June 27, 2025. The Reopening of Monrovia Canyon Park Well, you get Canyon Park: The Sequel. But unlike some movie sequels that are pretty awful, the City of Monrovia got a sequel that is true to the original but oh-so-much better.
Canyon Park became “official” in 1911, yet the area had been utilized for decades prior. Hibbard and Polly Rankin settled in the Emerson Flat area around 1874. Around 1886, L.H. Emerson, for whom Emerson Flat is named, settled in the Sawpit Canyon area. For many years, Monrovians enjoyed hiking and camping in Canyon Park, even though getting there was difficult because there was no road. In1911, Taylor Renaker, member of a pioneer Monrovia family, started a group of volunteers building that road. Thus began the “official” Canyon Park.
Canyon Park became “official” in 1911, yet the area had been utilized for decades prior. Hibbard and Polly Rankin settled in the Emerson Flat area around 1874. Around 1886, L.H. Emerson, for whom Emerson Flat is named, settled in the Sawpit Canyon area. For many years, Monrovians enjoyed hiking and camping in Canyon Park, even though getting there was difficult because there was no road. In1911, Taylor Renaker, member of a pioneer Monrovia family, started a group of volunteers building that road. Thus began the “official” Canyon Park.
Mark Harvis, MHM Vice President For more than 100 years, Monrovians have enjoyed the amenities at Canyon Park, a jewel in the City’s Crown. The hikes, the falls, the nature center, the Cabin, camping — Canyon Park is a wonder in our backyard. Until September 2020, when the Bobcat Fire tore through the hillsides. No structures were burned in the park but the damage was significant, including dead trees, burnt vegetation, and heavy ashfall. The City jumped right in, cleaned the place up and reopened it in August, 2021. In December, though, the rains came. Torrential rains caused catastrophic damage to park facilities, including the roads, parking lots, fencing, bridges, rails, and trails. The park was closed. More rains in 2022 and 2023 caused even more damage. The closure was now complete.
Which is when the City got to work.
The water system had to be completely redone. The septic system was removed and everything put on a renewed sewer. Retaining walls needed to be repaired. Roads and parking lots needed to be regraded and resurfaced. The City didn’t just put bandages on the injuries. Instead, the City figured out how to fix what was broken and, at the same time, make the park better and more resilient without really changing the look and ambience we all loved.
Which is when the City got to work.
The water system had to be completely redone. The septic system was removed and everything put on a renewed sewer. Retaining walls needed to be repaired. Roads and parking lots needed to be regraded and resurfaced. The City didn’t just put bandages on the injuries. Instead, the City figured out how to fix what was broken and, at the same time, make the park better and more resilient without really changing the look and ambience we all loved.
Becky Shevlin, City of Monrovia Mayor The City didn’t just stop there. The entrance kiosk had been damaged. The new kiosk has heating and cooling, room for two rangers, windows, and a computer area. There is a new education center that includes a beautiful amphitheater. An overlook was installed near the Nature Center. Oh, and the falls — it’s still there. The trails have been repaired, although, sadly, many trees were lost. It’s not quite as shady along the trail as it used to be. But it’s still a wonderful hike suitable for all ages and skill levels.
Visitors can now enjoy new or improved features including expanded picnic areas and BBQs, a Meditation Platform, ADA-accessible paths and parking, and the beautifully renovated Nature Center—home again to our beloved “Samson the Bear.” Native plants are already thriving, and a new greenhouse will help reestablish Canyon Park’s ecosystem for generations to come.
Museum members have loved Canyon Park for decades. Now there is so much more to love. When we visited for the grand opening, we noticed that although the park is better, it really hasn’t changed. It’s Canyon Park. And that’s something. Watch KGEM-TV's coverage of the reopening.
Want more info? Want to visit? First, visit the City’s Canyon Park website and learn all about our brand-new yet not-brand-new park: click here
Visitors can now enjoy new or improved features including expanded picnic areas and BBQs, a Meditation Platform, ADA-accessible paths and parking, and the beautifully renovated Nature Center—home again to our beloved “Samson the Bear.” Native plants are already thriving, and a new greenhouse will help reestablish Canyon Park’s ecosystem for generations to come.
Museum members have loved Canyon Park for decades. Now there is so much more to love. When we visited for the grand opening, we noticed that although the park is better, it really hasn’t changed. It’s Canyon Park. And that’s something. Watch KGEM-TV's coverage of the reopening.
Want more info? Want to visit? First, visit the City’s Canyon Park website and learn all about our brand-new yet not-brand-new park: click here
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