Winter Activities in San Gabriel Valley
San Gabriel Valley has plenty of winter activities going on from November
through January and February of the New Year. While the Christmas tree
may be taken down, the lights around the shopping malls packed up, and
the Tournament of Roses Parade come and gone, that doesn’t mean
the winter season is over!
Take a Hike
The beauty of the San Gabriel Valley is that our winter season is typically
sunny and warm, but there is still plenty of winter weather to be enjoyed
in the nearby mountains. With the Angeles National Forest just a short
drive away, you can take the entire family, your dog, or your hiking buddy
out for some adventurous treks through nature. Whether you are an avid
hiker, a leisurely walker, or don’t have any hiking experience at
all, there is always a trial that’s just right for you.
Consider the following options for a scenic winter hike this season:
-
Vetter Mountain Lookout
- 1.9 to 3.8 miles – Easy
- The out and back hike ascends from the Charlton Flats Picnic Area (perfect
place to have lunch or an early dinner after the hike) all the way up
to Vetter Mountain. Here, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the San Gabriel
Mountains.
-
Mount Lowe from Red Box
- 6.1 miles – Easy to Moderate
- Enjoy great views of the front range of the San Gabriel, with several nearby
peaks if you feel inclined to keep on going. There are also the historic
Nike Missile Defense area and Mount Lowe Railway and Echo Mountain Resort
ruins for viewing.
-
Icehouse Canyon Trailhead to Icehouse Saddle
- 7.2 miles – Moderate
- Out and back hike through a sometimes snow-filled canyon that offers panoramic
views and extended hiking opportunities. During the winter, snowfall can
cover the entire landscape, so make sure you are prepared with warm clothing
and tough boots or snowshoes.
Celebrate the Year of the Monkey
One of the interesting aspects of the San Gabriel Valley is its cultural
diversity. Monterey Park is home to people from all over the world. This
year, the city will be hosting a 2016 Lunar New Year Festival to celebrate
the Year of the Monkey from January 30-31. This will be one of the largest
free street events held in Southern California. Last year, an estimated
200,000 people came out to the celebration. The festival is held along
seven blocks on Garvey Avenue from Alhambra to Ramona Avenues. There will
be a wide range of cultural elements being showcased, with more than 270
booths from merchants, organizations, and food vendors. There will also
be performing arts, fun activities, prizes, and much more!
You can learn more about the event here.
Check Out the Seasonal Flowers at The Huntington
Flowers often flourish in the sunshine and moderate temperatures found
in Southern California. There is no better place to see this firsthand
than the Huntington Botanical Gardens. With more than 15,000 plant varieties
in the 12 gardens, there is plenty to see—even during the winter!
Some of the plants in bloom you can see during January and February include:
- Kniphofia Uvaria, or ‘Christmas Cheer’
- Japanese Flowering Apricot
- Iceland Poppies
- Strawberry Snowball Tree
- Baja Fairy Duster
You can also visit the Huntington Library and Art Collections for a more
cultural experience once you have enjoyed the beautiful blooms in the
gardens. Learn more about what’s blooming and art collections being
displayed on their
website!
This article contains general information about medical conditions and
treatments. The information is not advice and should not be treated as
such. The information is not intended to replace the advice or diagnosis
of a physician.
If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should
consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider.