Whenever I visit Pasadena, California, I try to walk along the Arroyo Seco where a seasonal creek runs through the canyon. It’s not far from the Rose Bowl, and from there, I can look up through the towering sycamores to see the historic Colorado Street Bridge rising grandly above.

At the turn of the 20th century, the Arroyo was the cultural heart of Pasadena. Picturesque bungalows still line the streets bordering the canyon, and many of Greene & Greene’s ultimate bungalows were built overlooking its natural beauty. Charles Sumner Greene, the senior architect, even designed his family home with views of the serene Arroyo wilderness.

The Arroyo is always peaceful, and over the years, I’ve sketched many of the stunning oaks and gnarly sycamores. Warm sunshine and gentle shadows create a calming atmosphere, with the occasional glimpse of the iconic Colorado Street Bridge peeking through the green and gold foliage.