This energetic group of Village Hikers meets on the second Friday of each month.  Hikes are generally four to five miles in length (sometimes longer) and include trail hiking as well as urban hikes.  Recent hikes include trails in Cherry Canyon, Debs Park, Chantry Flat and the Arroyo Seco.

This Friday's 4.5-mile hike takes us from the Southwest Museum Metrorail Station to the Heritage Square Station by way of Montecito Heights, Debs Park and Flat Top Park.  There is a considerable amount of uphill and downhill.

Montecito Heights Open Space (the locals call it Flat Top) is the highlight of the walk.  Flat Top covers 37 acres of undeveloped hillside, offering views from Catalina Island to the San Gabriel Mountains.

We'll meet at the Southwest Museum Metrorail Station at 7:30AM.  Approximately 85% of the hike is on paved sidewalks and roads, the rest is unpaved fire roads and walking trails.  We will be walking uphill for the first half of the hike, with a handful of short, steep stretches interspersed with more gradual elevation gains. As we descend Flat Top, some of the paved downhill walking is steep.  One block in particular on Minnesota Street is uncomfortably steep.  Bring your hiking/walking poles and wear appropriate shoes with good support and traction.

Bring water and a snack.  We'll stop mid-way for a restroom and refreshment break in Debs Park.  The hike ends at the Heritage Square Metrorail Station.

Important:  You must have a loaded Tap Card for the train fare.

I'll coordinate Metrorail departure times from the greater Pasadena area to the Southwest Museum Station the week of the hike.  If you would prefer to drive, there's the option to drive and park in the Heritage Square Metro Station lot, which is free, and take the train one stop north to the Southwest Museum Station for the start of the hike.

Please reach out to Jane Hufnagel with any questions.