Rock of Ages

Explore the campus of Caltech for geological secrets

Caltech campus wander

It’s not easy to tap into the mind-body connection. But it’s definitely possible if you wander the campus of one of the world’s top scientific institutions, Caltech. It has a best-kept geological secret, discovered on this 1.75-mile out-and-back walk.

Find street parking at the southwestern corner of Caltech (we recommend along San Pasqual between Catalina and Wilson Avenues), take a picture of the campus map, and head south along Wilson toward Mudd Hall, home of the Geological Sciences Department and a world-class seismology lab. (Throughout the walk, look for busts and plaques denoting famous scientists and their groundbreaking work here over the years.) Head east through a floral garden with bonus sculptures, passing the Arms Laboratory, which has a gem room, home to a myriad of minerals and ancient volcanic rocks and even a saber-tooth skeleton display. Continue to the tallest building on campus—Milliken, home to a top-floor library—for expansive views of Pasadena and the San Gabriels.

Walk east past the spaceship pond where, if you’re lucky, robotics students might be testing equipment, and on to the top of the Throop Memorial Garden. This beautiful oasis sees a smattering of ponds amid trees, with benches and plentiful rocks. Look out for loads of local turtles basking in the sun, or egrets looking for lunch.

Most importantly, check out the plaque on the boulder at the base of the garden: You’ve just walked through 2 billion years of geological history! The prehistoric rocks are grouped by age and type and come from local sources, such as pink granite from Echo Mountain. You can spend hours here, but when you are ready, walk east toward the Athenaeum (named after the Greek god of wisdom), a stately building with fine dining and a swanky bar.

Circle back to Milliken and head north toward Beckham Auditorium. Fondly nicknamed the “Wedding Cake” by students, this building is surrounded by light fixtures shaped like atoms. Be sure to look at the serene “Gene Pool,” whose name will become obvious when you look closely at the tile pattern (we won’t give it away here). 

undefined

BONUS FOOD & DRINK: Grab a bite at Cross St. Café. Known as “Pencil” at their old location, owner Snow and her team have been satisfying locals for years with home-made sandwiches (spicy roast beef with kimchi is a must!), Korean food (try the rolls or bulgogi cupbap), and refreshing juices (we love their mango lemonade). {Covid-19 update, June 2020: Cross St. Café is currently open for Takeout only.}

To get to Caltech and nearby street parking, take the I-210 to the Lake Ave. exit and exit south. Head east on Corson St. for 3 blocks before turning right onto Wilson Ave. After heading south for 1 mile, you will reach San Pasqual Ave. Turn right and find street parking (2 hours, except Sunday). *Covid-19 Update (June 2020): Please be sure to follow all health and safety guidelines provided in county ordinances, and respect signage and regulations on-site. Honoring health safety works to mitigate Covid-19, and allows a better chance of keeping outdoors access open. Dog-friendly!

Story and photos by Matt Pawlik.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Man hiking up a trail at Montara Mountain, with a view of the Pacific and Grey Whale sand beach in the background

    From Beach to Summit

    No need to decide between a beach and a mountaintop—this hike includes both! Explore the stunning coastal scenery on this 6-mile out-and-back up Montara Mountain and into Rancho Corral de Tierra.

    View
  2. Picnic and a Pedal

    West Marin has all the right stuff for an afternoon getaway: bike paths, babbling brooks, canopy forests, and secluded picnic spots. Combine a picnic and a pedal at Samuel P. Taylor State Park by biking the easygoing Cross Marin Trail.

    View
  3. Sebastopol Food & Wine Roll

    One apple farm, three charming towns, multiple wineries, and infinite natural beauty. Savor a perfect autumn day in Sonoma County by biking the West County Regional Trail from Sebastopol to Forestville via Graton. It’s a 17-mile (round-trip) adventure. 

    View
  4. Go, Tell It on the Mountain

    Want to be king of the mountain? Head to King Mountain, the 108-acre open space preserve just above Larkspur in Marin. Despite its lofty name, hiking King Mountain proves that simp

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Woman walking in the Venice Canals of Los Angeles County

    Canal Contemplations

    With its incense-scented boardwalk, bohemian shops, skateparks, and abundance of body builders, Venice is happily eccentric, and artistic. Exhibit A: Its network of European-style canals with charming bridges, offering a tranquil tour of the town’s history.

    View
  2. Sponsored

    Yes, Seattle!

    Ready to try something new this winter? Seattle’s ready for you! Beautiful by nature with its Puget Sound setting, surrounding mountains, and nearby national parks, winter in Seattle can be a magical and festive time. Ever been in a hot tub boat?...

    View
  3. Wine Down, Dine Out in Lake Chelan

    The fertile soil around Washington State's Lake Chelan is ripe for more than just the amazing apples. Vineyards here yield high quality grapes, and some of the country’s best less-discovered wineries. Locals know it, and you will too when you start choosing from the more than 30 wineries in the region.

    View
  4. What's Up, Winthrop!

    It’s not just its location close to Washington State’s spectacular and less visited national park (North Cascades) that makes Winthrop such a winsome mountain town. This lively enclave in the Methow Valley bristles with a whimsical blend of Wild West charms, contemporary culture, and a mosaic of outdoor adventures—from river to lake to waterfalls, and beyond.

    View