monrovia canyon park

There is plenty of parking just before the entrance and you'll get more of a workout by starting there. But if you choose to park inside there is a $6 parking fee. It's not a very long or strenuous trek to the waterfall. And it wasn't too impressive but hey, CA is in a drought. There is a small but decent nature center just before the trail that's worth a look. Bathrooms just before the trail and also by the nature center. Bring your camera, kids and pets.

The family wanted to see a waterfall after the awesome rains this January, but between everyone going, we didn't have the time or the ability for a hike up into the San Gabriels or San Bernardino Mts. This hike was perfect! We did the 3/4 mile hike from the Nature Center. It took about an hour, and I am definitely bringing nephews/nieces here the next time they are in town - even little ones would not be over taxed. If I was going for exercise, I would start at the bottom of the park and walk up the trails to the nature center, instead of driving up.At the entrance to the park there is a little box where you get out a numbered envelope with a detachable tab, which has a matching number. You put $5 in the envelope, tear off the tab and put it on your dash, then put the part with the money in the slot. Very handy. I love the honor system.The trail between the nature center and the falls is very well maintained, wide, and safe. You could almost take a trail stroller on this hike except there are a few places where the path becomes only 1 person wide. Also there is some light climbing/descending that would be bumpy, and there are two small creek crossings. I was especially pleased with the creek crossings - some in our party would not have appreciated getting wet, but the stepping stones were wide and plentiful enough that I was able to stand off to the side on the extra stones and help our slow member across. If I was bringing a toddler, I think it would be reasonable to expect them to walk - the hike was that mild. At worst, I would wear a kid-pack for a toddler to sit in in case of melt-down.The bathroom at the nature center was clean and well maintained and OPEN, even though the nature center, itself was closed. Our hike was on a non-holiday Monday, so I was surprised to see perhaps a dozen other people on the trail, including a lot of locals walking their dogs. On a busy weekend, I don't know whether it would be overly crowded. If I go again, I will pick another week day.The falls at the end are only a few feet wide and 20 ft high or so - this is not a big falls, but it was nice.

This is a fun afternoon or morning hike. Fairly easy with nice waterfall and shady trails along a stream. Early morning is very crowded with parking all the way down canyon. Parking has been $5 in the park.

Monrovia is at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains. This is a nice park in Monrovia, if one goes for a hike there is a nice waterfall to also see.This area also has a bear population. In the nearby housing area, I have sat in my car and enjoyed watching mom bears and their cubs going from trash can to next can on trash pick up day. I assume the bears think of those cans as nice picnic baskets.As such, enjoy the park, but do be aware that there have also been bear sitings in the area.

Some nice views but dried out and dusty. Visitor's Center showing age, but kids enjoyed life animals there. To hot the day I visited to hike

This is a short hike but good if you plan to go on a short hike with kids....a starter hike for them introducing them to nature!

I have wonderful memories of the gentle hike through Monrovia Canyon. Trailing stream, overhanging branches, rock outcroppings and the quiet all made for a restorative experience. I am an East Coast gal and am used to hikes that end in an overlook. Monrovia Canyon ends in a waterfall and I really enjoyed that. I would definitely hike this again. Easy to park. Clear map.

Between the courteous, hard working staff and an army of dedicated volunteers, this small park is kept up beyond anything you might expect. It has a wonderful nature center, a cabin that can be rented along with picnic areas. Its most popular trail is a short but wonderful trail through a beautiful canyon along a stream to a year round running waterfall. The trails are immaculate thanks to the a fore mentioned staff and volunteers. For those who want more strenuous hikes, there is a longer version of the waterfall hike that starts at the entrance and has some climb and views as it parallels the entrance road. For a much more strenuous hike - try the Ben Overturff trail. The start is along an access road to a Boy Scout camp and then you mostly hike upwards on a trail that takes you deeper into the San Gabriel mountains and into LA Forest area, including a stream crossing and lots of beautiful wooded areas. Its very scenic - but in another class than the easy waterfall hike so do be prepared.

Nice, quiet park, close to the suburban hustle. A pleasant place to hike to a secluded waterfall, and quick to be back to civilization.

If you make it to the end you'll be rewarded with a natural waterfall. Utterly enchanting! Live Oak specimens centuries old. A babbling brook for the kids. A slight ascent on a well maintained path. These highlight the hike. And there's always parking. Terrific for all ages.

Disgraceful - the Park was closed on 2014 New Years Day...and not for safety reasons. We the people own and pay via taxes for this Park - it should be OPEN when the people want to use it!No advance warning of closure was posted on their website. I watched dozens and dozens of cars turn up and drive away. I drove 60 miles to get here. But like many - mostly locals it seemed - we ignored the Keep Out signs - and walked anyway :-)The Park needs new Management - who understand and respond to their clients' reasonable expectations!

I parked on the street in the residential area to avoid the $5 entry fee. Worked out well. I started early around 7 a.m. and to avoid the crowds on the weekend. Enjoyed this section of the Angeles National Forest.

Monrovia Canyon Park is a true gem in the foothills of the Angeles National Forest. It is small, but worth a visit. There is a short hike to a beautiful little waterfall, a wonderful nature center and lots of places with picnic tables. There is a small entrance fee.

Just a five minute drive from Old Town Monrovia, the park is a great place to escape urban life. Hikes from easy and short to an all day outing. Staff is friendly and helpful.

It is $5 for a day pass that also lets you into similar parks in the area. this is a good place for hiking and learning about the local flora and fauna. We didn't have our hiking gear, so we just drove to the end of the road and took in the views. We also visited the small nature center there that had information about the ecology of the area and some reptiles and amphibians to look at. the hiking trails looked very good and you can take a .75 mile hike up to a waterfall.