Sierra Madre

Nicknamed “The Village of the Foothills,” the City of Sierra Madre is three square miles of history and modern convenience. Much of Sierra Madre’s charm rests in the retention of its small-town character despite decades of surrounding growth and modernization.

Sierra Madre is divided into two areas: The Canyon, noted for being a distinct community with a somewhat alternative lifestyle, and the City. The Canyon is characterized by narrow and winding roads, lush vegetation, views of the San Gabriel Valley, and small bungalows or cabins. The “City” area of Sierra Madre offers many styles and options for real estate, with homeowners enjoying easy access to the beautiful mountains and hiking trails. The downtown district consists mainly of small mom-and-pop type stores, hardware stores, and coffee shops. The town is also home to the only remaining volunteer fire department in the Greater Los Angeles area and has no traffic signals within its town limits.

Sierra Madre School began in 1882 as a one-room schoolhouse. A total renovation in 1930 created one of the most beautiful schools in the country, designed in the Spanish mission revival style. Now called Sierra Madre Elementary, it is one of the favorite elementary schools in the Pasadena school district. There are also a variety of private schools in Sierra Madre, including the Gooden School (K-8), Bethany Christian (pre-8th grade), Saint Rita Parish and Elementary School (K-8), and Alverno High School (all girls, grades 9-12).

Sierra Madre has a strong sense of community, reflected by the well attended events throughout the year. The Friends of the Sierra Madre Library present an annual wine tasting in February and an art fair in May. The Chamber of Commerce sponsors the Wistaria Festival, celebrating the community and the world famous wistaria vine, in March. In June the British Home holds its June Faire, the Passionist Fathers Monastery hosts a Family Fiesta, and the Sierra Madre Historical Preservation Society sponsors an Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social. The 4th of July Committee produces a spectacular parade and community picnic every year and there are summer concerts in the park throughout the summer. In September Sierra Madre gears up for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. Kiwanis Club of Sierra Madre offers a pancake breakfast to kick off the relay event. In October, Sierra Madre celebrates Pioneer Days with many fun, educational events relating to local and California history. At the end of October, Sierra Madre Civic Club sponsors window painting and Kiwanis Club holds a Halloween Parade.

HISTORY

The quaint Sierra Madre community, which rests in the beautiful canyons, was a former mountain resort in the 19th century. The Sierra Madre Villa Hotel was a pioneer of summer resorts that populated the San Gabriel Valley in the late-1800s. Adams’ Pack Station, located within the 91024 zip code at Chantry Flat, is the last remaining pack station in Southern California.

The municipality also operates maintains the landmark Lizzie’s Trail in at the head of Old Mount Wilson Trail. In 1881 Nathaniel Carter purchased the original 1,103 acres that comprise Sierra Madre: 813 from “Lucky” Baldwin; 108 from the Southern Pacific Railroad Company; and 150 from Levi Richardson.