The walk to do after enjoying all those dumplings in Monterey Park

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To enjoy a sliver of the wild in the midst of Monterey Park, hit the Edison Trail, which rises to a hillside lookout.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

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High-tension wires overhead are evidence of a Southern California Edison station near the upper lookout. Hence the trail’s name.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

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A view from Edison Trails Park. The trail rises here from La Loma Park at the base.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

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The stroll takes in grassy as well as dry terrain.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

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A playful water fountain inside a lion’s mouth near a La Loma Park playground -- the trail’s base.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

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The trail rises along a corridor of hilly terrain.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

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Joggers take advantage of the parks area too.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

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Scrub and patchy stands of trees along the trail.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

By Charles Fleming

Nov. 11, 2018 12:45 PM PT

Folks may think more about great Chinese food than great walking when they head to Monterey Park. But this is a terrific city stroll along Edison Trail that will help you burn off the lo mein and moo shu.

1. Begin this walk at La Loma Park, off Fulton Avenue near the intersection with Ackley Street. Leave your car in the lower parking lot, climb a set of stairs, cross the driveway and begin walking downhill on the wide patch of grass.

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2. Cross Fulton, pass a drinking fountain and a park bench, and begin walking uphill underneath the high-tension electrical towers overhead.

3. Cross Mancha Way, pass another drinking fountain and bench, and walk downhill, noting along the way the pepper trees, oak trees and coral trees that dot the path but don’t offer much shade.

4. Cross Lupine Avenue and climb again as the trail rises to one final hill, this one presenting some good westerly views of downtown Los Angeles.

5. Cross Kempton Avenue, and walk downhill toward a grassy park and the Southern California Edison station across Garfield Avenue that gives this trail its name. You may pause here to picnic, use the public restrooms or take advantage of the drinking fountains, barbecue grills and park benches scattered about.

6. Once you’re revived, make the return journey to your starting point, where you’ll also find picnic tables and barbecue grills.

Fleming is the author of “Secret Stairs: A Walking Guide to the Historic Staircases of Los Angeles” and “Secret Walks: A Walking Guide to the Hidden Trails of Los Angeles.” Each month, he leads a free walk at one of his favorite spots in Southern California. Find out more at his Facebook page, Secret Stairs. He is on Twitter @misterfleming

STATS

Distance: 1.5 miles round trip

Difficulty: 2 on a scale of 1 to 5

Duration: 45 minutes

Details: Free parking. OK for pets on leashes and bicycles. Bus service via Monterey Park routes 1, 2 and 3.

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