Lower Arroyo Park

Lower Arroyo Park is a 150-acre nature preserve located in Pasadena, California. The park stretches for approximately 1.5 miles along the Arroyo Seco, from the Colorado Street Bridge to the southern border of Pasadena. It is situated in a narrow, deeply incised canyon surrounded by residential neighborhoods.

The park is known for its natural setting and serves as an important ecological area within the urban environment. It features a mix of native plant communities, including coast live oak woodland and southern willow scrub. The vegetation provides habitat for various wildlife species, contributing to the area's biodiversity.

Lower Arroyo Park offers visitors a network of trails for hiking, jogging, and horseback riding. These trails connect to a larger system that extends into the Angeles National Forest, allowing for extended outdoor excursions. The park's natural character and minimal development make it a popular destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat from city life.

In addition to its natural features, the park includes several recreational facilities. A casting pond near the main parking lot is used by the Pasadena Casting Club for fly-fishing practice and instruction. On the western side of the Arroyo Seco channel, there is an archery range managed by the Pasadena Roving Archers.

The park also incorporates elements of historical and cultural significance. La Casita del Arroyo, a meeting hall dating back to the 1930s, is located within the park boundaries and is surrounded by gardens maintained by the Pasadena Garden Club. The Colorado Street Bridge, a landmark structure, spans the northern end of the park, adding to its scenic value.

Lower Arroyo Park has been the focus of conservation efforts and habitat restoration projects. These initiatives aim to preserve the park's natural character while balancing recreational use and ecological preservation.