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 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 17 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by BigQuiche on 1/26/2010 Went yesterday, for a Monday it was pretty busy, big groups... I can't imagine what it's like on a Weekend these days. But I'm thankful the gem survived the fires. This hike is a beauty, and yesterday we saw deer, a skunk, a newt, and squirrels... And two weeks before the fires... I came upon my first So California bear, not twenty feet away. WATER'S FLOWING GREAT! 
Reviewed by Rob J. on 12/21/2009 Took the wife and headed out here for the first time Saturday. What a wonderful place to hike. One thing to point out is you will have to buy and Adventure pass or a day pass to park. If you don't you will be ticketed! We parked up by the general store and took the path to Sturtevant falls. The first part of the path is a decent down grade so those with walking disabilities and strollers take note. The path was very well marked all the way back to the falls. After sitting by the falls for about an hour we headed back. Before we left we stopped up by the general store and got a bite to eat. Very nice hike. We will be back!
Reviewed by JC on 11/8/2009 I've been there plenty of times and I would consider it to be my favourite spot to hike... The waterfall is so serene. The path is kind of difficult to follow and unkept so just try to follow the river. Wear sturdy shoes because there are a lot of rocks to step on!
Reviewed by JH on 10/24/2009 Great hike overall. The only thing is that it is the only park open on that side of the mountain due to the last fires (no fire damage visible throughout the hike though), so it was really crowded. Make sure to arrive early to avoid the horrible parking conditions. I highly recommend taking the hike to the falls which is about two miles, then back track about 100m to the fork were it directs you to the top of the falls trail. Awesome.
Reviewed by MP on 10/13/2009 This was a great little hike...we took our two little dogs and they loved it (no ticks!). We went down to the waterfall, which was a bit low since we haven't had rain in a while, but pretty nonetheless. I loved the little tiny cabins in the woods, those were very cool to look at. We did take the lower trail back which was fun too because you got to trek over some rocks and my dog did a bit of swimming! The walk up the paved road at the end can be a bit strenuous so be prepared for that. There were mostly couples on the trail, not too crowded at all and we went on a weekend at around 10:00a. Would definitely do this hike again!
Reviewed by Annika on 8/3/2009 I looved this hike!!! Def. do not miss taking the middle (lower)trail. It takes you to some beautiful pools and little waterfalls.
Reviewed by SB on 6/7/2009 Took two hiking buddies on the loop hikes today and we loved it all except for the long haul up the paved road at the end. Checked out the waterfall (along with the rest of humanity) then doubled back to Fiddler's Crossing. Here we made a mistake and took the trail labeled "Upper Falls" but we should have taken "Lower Falls." Anyway, we missed the waterfall overlook, but continued back to Spruce Grove campground where we ate lunch. Saw a swarm of maybe half million ladybugs just past the camp (the ground and fallen tree limbs were RED with the critters). At Sturtevant camp turned left to follow the Mt. Zion trail then hooked up with Lower Winter Falls. Very nice hike, about 9 miles I believe.
Reviewed by JD on 5/25/2009 Did this hike today. It was packed with cars (and people), so bring a small car to fit into the little spots next to the SUVs. Walk up to the waterfall is about 2 miles each direction, pretty easy hike and full of people. If you decide to go upper you will encounter few people and view that are worth every hassle you had before. Very nice! We hiked up to Cascade picnic area and back in about 4 hours, though we were speeding a little. Next time the full loop behind Mt Zion. Can't wait! 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||