|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
![]()
Reporter |
Summary: This trail is one of my favorites in Southern California. The trail descends into the forested, picturesque Big Santa Anita Canyon. The trail follows Santa Anita Creek upstream to spectacular Sturtevant falls, dropping 50 foot into a lovely pool. Beyond the waterfall on the lower trail is stunningly beauty with cascades, giant ferns, and an almost fairy tale like remoteness. 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:34.19589 Lon:-118.02285) Trail Guides for Big Santa Anita Canyon: 101 Hikes in Southern California by Jerry Schad (Wilderness Press) Day Hikers Guide to Southern California by John McKinney (Olympus Press) Trails of the Angles - 100 Hikes in the San Gabriels by John W. Robinson (Wilderness Press) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Horses, Ranger Contact: Angeles National Forest, (818) 899-1900 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jim Zuber, who has posted 104 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 19 Submit your own review One of my favorite trails, the complexity mixed with the cabins along the trail really do make the experience that much greater. One i will cherish and pass on to others. Visited the falls as part of an overnight trip to Hogee's Camp on June 17-18. The canyon floor is absolutely spectactular this time of year - wild flowers blooming, sun streaming through a beautiful canopy of trees overhead, butterflies everywhere. The falls are running well and we jumped in the pool at the bottom for a refreshing swim. Deer flies are there this time of year, but they don't bother you if you're hiking and even when you stop long enough for them to catch up to you, they don't bite. My only reservation is the crowds - we went on a Monday and there were still lots of people. Didn't detract from the impressive beauty but don't expect solitude. Can't imagine how crowded the weekends must be. Just hiked this beautiful trail on Saturday May 26,2012 w/my sisters. We hung out at Starbucks until 8am. Then purchased the adventure pass from liquor store (stores don't open till 8am.) First time going, it was a perfect day for hike gloomy and breezy. We enjoyed our lunch at the waterfall and took pictures. It was crowded, I guess because it was Memorial Day weekend. The trail is moderate,easy enough for me to go back w/my daughters. Didn't meditate (too many people) noisy. Next time go earlier to get good parking spot. This hike is by far and away my favorite hike in Southern California! My boyfriend & I and friends alike have hiked this trail about 5 times now! It is gorgeous! The best time to hike this trail is in late spring, early summer! Favorite hike of all time. It is well worth it, lots of greenery! :) Hiked today, noonish. Overcast conditions. No problem with mountain bikers. Went to Sturdevant (sic) Falls. From that point, did the (horse?) loop trail. Can't remember the name exactly. One thing to remember is if you park on the road before the parking lot you still need to pay for a $5 parking permit (huh?...to park on the roadside :-) If you park on the road go up to buy your permit first, otherwise you will need to trek up and back before the hiking even begins. Enjoyed the hike and scenery a lot Very nice hike, but some of the trails weren't mark well. But it's beautiful and a good work out too. Lots of people! Would have given 5 stars. But Forest Service caved and allowed mtn bikers. Almost got ran over by 5 of them on 6/11/11. They do not slow down, do not yield, and insist you dive off the HIKING trail for them. Glad I wore Hi-Viz shirt, otherwise I would require a chopper lift out. They tear up the trail and have someone drop off at the top, hence they don't pay a dime (no Forest Adven Pass needed). Contact the Ranger station and get these ingrates out of this area. Went on this hike Thursday, June 2 and had a great time. I did the hermit falls trail and the sturtevant falls trail from Chantry Flat. Pros: 1. Well maintained trails 2. Beautiful waterfalls 3. Lots of shade and nice breezes 4. There wasn't too many people on the trails on the day we went, but I hear it can be busy on the weekends. 5. Trail head is easy to find. The directions above are 100% accurate. If your driving up a mountain, your in the right place. 6. Wonderful backdrop views. Cons: 1. Parking will cost you $5.00 and you'll need cash if the store to buy the parking pass isn't open. 2. Their were a lot of flies at certain portions of the hike. 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||