Welcome to Sierra Madre
A natural wonder along the foothills of the San Gabriel Valley
Located in the foothills of the San Gabriel Valley, just south of Angeles National Forest, lies the charming town of Sierra Madre. Known as the “Village of the Foothills,” this small town is one of California’s hidden gems, and its rustic character is an alluring trait for those seeking a retreat from city life.
The neighborhood of Sierra Madre is not your average, cookie-cutter community. Homes in this area offer classic charm and endless character, which are highly desirable qualities of the housing market today. From quirky, turn-of-the-century structures to bungalows and post-WWII builds, the diverse range of styles is what draws people to Sierra Madre.
What to Love
- Rustic charm of the neighborhood alongside a mountainous backdrop
- Whimsical “downtown” atmosphere with unique shops and restaurants
- Proximity to Angeles National Forest provides endless outdoor recreation opportunities
Local Lifestyle
Minutes from Pasadena City Center and the freeway to Los Angeles, Sierra Madre offers laid-back suburban living with all of the modern conveniences of big-city life. The historic downtown center is highly walkable and adorable, with endearing shops and restaurants lining the lamp-lit streets of eclectic architecture and artsy design. Residents enjoy the “old town” qualities of the Sierra Madre neighborhoods and appreciate a slower-paced lifestyle. The area is comparable to a well-maintained and authentic neighborhood of the 1960s “Canyon Country” atmosphere
Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping
Roe Fusion is a new, upscale restaurant in Sierra Madre. After experiencing wide success with his catering business and Slammin’ Sliders Food Truck, it was time for the owner and executive chef Philip Ozaki to bring a sit-down restaurant to the neighborhood. Menu items highlight fresh sushi and steak — Roe Fusion’s signature dishes. The restaurant’s ambiance is eclectic and vibrant and features a stunning turquoise koi fish mural in a bright, open dining room.
Offering traditional and fun ice cream flavors along with fresh-baked goods, Mother Moo Creamery requires a stamp of approval before they create and stock any flavor. Their products are all organic, locally curated from small farms, purchased from female-owned businesses when possible, and priced fairly. Their ice cream is regularly labeled as one of the best in Southern California, and they offer traditional flavors like vanilla, cinnamon, and mint chocolate chip, as well as innovative flavors like Cornflakes and raw honey.
Release your creativity in a peaceful and beautiful setting at the Lavender Marketplace and Workshop. Offering many different classes in ceramics, mosaics, weaving, and silk art, the Lavender Marketplace is a unique spot to learn new skills, enjoy a delicious lunch, and stroll through the gardens. Their workshops have been featured on HGTV, Martha Stewart Weddings, “Style Me Pretty,” and “She Sheds Style” magazines. The marketplace is also a favorite destination for gorgeous weddings and private parties.
Things to Do
For direct access to Little Santa Anita Canyon with jaw-dropping views, hike the Mt. Wilson Trail. The trail ascends 5,715 feet to the top of Mt. Wilson, which yields stunning, panoramic views of the gorge below. Another popular hiking spot is Bailey Canyon Park, also known as Grove Park, which offers beautiful canyon views and a great workout. Hiking from Bailey Canyon to Hastings Peak is a favorite route — the 6.5-mile loop yields views of the canyons below and the city in the distance. The area was previously a hunting ground for coyotes in the 1800s, and some hikers claim to see many of them still wandering the trails in the early morning hours.
In the late 1800s, a plant was beginning to blossom on the hillsides of Sierra Madre. The wisteria vine began to grow and expanded its growth to cover every inch of a few backyards. The residents of Sierra Madre love their wistaria vine so much that they started the annual Wistaria Festival, held around blooming-time in March, and even changed the spelling of the traditional “wisteria” to fit their local flavor. With over 100 vendors and exhibits each year, the Wistaria Festival is a favorite community event, one that is highly anticipated each year. Residents purchase tickets to glimpse the sprawling wisteria vine and enjoy live music, local food, and family-friendly events.
The Huck Finn Fishing Derby is a weekend of camping and fishing held annually in March. The weekend includes a family campout complete with stargazing and s’mores, a “Best Cooked Fish” contest, an afternoon of celebrating famous literary character Huckleberry Finn, and a huge fishing contest for families.