Little Loop and Lightscape

Hike Arcadia Wilderness Park in Los Angeles County and Visit the Arboretum

12.08.2021
Hiker looking out to the mountains at Arcadia Wilderness Park in Los Angeles County

We’ve all been told that it’s important to appreciate the small things, and for hikers in Los Angeles, that’s a reminder to explore green spaces of all sizes—like the half-mile nature trail that meanders through the 8.5 explorable acres of the 120-acre Arcadia Wilderness Park (part of which actually extends into Monrovia). 

Hiker entering the hiking area at Arcadia Wilderness Park in Los Angeles County

Holiday lightshow at Los Angeles Arboretum and bright floral display

After a lovely drive through the eastern Arcadia suburbs, park in the large lot and look for the small trailhead on the right (south) side. The trail flanks the park’s nature center, a must-visit for every patron that features local fauna and a rock pond, as well as various interpretive displays. It’s a great way to learn more about the wildlife (and more) of the San Gabriels, which loom overhead. 

Person sitting at a picnic table overlooking the mountains at Arcadia Wilderness Park in Los Angeles County

The path also passes a small archery range before leading to some surprisingly steep stairs. You quickly gain over 100 feet and are rewarded with fantastic views of the valley as well as the surrounding mountains and Clamshell Canyon. The terrain changes throughout the hike, which makes it an awesome “teaser trailer” for the region—scramble on rocks, admire massive oaks and sycamores, and sit at a picnic table set at the northernmost point of the loop, next to a surprisingly green patch of flora. Pass through the campground (reservations required) and by a cement amphitheater on the way back to your car.

Holiday light display at Los Angeles Arboretum in Los Angeles County

Llghtscape at Los Angeles Arboretum in Los Angeles County

Holiday light display at Los Angeles County Arboretum for the Lightscape show

BONUS HOLIDAY LIGHTS: Head to the nearby Los Angeles County Arboretum for their new holiday lightshow for the 2021 season, Lightscape ($32 admission), which features a truly incredible variety of themed luminous displays throughout the garden, such as lotus leaves on the lake, a shimmering cathedral walk, a musically synchronized light show by the fountain, and the awesomely unique disco fern forest. It’s not to be missed!

To get to the Arcadia Wilderness Park, take the I-210 to the Santa Anita Ave. exit and head north for 1.5 miles, before turning right on Elkins Ave. After 0.4 mile, turn left onto Highland Oaks Dr. After 0.8 mile, you reach the Arcadia Wilderness Park and lot. Dog-friendly!

Story and photos by Matt Pawlik, @mattitudehikes

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Perles Beach Angel Island San Francisco Bay

    Secret Beach

    A hidden beach and a killer view? Those are hard to come by, but that’s exactly what you’ll get at Perles Beach on Angel Island. Bike or hike to this beautiful pocket cove.

    View

  2. Cinematic Sonoma

    Longer days. Golden light. Wildflowers in bloom. It’s the perfect moment to plan your spring escape to Sonoma for the Sonoma International Film Festival, March 25–29. No fuss. No sprawl. Just films, friends, fresh air, and that unmistakable Sonoma glow.

    View
  3. Hike Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve

    Mellow in the Marsh

    Beach, birds, ice plant popping purple flowers: That’s a hiking slam dunk! Hike about 2 miles at Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve using their easy to navigate (well-signed) Sequoia Audubon Trail.

    View
  4. A man is looking through his binoculars at sunrise at the Bayland Nature Preserve in Palo Alto

    Baylands Bird & Art Loop

    Combine an outdoor art walk and wildlife sightings at the Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto. This 5-mile loop through Byxbee Park and the Emily Renzel Wetlands features striking installations by artists Peter Richards and Michael Oppenheimer—where the landscape itself becomes part of the canvas.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Tree Town

    Home to an estimated 21,000 trees and 100 acres of parkland, South Pasadena has earned its nickname: the City of Trees. This 2.5-mile neighborhood walk lets you experience its leafy canopy up close, winding through charming streets and three of the city’s beloved parks.

    View

  2. A Better Way to Baldwin

    The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Culver City is one of West L.A.’s most popular hiking spots, but most visitors miss the bigger picture. This 3.5-mile out-and-back along a section of the Park to Playa Trail offers a fuller experience of this gorgeous nature park with sweeping urban views and a few artistic surprises along the way.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

    View
  4. A woman standing at the pond's edge at Ernest B Debs Regional Park in Los Angeles. Trees are making reflections on the pond.

    Urban Oasis Loop

    Home to the city’s Audubon Center, Ernest E. Debs' 282-acre park features a robust network of hiking trails and surprising wildlife diversity. More than 140 bird species have been spotted here. Birdwatcher or not, this 2.5-mile route makes for a gorgeous outing.

    View