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.