park tables for 15 more minutes near the Hermon dog park.

Is there a long food break? No

Any featured architects? Interesting houses indeed but this walk is not strong on examples from famous architects.

Any restrictions or cautions? This walk is posted as part of a group of 3 walks taking place between April 26 and May 9. Don’t sign up for more than 2 of 3 before April 24. After that, come back to the “box office”; see what spots remain another if you want. I am figuring up front that we go rain or shine if the thin prospect of showers actually materializes.

Attendance is limited. You must register first come first served for one of the 20 available spots. There is a $5 fee to register, $10 if you register for yourself and a plus one. You may not reserve more than 2 spots per booking. There is also a provision to grab a standby without charge and I will let you know in the last few days before the event if an opening has popped up for you.

I use this platform to send emails to booked participants about two days before any walk. That includes the exact meeting location. If you have a reservation, always look for that additional communication because there will always be last-minute tips and there might be a last-minute consideration. Check your spam. If you don’t see that email, please reach out to me 24 hours before the start

Event Waiver information:

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