Big Tree Park
Explore Big Tree Park in Glendora in Los Angeles County
Big things await at Big Tree Park. The slight irony is that the park itself is actually quite small. It just happens to be home to an arboreal colossus, a Moreton Bay fig. See this tree and find plenty of historic and foodie treasures on this 3-mile urban adventure.
First figs first! Find street parking at Big Tree Park just south of Historic Route 66. Planted in 1880, this behemoth banyan is just shy of 100 feet tall and 50 feet in diameter, with roots stretching over 1,200 feet in this 15,000-square-foot park. Check out the historical marker and relax in the gazebo before heading east on Colorado Avenue.
Turn right on Glendora Avenue followed by a left on Mauna Loa Avenue. Take this for 0.5 mile to reach a secret splendor of Glendora: South Hills Park and Wilderness Area. There’s a dog park and, on the east side a short walk down the wash-bordering trail, Centennial Heritage Park, home to the historic Hamilton House, an 1890 antique farmhouse built by Glendora’s founder. There’s also a small orange grove, an ode to the citrus farms that once filled Glendora. When ready, head back to the park and find the Toyon Trail located behind the dog park.
Embark on the 1.5-mile lollipop loop that’s a slice of the wilderness area’s trail system. Pass under coast live oaks and by the trail’s namesake coastal sage scrub as you ascend quickly (head left at the split) to be rewarded with expansive views of Glendora framed by the beautiful San Gabriels. From this vantage, it’s clear why the town is called the Pride of the Foothills.
BONUS EATS + BEER: After returning to Big Tree Park, head to the south part of town to find Glendora Public Market, a multitude of eateries housed in a revived 1940s brick warehouse. There’s something for everyone (and outdoor seating). We like Bolo for spicy fried chicken sandwiched in Hong Kong–style pineapple buns. Definitely stop by Smog City Brewery’s tap room to try a current experimental IPA offering to enjoy with your feast!
To get to Big Tree Park, take the I-210 to the Grand Ave. exit and head north. After 0.5 mile, turn right onto Colorado Ave. After 0.4 mile, Big Tree Park will be on your left (intersection with Santa Fe Ave.). Dog-friendly!
Story and photos by Matt Pawlik, @mattitudehikes
