Arroyo Seco bicycle path facts for kids
The Arroyo Seco Bicycle Path is an approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) long Class I bicycle path along the Arroyo Seco river channel in the Northeast Los Angeles region of Los Angeles County, California. It parallels to the Arroyo Seco Parkway (CA Route 110) also in the canyon.
Contents
Description
The bicycle path connects: Montecito Heights at Ernest E. Debs Regional Park and the Montecito Heights Recreation Center; Hermon at Hermon Park and Ernest E. Debs Regional Park; and Highland Park at Sycamore Grove Park -- to the city of South Pasadena at the Arroyo Seco Stables. The pathway travels under the cover of tall California sycamore and California oak trees
The southwest portion of the path, approximately 0.25 miles (0.40 km), runs along the top of the channel and overlooks the Arroyo Seco through chain-link fencing. It then descends into the bed of Arroyo Seco flood control channel for the rest of the route. Following the channel hydraulics, there is a slight and consistent uphill grade in the northeast/upstream direction, with some sections under overpasses having slightly greater slopes.
Parking and access are located at Hermon Park/Arroyo Seco Park, Sycamore Grove Park, Ernest E. Debs Regional Park, and the Montecito Heights Recreation Center. The Sycamore Grove Park access is via a pedestrian bridge over the Arroyo Seco. The path crosses several other pedestrian and vehicular bridges along its route.
- Closures
For flood safety reasons, if rain is predicted or if water release is expected from the upstream dam, public access is not permitted in the channel.
Connectivity
The path continues as a walking and equestrian trail from its northern terminus, with only pedestrians and horses allowed beyond the Arroyo Seco Stables. However, bicyclists can continue on the Kenneth Newell Bikeway along Arroyo Boulevard just to the east, a quiet residential street that continues north in the Arroyo Seco to the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena.
From the path's southern terminus, the open air Heritage Square Museum and the Lummis House and gardens are nearby. Connections southwards to the Los Angeles River Bicycle Path several miles away are via the vehicle shared Figuroa Street to Riverside Drive.
Maintenance
The Arroyo Seco Bicycle Path is maintained by City of Los Angeles. The Arroyo Seco river channel that the bike path is located in is maintained by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.
Hazards
Especially after rain events, storm-borne debris accumulate on the path and pose danger to cyclist and pedestrians. Other hazards include trash and debris, such as beverage bottles, shopping carts, and electronics that are being illegally discarded into the channel from bridge overpasses. Due to periodical maintenance activities, the path is usually clear from any debris and provides an enjoyable recreational area.
