Apr 25, 2011 – We study the works of artists – in paintings, music, sculpture, dance – but every so often we must stop to look at the source of all inspiration – Mother Nature’s own art.
It takes nothing but a walk through a greenery, to listen to the sound of rushing water, to see the quick movements of a squirrel in the wild, or to feel the chill of the cooling temperature, to get in touch with one's own muse.
For those of us in the east side of town, an opportunity to do so is available at the Monrovia Canyon Park. Monrovia is a small city east of Pasadena and west of Glendora, at the end of the 605 Freeway. The park stands at the end of its Canyon Blvd. A $5 parking fee will let you into an easy hike, perfect for the whole family (and pets), that ends at a waterfall. The waterfall trail is only ¾ of a mile each way from the nature center (at the final parking location), but it can be taken from the middle parking lot, (which is one mile from the waterfall), or from the entrance station (which turns it into a 1.7 mile hike each way). The hike is easy, short, yet steep enough to break most into a sweat, which makes the cold water falling from the rock even more attractive.
The Monrovia Canyon Park is a favorite for picnicking. It offers a gorgeous view of the San Gabriel Valley and the illusion of being far away from the buzz of the city. Common sense is required – no alcohol, portable barbeques, or weapons are allowed into the park – and, as usual, you must stay in the trail or you may meet a rattlesnake!
The park is open weekdays 8 am to 5 pm except Tuesday and on weekends from 7 am to 5 pm. It is located at 1200 N. Canyon Blvd, Monrovia CA 91016. More information is available at http://www.monroviacanyonpark.org
The next time you need to reconnect with nature, consider visiting the Monrovia Canyon Park.
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