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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden hour light
Colorado Street Bridge Los Angeles
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden hour light

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic 1913 Beaux-Arts bridge with grand arches, offering stunning views and a peaceful park below. A historic Pasadena landmark.
"Majestic 1913 Colorado Street Bridge is a stunning historic bridge with a park underneath."
🎯 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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
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
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
Bridge History & Nickname
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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.
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
The bridge offers stunning architectural shots, especially with the streetlamps at dusk.
🧺 Picnic Paradise
Desiderio Park underneath is ideal for a peaceful picnic with great bridge 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.
🚶♀️ Pedestrian Access is Key
The bridge is fully accessible to pedestrians. Enjoy a walk and take in the architecture and views.
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
The bridge offers stunning architectural shots, especially with the streetlamps at dusk.
🧺 Picnic Paradise
Desiderio Park underneath is ideal for a peaceful picnic with great bridge views.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
Absolutely! The Colorado Street Bridge is fully accessible to pedestrians. You can walk across it and enjoy the views and architecture.
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.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to visit or walk across the Colorado Street Bridge. It is a public landmark.
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.
There is no admission fee to access the Colorado Street Bridge. It's a free public space for everyone to enjoy.
While accessible to pedestrians, it's important to be respectful of the historic structure. There are no specific restrictions mentioned beyond general public conduct.
Yes, photographers are welcome on the Colorado Street Bridge. It's a popular spot for portraits and architectural photography.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful light for photography. The streetlamps on the bridge create a magical atmosphere at dusk.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🌳 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.
Yes, Desiderio Neighborhood Park is well-maintained with clean bathrooms, picnic tables, and a kids' play area, making it great for families.
The bridge itself can attract visitors, but the park underneath is often described as peaceful and not crowded, especially on weekdays.
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.'
Yes, Desiderio Neighborhood Park, located beneath the bridge, is well-maintained and includes clean restrooms.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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
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.
🚶♀️ Pedestrian Explorers
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Significance and History
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.
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
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.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit