Traffic on Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena will be replaced by barbecues, folding chairs and coolers starting Wednesday night before the 137th annual Roses Parade on New Year’s Day.
That means road closures, traffic and lots of people. The rainy weather forecast adds another layer of difficulty for campers and fairgoers.
Before the petals ring, here’s what you need to know:
Road closures
The 5.5-mile parade route begins at Orange Grove Boulevard, then turns east into Colorado for most of the march before ending at Sierra Madre Boulevard.
Road closures will begin at 10pm on New Year’s Day, with roads reopening at 2pm on New Year’s Day:
- Officials will block traffic in Colorado, the main leg of the parade route.
- All northbound and southbound intersections between Del Mar Boulevard and the 210 Freeway will also be closed to traffic during that time.
- Sierra Madre Boulevard will be closed to southbound traffic for an extended period of time.
A midnight 5K race will add another layer of nighttime restrictions.
Beginning at 11 p.m. Wednesday, through traffic will be closed at several intersections between Pasadena and Hill avenues, including El Molino, Fair Oaks, Marengo, Los Robles, Lake and Wilson avenues. Those intersections will be reopened once the race is over.
Race planning will start even earlier. The streets along Colorado Boulevard from St. John Avenue to De Lacey Avenue, and from Marengo Avenue to Euclid Avenue, will be closed at 6 p.m. Wednesday.
Getting to the show
The parade starts at 8 am and lasts for two hours.
Officials recommend that you avoid driving to the event. Metro’s A Line (Gold) runs along the parade route and provides access to many viewing areas.
For those driving, plan to get there early. Campers and overnight spectators will line the streets along the parade route starting Wednesday morning. The Pasadena Department of Transportation is advising “strongly” park riders before 6 a.m. on the day of the event. Rose Bowl parking can be purchased in advance.
Drivers trying to get around the closure are encouraged to use Walnut Street or the 210 Freeway to travel eastbound to westbound Colorado Boulevard, and southbound Del Mar Boulevard or Cordova Street. The 134 Freeway is also an option.
For information on New Year’s Day towing, call (626) 577-6426 between 5pm Wednesday and 6pm Thursday.
Traffic rules
Rain is expected at this year’s Rose Parade, but umbrellas are not allowed on the parade route because they prevent other people from watching. Wear a rain jacket or poncho instead.
Camping is allowed along the parade route starting Wednesday. All items, including blankets, chairs and bags, must remain on the curb until 11 p.m.
After that time, spectators may proceed along the green “line of fame” chalked on the road but not over it.
Tents, fires and fireworks are not allowed.
As temperatures drop, campers are urged to use weather-rated sleeping bags. Small, professionally manufactured barbecues are permitted, provided they are raised at least one foot off the ground, placed at least 25 feet from buildings, and accompanied by a nearby fire extinguisher.
Questions about closures or access can be directed to the visitor hotline at (877) 793-9911 or found online.
