Armand Bayou Hike & Bike Trails - Fairmont Parkway Trail Head — Attraction in Pasadena

So I foolishly thought that by training on this trail, I'd be super prepared for my Bastrop trail 25k race. I was super wrong. This is not a technical trail by any means. But being a trail running newbie, I didn't know that, and it's totally not these trails' fault I had no clue what I was getting myself into (that's a different review for a different day). But it's still a fantastic running/walking path with enough miles to get your long runs in.

The only thing that's tough is that there are very few bathrooms on the trail; only porta potties at Big Island Slough, which are sometimes clean and sometimes not. Pro tip: it doesn't matter if you carry wet wipes. The others are Holly Bay Park, which are actual inside bathrooms, and of course the Valero at Bay Area and Red Bluff. The water fountains are few and far between as well, also at Big Island Slough and Holly Bay Park, and of course water for purchase at Valero. Typically, for my long runs, I park at the Fairmont trail head, and run out, then come back in and fill my water bottles back at my car from my RTIC cup, then head back out, sometimes over to Holly Bay if I need the bathrooms.

Most of the trails are nice and flat and smooth with crushed gravel, but I still wear trail gaiters as I hate rocks in my shoes. Like I said, it's a zero for difficulty, but if you need some short hill work, the culverts a couple of mines in from the Fairmont Parkway parking lot is ok. Some of the bike trails look a little more hilly but of course, you have to watch for the cyclists!

I really enjoy running here, although it's about a 20 minute drive. I feel safe, and it's easier on my knees than the pavement. I wish there were more bathrooms, but I can usually deal. All in all, this is a great place to run and a hidden gem in the area. Or maybe not hidden,...

Beings I haven't gone on this trail in years my review is a little jaded. It is an absolutely beautiful trail, don't get me wrong! But Google prompted me to write a review merely because I was close to it when I went to feed my son's dogs the other day. I felt like Google was taunting me by requesting a review of the trail by letting me know it knows my every move if my phone is with me. Second rant, Armond Bayou Reserve is quite a ways off from this trail but the trail follows Armond Bayou and eventually leads to the Nature Reserve. This reserve is awesome, I hiked it once among the snakes and spiders, it is truely beautiful raw nature. BUT, something is getting WAY OUT OF BALANCE at that reserve. Deadly poisonous snakes are almost a weekly find on the neighborhood watch bulletins. Water mocasscins right out on the porch, lawns & driveways. And a rouge alligator every now and then. Isn't there away to keep a...

If this is for the end of the street neighborhood park... As far as the hike & bike trails section go's, It's nice & peaceful I guess, just don't understand why it looks as if so many trees have been removed & clearing being done... I've been going here for years & its obvious to me thats what's happening... maybe they were already dying or a safety hazzard. It's possible I guess. Still enjoyable in the evening, (which is when we usually go). Now for the other part of the park, there's the all newly redone walking track. Really nice & wide,smooth & level... but that area really does needs more trees. Although they just added & recently finished a dog park section that's all fenced in with quite a few newly planted trees in it. There's also a pretty nice playground area there with...