Monrovia Hillside Preserve

As long as I’ve lived in Monrovia, Canyon Park has been closed more days than not. First the massive Bobcat Fire washed through, making hillsides unstable and subject to mudslides. Then, more recently, winds knocked down trees, blocking roads and pathways.

Around the corner, however, this wilderness preserve has remained open. It’s a simple winding walk frequented by locals, many out for a regular walk.

Some of the native plants that stood out on this hike were the scrub oaks and coast live oaks, laurel sumac, wild cucumber, and poison oak, which was growing out of rock in many places.

Several wildflowers were just starting to bloom: lupine, California four o’clocks, and wallflower. There was also the typical amount of sagebrush and buckwheat, all looking beautiful in the March seasonal climate.

There were a lot of invasive plants on this hike: a lot of Spanish broom in bloom, some tobacco tree, black mustard, and a lot of fountain grass.

Our most recent visit occurred in March on an almost rainy day, and it was very pleasant. On a sunny day, the experience would be different because there are not many shade trees over the path.

There are bears and mountain lions in the area, but this is a populated hike and the chances of running into them are quite slim. Bears do occasionally come down into the residential neighborhood, so they are definitely around. There are also rattlesnakes.

The wide path and gentle grade make this one of the lower-risk hikes I’ve taken with my four-year-old son. Although there are steep hillsides, the trail is wide enough that I did not need to hold his hand simply to keep him safe.

The biggest danger here, in my opinion, is the sun. There are not many shade trees over the path, so on a sunny day you will have little escape.

The entrance described here is on Ridgeside Drive in a residential neighborhood, through what feels like a driveway easement. Streets near the entrance have signs warning that a residential or guest permit is required for parking, so you should park several blocks away.

To get there, head north on North Canyon Boulevard as if heading to Monrovia Canyon Park. A few hundred feet before the park entrance, turn left on Ridgeside Drive. Look for a bright orange sign on one driveway warning that it is not the hiking trail; the next driveway is the trail entrance.