Sierra Madre

Sierra Madre is a residential city in the San Gabriel Valley foothills in Los Angeles County, spanning about 3 square miles. The city sits at the edge of Angeles National Forest at an elevation where hillsides and green valleys shape the landscape.

The city was founded in 1907 on what was originally Tongva Indian territory before settlers developed the area. Charles Worthington Jones served as the first mayor and shaped the community's early development.

The annual Wisteria Festival celebrates a giant climbing vine that has grown in town since the 1890s and draws visitors from across the region. The plant has become so well-known that it appears in local publications and travel guides, making the festival a focal point of community life.

When visiting, explore the hiking trails in the surrounding mountains and walk through the town's green streets and parks on foot. The climate is mild year-round, making long hikes possible any season, especially during cooler morning and evening hours.

The Mount Wilson Trail, dating from 1864, connects the city to the mountains and remains one of the most popular hiking routes in the area. Hikers regularly use this historic path to traverse through forests and over ridges while following in the footsteps of early mountain travelers.

Location: Los Angeles County

Inception: 1907

Elevation above the sea: 252 m

Shares border with: Arcadia, Pasadena

Website: http://ci.sierra-madre.ca.us

GPS coordinates: 34.16472,-118.05083

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:10