Colorado Street Bridge, Los Angeles - a bridge with cars on it
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Colorado Street Bridge Los Angeles

4.6
·634 reviews·Pasadena, United States

Iconic 1913 Beaux-Arts bridge with grand arches, offering stunning views and a peaceful park below. A historic Pasadena landmark.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, golden hour light

CrowdLow
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Colorado Street Bridge, Los Angeles - a bridge with cars on it

Colorado Street Bridge Los Angeles

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, golden hour light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic 1913 Beaux-Arts bridge with grand arches, offering stunning views and a peaceful park below. A historic Pasadena landmark.

4.6
(634 reviews)

"Majestic 1913 Colorado Street Bridge is a stunning historic bridge with a park underneath."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Finding the East Entrance

Head to Desiderio Neighborhood Park on the east side. A pathway through the park leads directly to the bridge.

🚶‍♀️ Pedestrian Access is Key

The bridge is fully accessible to pedestrians. Enjoy a walk and take in the architecture and views.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Majestic Arches

Majestic Arches

The entire span of the bridge

Admire the bold, soaring arches of this 1913 Beaux-Arts architectural masterpiece. A true icon of Pasadena.

Desiderio Neighborhood Park

Desiderio Neighborhood Park

Underneath the bridge (east side)

A peaceful, often uncrowded park perfect for picnics with clean facilities and a playground. Great views of the bridge from below.

Historic Pedestrian Walkway

Historic Pedestrian Walkway

On the bridge itself

Stroll across the bridge, taking in panoramic views of the Arroyo Seco and surrounding areas. Fully accessible to pedestrians.

Planning Your Visit

Accessing the Bridge

Navigating to the Colorado Street Bridge can be tricky. While it's accessible to pedestrians, finding the best entry points requires local knowledge. Look for Desiderio Neighborhood Park on the east side for a clear pathway up. Reddit

Bridge History & Nickname

Built in 1913, this Beaux-Arts marvel is known for its stunning arches and historic significance. It's also infamously nicknamed 'Suicide Bridge,' a somber reminder of its past, though it's now a safe and popular spot for visitors. Instagram

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, golden hour light
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Beautiful sunset views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Kinda Interesting Things #135: The Hidden Walkway on the 110 If you’re in LA, and don’t have a car, and you need to get between Chinatown and Lincoln Heights or Cypress Park, there’s a hidden walkway ...
@norbertobriceno
34.1K likes • 390.3K views

🎯 Finding the East Entrance

Head to Desiderio Neighborhood Park on the east side. A pathway through the park leads directly to the bridge. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Pedestrian Access is Key

The bridge is fully accessible to pedestrians. Enjoy a walk and take in the architecture and views. Reddit

The Colorado Street Bridge 🌉(1913) is a historic Beaux Arts bridge that spreads over Pasadena. The bridge was built across the Arroyo Seco to ease travel between Pasadena and Los Angeles. . . #colora...
oskr.visualss
913 likes • 14.1K views
Colorado Street Bridge is stunning historic bridge that has a small little park underneath called Desiderio Neighborhood Park. It is well maintained with clean bathrooms, picnic tables and kids play a...
tamara__gulina
15 likes • 365 views

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

The bridge offers stunning architectural shots, especially with the streetlamps at dusk. Instagram

🧺 Picnic Paradise

Desiderio Park underneath is ideal for a peaceful picnic with great bridge views. Reddit

Suicide Bridge – Colorado Street Bridge in Pasadena, California. Colorado Street Bridge, Pasadena, California Colorado Street Bridge, Pasadena, California The majestic 1913 Colorado Street Bridge in ...
maverickporsche
0 likes • 391 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Finding the East Entrance

Head to Desiderio Neighborhood Park on the east side. A pathway through the park leads directly to the bridge. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Pedestrian Access is Key

The bridge is fully accessible to pedestrians. Enjoy a walk and take in the architecture and views. Reddit

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

The bridge offers stunning architectural shots, especially with the streetlamps at dusk. Instagram

🧺 Picnic Paradise

Desiderio Park underneath is ideal for a peaceful picnic with great bridge views. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(634 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Colorado Street Bridge's stunning Beaux-Arts architecture and its picturesque views. The adjacent Desiderio Neighborhood Park is praised for its peaceful atmosphere and family-friendly amenities. Some note the bridge's somber nickname, but overall, it's considered a beautiful and accessible landmark.

"Stopped by the Colorado Street Bridge on our way to Ventura Beach Pier and it was definitely worth it! You can get some great views and cool photos from Desiderio Park, including a nice shot of Pasadena City Hall in the distance. Peaceful spot with a touch of history — glad we made the stop!"

Neen Cook

"We visited around 930ish on July 22,2025. I have always seen it driving through the freeway and never get to stop and take photos. Last night, we finally did and it was beautiful."

Quennie May Galarpe

"big bridge, has a sad history as the “suicide bridge”. but it now has metal railing around it to hopefully prevent that from happening again. it’s ok to look at, i liked the park next to it, that’s where you should park."

charisma barriger

What People Like

Stunning architecture
Scenic views
Peaceful park

What People Dislike

Somber nickname

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

While direct public transport to the bridge itself can be challenging, you can take a bus to nearby areas like Chinatown or Lincoln Heights and then utilize pedestrian walkways. Some TikTok creators mention a hidden walkway on the 110 freeway for transit between neighborhoods. TikTok

Parking can be found near Desiderio Neighborhood Park on the east side of the bridge, which also provides access to a pedestrian pathway. Street parking may be available in the surrounding residential areas. Reddit

Yes, a hidden walkway known as the A Royal Cycle Parkway is located on the 110 freeway, offering a route between Chinatown and areas like Lincoln Heights or Cypress Park, potentially connecting to the bridge vicinity. TikTok

