Farnsworth Park

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Parks

California

Nearby: Mount Lowe Park Charles White Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Farnsworth Park is a 16-acre park located in the city of Altadena in Los Angeles County, California.

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Summary

There are several good reasons to visit Farnsworth Park, including its beautiful natural surroundings, historical landmarks, and recreational opportunities.

One of the most popular points of interest at Farnsworth Park is the historic amphitheater, which was built in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The amphitheater is still used for concerts and other events today. There is also a community center, playground, and picnic areas for visitors to enjoy.

The park has several hiking trails that offer stunning views of the San Gabriel Mountains and the surrounding area. The trails range in difficulty, making them accessible to hikers of all levels. Visitors can also enjoy playing tennis or basketball on the park's courts.

Interesting facts about Farnsworth Park include that the land was donated to the county in 1933 by Ada Farnsworth, a local resident who wanted to create a public park for the community. The park is also home to several rare plant species, including the Altadena milkweed and the Farnsworth manzanita.

The best time of year to visit Farnsworth Park depends on personal preference. Spring is a popular time to visit due to the blooming wildflowers and mild weather. Summer is a good time for outdoor activities like hiking and picnicking. Fall and winter offer cooler temperatures and smaller crowds.

Overall, Farnsworth Park is a hidden gem in California that offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy.

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

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