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Altadena

A Hiker's Paradise

  • by DenaMaria
  • A travel journal
  • Last Updated: November 10, 2000
Journal Usefulness Rating 3 out of 5
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Altadena is a town full of natural wonders located at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. Only 20 minutes away from Los Angeles, Altadena seems a world away.

A Hiker's Paradise

Overview

Hiking in the San Gabriel Mountains is a lovely respite from the chaos and traffic of Los Angeles. You'll find the people friendly with that small-town atmosphere so hard to find anywhere else in California.

Quick Tips:

Be prepared for friendly, talkative people!

Best Way To Get Around:

As always, when in Southern California, a car is a must, however Altadena is small and quiet and there is no traffic anywhere.

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San Gabriel Mountains

Activity

San Gabriel Mountains

The trails in Altadena take you through some of the most beautiful areas of the San Gabriel Mountains. There is a lot of wildlife out here, so you do need to be cautious. Get a trail map before you head out as there are numerous trails which can be followed. One of the trails leads to the Eaton Canyon Nature Center. Once there, you can speak to their scientists and learn somthing about the reptile life in the area, as well as visit their small museum.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by DenaMaria on November 10, 2000

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San Gabriel Mountains
Top of Lake Avenue Altadena, California

Old Fashioned Days

Activity

Old Fashioned Days

In the spring, Altadena becomes a wild and wooly Old West Town as the residents dress up for Old Fashioned Days. There is a parade as well as lots of food and shopping. The celebration is only frequented by locals, but you'll find that you'll feel just as welcome as can be!
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by DenaMaria on November 10, 2000

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Old Fashioned Days
Lake Avenue Altadena, California

Christmas Tree Lane

Activity

Christmas Tree Lane

Every year, from Thanksgiving until New Year's, Santa Rosa Avenue is dressed up as Christmas Tree lane. The long street is lined with giant Deodars which are decorated in fairy lights by local volunteers. You'll find lines of cars as people come from miles around to take the drive. Come after dark, when the lights are at their brightest! Cars start at one end and turn their headlights off prior to making the drive. You'll find that even in the darkest of nights, the lights on the trees make it bright enought to drive in safety. It's a beautiful spectacle and not to be missed!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by DenaMaria on November 10, 2000

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Christmas Tree Lane
Santa Rosa Avenue Altadena, California

The Balian Mansion

Activity

The Balian Mansion

For years upon years, people from all over the L.A. area have been driving to the Balian Mansion at Christmas time. The Balians are an old (and wealthy) Altadena family - owners of the Balian Ice Cream Factory - who deck their mansion out for the Christmas Season, creating a true Holiday Wonderland. There will be a lot of traffic each night during the Christmas season and lots of folks just park their cars and walk up to the mansion rather than face the mass of cars. Come after dark and be amazed!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by DenaMaria on November 10, 2000

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The Balian Mansion
Mendocino Drive & Allen Altadena, California

Altadena- Webster's Village

Activity

Webster's

Since the 1800's, Webster's has been serving the Altadena Community. It began as a General Store and has retained that atmosphere. Still owned by the Webster family, the store is frequented by every Altadena resident. When talking to Altadenans about shopping, you'll notice that for anything they need, they go to Webster's! Webster's sells: cosmetics, books, cards, liquor, lotto tickets, medicine, towys, gifts, wheelchairs, stationary goods, and just about anything you need. They have a full working post office and can sell you helium filled baloons for your next party. You can pay your gas and eletric bill there and then stop and buy a box of chocolates. If Webster's doesn't have it, you probably don't need it!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by DenaMaria on November 10, 2000

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Altadena- Webster's Village
2450 Lake Avenue Altadena, California 91001
(626) 797-1135

About the Writer

DenaMaria
DenaMaria
Altadena, United States

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