Absolutely! The Colorado Street Bridge is fully accessible to pedestrians. You can walk across it and enjoy the views and architecture. Reddit

The most recommended pedestrian entrance is via Desiderio Neighborhood Park on the east side of the bridge. A pathway through the park leads you directly to the bridge. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no tickets required to visit or walk across the Colorado Street Bridge. It is a public landmark. Reddit

The bridge is generally accessible during daylight hours. The park underneath, Desiderio Neighborhood Park, typically has standard park hours. It's best to check local park schedules if you plan to visit the park area. Instagram

There is no admission fee to access the Colorado Street Bridge. It's a free public space for everyone to enjoy. Reddit

While accessible to pedestrians, it's important to be respectful of the historic structure. There are no specific restrictions mentioned beyond general public conduct. Reddit

Yes, photographers are welcome on the Colorado Street Bridge. It's a popular spot for portraits and architectural photography. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful light for photography. The streetlamps on the bridge create a magical atmosphere at dusk. Instagram

You can capture stunning architectural shots of the bridge's arches, panoramic views of the Arroyo Seco, and portraits with the bridge as a backdrop. Instagram+1

Try shooting from Desiderio Neighborhood Park below for a unique perspective of the bridge's grandeur. Walking across the bridge also provides excellent vantage points. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and near public landmarks. It's advisable to check local regulations before attempting to fly a drone. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the bridge and its arches. A telephoto lens can be useful for details. A tripod is recommended for low-light photography at dusk. Instagram

🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience

You can walk across the bridge, admire its architecture, and enjoy the scenic views. The park underneath, Desiderio Neighborhood Park, offers picnic spots and a playground. Instagram

Yes, Desiderio Neighborhood Park is well-maintained with clean bathrooms, picnic tables, and a kids' play area, making it great for families. Instagram

The bridge itself can attract visitors, but the park underneath is often described as peaceful and not crowded, especially on weekdays. Reddit

Built in 1913, it's a historic Beaux-Arts bridge that eased travel between Pasadena and Los Angeles. It's also known by the nickname 'Suicide Bridge.' Instagram+1

Yes, Desiderio Neighborhood Park, located beneath the bridge, is well-maintained and includes clean restrooms. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Colorado Street Bridge and its surrounding park offer a delightful outing for families. Desiderio Neighborhood Park, located beneath the bridge, is a fantastic spot for kids. It boasts a playground, picnic tables, and clean restrooms, making it easy to spend a few hours here. Instagram

While walking on the bridge itself offers impressive views, the park provides a safe and engaging space for children to play. The bridge's grand architecture can also spark curiosity and imagination in younger visitors. It’s a great opportunity to combine a bit of history and sightseeing with family fun.

📸 Photographers and Art Enthusiasts

The Colorado Street Bridge is a dream location for photographers and anyone who appreciates stunning architecture. Its Beaux-Arts design with grand arches and elegant lampposts provides endless opportunities for captivating shots. Instagram+1

Consider visiting during the golden hour for soft, beautiful light, or at dusk when the bridge's iconic streetlamps illuminate, creating a magical ambiance. The views from the bridge itself, overlooking the Arroyo Seco, also offer picturesque backdrops. Photographers on Reddit confirm it's a popular and accessible spot for portrait sessions. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Pedestrian Explorers

For those exploring Los Angeles on foot, the Colorado Street Bridge is a must-visit. It's fully accessible to pedestrians, allowing you to truly appreciate its scale and design. Reddit

Make sure to utilize the pathway from Desiderio Neighborhood Park for the most straightforward access. Walking across the bridge offers panoramic views and a sense of its historical significance. Some creative routes, like the hidden freeway walkway mentioned on TikTok, might appeal to adventurous walkers looking for unique ways to navigate the city. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Significance and History

The Colorado Street Bridge is a magnificent example of Beaux-Arts architecture, completed in 1913. Its design features bold arches and elegant streetlamps, making it a visually striking landmark. The bridge was a crucial piece of infrastructure, built to span the Arroyo Seco and significantly ease travel between Pasadena and Los Angeles. Its construction was a feat of engineering for its time, showcasing the ambition and style of early 20th-century public works. Instagram

Despite its architectural beauty, the bridge carries a somber history and is infamously known as the 'Suicide Bridge.' This nickname stems from a period where it was a site for suicides. However, the city has since implemented safety measures, including a 10-foot chain-link fence, to deter such tragedies. Today, it stands as a testament to history, a popular spot for photography, and a scenic route for pedestrians. InstagramReddit

For those interested in its past, understanding the context of its construction and the subsequent challenges it faced adds a layer of depth to the visitor experience. It's a place where history, architecture, and natural beauty converge.

Navigating Access and Nearby Amenities

Finding the best way to access the Colorado Street Bridge is a common question among visitors. While it's fully open to pedestrians, the entry points can be a bit obscure. Many travelers recommend using Desiderio Neighborhood Park on the east side of the bridge as the primary access point. This park not only offers a clear pathway up to the bridge but also provides a pleasant space to relax. Reddit

Desiderio Neighborhood Park is a hidden gem that complements the bridge experience. It's described as peaceful and usually not crowded, making it an ideal spot for a picnic or a quiet moment. The park is well-maintained, featuring clean bathrooms, picnic tables, and a children's play area, making it a family-friendly destination. InstagramReddit

For those arriving without a car, some creative solutions exist. One TikTok video highlights a hidden walkway on the 110 freeway, the A Royal Cycle Parkway, which can serve as a route between neighborhoods like Chinatown and Lincoln Heights, potentially offering an alternative approach to the bridge area. TikTok

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