Sierra Madre


Sierra Madre

A foot bridge crossing a canal in a wooded residential area.

We have the good fortune to live close enough to what may be the most charming city of the San Gabriel Valley to be able to walk there at least once a week. It's a unique urban hike that, if you're lucky, may include multiple wildlife sightings. We've seen deer, bobcats, and even a couple bears. Even if you don't see any wild animals you'll likely see two domesticated tortoises and many cats. We see one friendly cat so often that I've included him on my map. If you go in the morning you can have breakfast or lunch at Mary's Market in the heart of the canyon. Towards the end of the walk be sure to stop at E. Waldo Ward & Son to pick up a jar of preserves from this 100 plus year old business.

Map of Sierra Madre


Before you go -  The first part of the walk is challenging with many hills in the first 3 miles. The remainder is mostly flat.

❗The route includes a ladder (see photo below). Sometimes after a storm in may be lying on the ground and you will need to prop it up. If by chance it is not there I have included an alternate route. If you don't feel comfortable climbing the ladder use the alternate route. ❗

There is also a very rustic stone stairway that goes up from Brookside Ln. It is very easy to miss. It and the hill that comes after it are probably the most challenging part of the walk.

Park at the YMCA. There is a restroom near the start just north of the dog park. There are two other public restrooms along the route.

In addition to Mary's Market there are plenty of places to eat in the downtown area. If you like dive bars, check out The Buccaneer. It's one of the nicest dive bars I've ever been to. 

The tortoises (see map) that live on Vista Circle Dr. are named Fred and Audrey. I don't know the friendly cat's (also on the map) name. If you ever learn his/her name please let me know.

A ladder propped up against a stone wall at the end of a path.

Use caution when climbing the ladder.


A rustic stone stairway going up to a trail.

This stairway is easy to miss. Keep an eye out for it.


A small building with a porch and a sign that reads "Lizzie's Trail Inn"

Lizzie's Trail Inn. The museum is open Saturday's from 10 to noon. 


A bear behind a boulder in front of a house.

Watch for bears!


Fred. A tortoise with a view. 


A black and white tuxedo cat looking around a fence with an sign the says "Armed Response" behind him.

A very friendly kitty. Name unknown.
























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