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Colorado Street Bridge: Pasadena's Landmark Crossing

Discover Pasadena's iconic Colorado Street Bridge: a historic landmark with stunning views and rich cultural significance.

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The Colorado Street Bridge, an iconic Beaux-Arts arch bridge in Pasadena, California, spans the Arroyo Seco. Built in 1913, it offers picturesque views and has been featured in numerous films, though it's also known for its dark history and suicide prevention measures.

A brief summary to Colorado Street Bridge

  • 504 W Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, South Arroyo, California, 91105, US

Local tips

  • Visit during sunset for the best photo opportunities, as the lighting enhances the bridge's beauty.
  • Take advantage of nearby Desiderio Neighborhood Park for a picnic or a leisurely walk before or after your visit to the bridge.
  • Check local events, as the bridge sometimes hosts festivals and community gatherings that enhance the experience.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the surrounding areas can involve walking on uneven terrain.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are near Old Pasadena, you can walk to the Colorado Street Bridge. Head west on Colorado Boulevard. The bridge is located at 504 W Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105. The walk from the heart of Old Pasadena takes about 20 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Pasadena Transit Route 10 runs along Colorado Boulevard. If you're coming from the Metro A Line, transfer to the Route 10 bus at either Allen Station or Memorial Park Station. Get off at the Colorado & Orange Grove Blvd stop. A single ride on Pasadena Transit costs $0.75.

  • Ride-sharing Services

    Use a ride-sharing app (Uber or Lyft) and set your destination to 'Colorado Street Bridge, 504 W Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105'. The driver will pick you up from your current location and drop you off near the bridge. A short ride from downtown Pasadena typically costs around $8-$12, depending on traffic and demand.

  • Driving

    If driving, take Colorado Boulevard west from downtown Pasadena. There is limited parking near the bridge. Desiderio Neighborhood Park, located under the bridge, has 10 regular parking spaces and 1 ADA parking space. Street parking is also available, but be sure to read the signs to avoid tickets.

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Discover more about Colorado Street Bridge

The Colorado Street Bridge, completed in 1913, is a historic landmark in Pasadena, California. Spanning the Arroyo Seco, the bridge connects Pasadena with neighboring cities and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Designed by Waddell & Harrington, the bridge showcases Beaux-Arts architecture with its graceful arches, ornate lamp posts, and classical balusters. Initially called the Arroyo Seco Bridge, it quickly became a vital transportation route, replacing the old Scoville Bridge and easing travel between Pasadena and Los Angeles. The bridge's construction was an engineering feat, requiring a curved design to ensure solid footings in the seasonally wet arroyo bed. During the Great Depression, the bridge gained notoriety as the "Suicide Bridge" due to numerous suicides. Today, a vertical barrier serves as a deterrent. The bridge has been featured in many movies and TV shows, including "La La Land". It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. Visitors can walk or drive across the bridge, taking in the views and appreciating its architectural details. Pasadena Heritage hosts a summer festival on the bridge, closing it to traffic.

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