Why visit
The Colorado Street Bridge combines striking early-20th-century architecture with free, sweeping views of the Arroyo Seco and the San Gabriel Mountains. It's a rewarding stop for photographers and history lovers, especially at golden hour when the lamps and arches glow.
Soaring above the Arroyo Seco on the western edge of Pasadena, the Colorado Street Bridge is one of Southern California's most photographed pieces of infrastructure, its tall, gently curving concrete arches and ornate light standards evoking an earlier era of grand engineering. Pedestrian walkways let visitors stroll the span and take in views of the wooded canyon below, the nearby Rose Bowl, and the mountains beyond. At dusk, the vintage-style lamps glow against the sky, making it a favorite for photographers and evening walks.
The bridge's beauty is tinged with a somber reputation; it earned the grim nickname 'Suicide Bridge' over the years, and protective barriers have since been added. Today it stands restored and celebrated, anchoring an historic district of stately homes and hosting an annual community festival on the span. Whether you come for the architecture, the views, or the photo opportunities, it's a memorable and free stop just minutes from Old Pasadena.
History
Completed in 1913, the Colorado Street Bridge was an engineering marvel for its time, carrying traffic high above the Arroyo Seco on a series of distinctive curved arches in the Beaux-Arts style. Long known by the suspicious 'Suicide Bridge' nickname, it was closed for a major seismic restoration in the early 1990s and reopened with added safety railings, and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Insider Tips
- ✦Visit at sunset for the most dramatic light on the arches.
- ✦Walk down into the Arroyo for a classic view from below.
- ✦Combine it with nearby Old Pasadena or the Rose Bowl.
Photo Tips
- 📸Shoot from below in the Arroyo to capture the full sweep of the arches.
- 📸Frame the lamp standards along the walkway at sunset.
- 📸Use the curve of the bridge for a leading-line composition.
Before You Go
- ✓Check for any event closures, such as the annual bridge festival.
- ✓A common mistake is only viewing from the road; walk the pedestrian path for the best experience.
- ✓Confirm parking on nearby streets and respect residential signage.
Visiting with family
The flat, railed walkway is easy for strollers and a pleasant short walk for kids. Keep little ones close near the edges and enjoy spotting the Rose Bowl in the distance.
Where to Eat Nearby
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Colorado Street Bridge FAQ
Can I walk across the bridge?
Yes, pedestrian walkways let you stroll the span and enjoy views of the Arroyo Seco and mountains.
Is it free to visit?
Yes, walking and photographing the bridge is free.
Why is it called Suicide Bridge?
The 1913 bridge earned that somber nickname over the years; protective railings have since been added during its restoration.
Nearby Neighborhoods
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Glendale is a clean, prosperous foothill city known for premier shopping at the Americana and Galleria, a vibrant Armenian community, and the historic Forest Lawn cemetery. It blends suburban polish with rich cultural diversity at the edge of the San Gabriel foothills.
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Downtown LA is the dense, dynamic heart of the city, blending historic architecture, world-class museums, sports arenas, and a revitalized dining and arts scene. It's where you'll find cultural landmarks, rooftop bars, and some of LA's best food, all in a walkable grid. A wave of redevelopment has turned it into one of the city's most exciting districts.
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Colorado Street Bridge on the map
See Colorado Street Bridge and what's nearby in pasadena.
Map pins are approximate and for visitor planning only — they may not mark the exact entrance or parking. Please check official directions before visiting.
Places shown on this map (9)
- Colorado Street Bridge — Architecture
- Norton Simon Museum — Museums
- Old Pasadena — Shopping
- Pasadena City Hall — Architecture
- Rose Bowl Stadium — Sports
- Eaton Canyon — Hiking
- The Gamble House — Architecture
- Glendale — Neighborhood
- Downtown LA — Neighborhood