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Summary: In this scenic loop trip form Chantry flat, you'll climb by way of the Gabrielino Trail to Sturtevant Camp, and return by way of the Mt. Zion and Upper Winter Creek trails. You start down a paved road (.06 mi) . There is a restroom at the end of the pave road. You edge along side a number of small cabins. At 1.4 miles, amidst a beautiful oak woodland, you come to a 4 way junction of trails. Take the time to see 50-foot-high Sturtevant Falls, a worthy trip. Take the middle (lower) trail -the more scenic and exciting alternative. This trail slices across a sheer wall above the falls and continues through miniature cascades and pools. About 2.8 miles into the hike you will reach Cascade Picnic where ther are restrooms. Another .7 you will reach Spruce Grove trail Camp. This is a nice place to stop for a snack or you can continue to Sturtevant Camp which is .1 miles where you can relax and have a swing. Cross a dam and take the MT. Zion trail to upper Winter trail. Trailhead: From the Foothill Freeway(210) in Arcadia, exit on Santa Anita Avenue and drive six miles north to its end at Chantry Flat. The trail begins across the road from the parking lot. (Lat:34.19459 Lon:-118.02405) Trail Guides for Big Santa Anita Loop: Trails of the Angeles by John W. Robinson (Wilderness Press) Day Hikers Guide to Southern California by John McKinney (Olympus Press) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Horses, Ranger Contact: Angeles National Forest, (818) 790-1151 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Sandy Westphal, who has posted 1 other hike on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 14 Submit your own review parking can be difficult,but its a nice hike. I haven't done this hike in several years. I've done the short hike just back to the falls, but then also have done the loop going back up to Sturvant Camp, which was a blast. Ranger up there was very nice and informative. A few obstacles crossing some rock formations at the top of the falls & having to climb over a large tree that fell across the trail. All in all a good hike. This hike is great for a quick, easy, getaway. Fun to do the loop as a day-hike and if you've got the time cut off and explore a bit! Very good shady trail, even in hot sunny weather it is OK. Main problem is lack of parking space, at 8 a.m. Saturday no free space - take it into consideration planning visit on weekends. Actually there are no much scenic views because trail mostly under the trees. To catch some views I made hook to mt.Wilson, but it takes 6 miles and +2200 feet in height Crowded for a Tuesday, lots of big groups... So, to avoid, I did the lower trail (above the falls), upper trail loop... Took a few pictures. You can see on my blog. wp.me/p20vxx-sX Water levels are summer low, and sadly, apparently once again, lots of trash is being left behind at the bottom of the falls. This hike is more moderate than easy. We were sweating quite a bit and it definitely gets your heart rate up at times... It was really beautiful and shaded most of the time. On the way back we took the lower winter creek trail. Not sure what the difference is... We went on a thursday and once we passed sturtevant falls there was hardly anybody else on the trail... My only complaint was the flies. They were swarming around us and were very annoying during parts of the hike. Bring a bandana or something to swat them away with. we went until the sturtevant falls (4 mi RT) - the hike has a good shady trees almost 60% of the time. the waterfall is nice - it is very good to take a quick dip in (the water is pretty cold) trail condition is great and trail is easy to find I love to hike in Santa Anita, I've been there many times. I hiked this on my 40th birthday (January 12, 2011). Then did a slightly different hike to change it up yesterday but as always this is a great 10 mile hike that aims to keep you in shape and please the senses. The foot trails are in great shape although you will see some fallen trees and erosion in spots but trails are still safe. Best time to go is during the week as parking lot is more available. The temperature is fantastic for walking right now...in the shade its even a little on the nippy side. Waterfall still waterfull. There is a Subway sandwich shop a block East of Santa Anita on Foothill if you didn't pack a lunch. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Los Angeles County Hiking, Los Angeles County Trails, Los Angeles County Hikes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||