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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 16 Submit your own review 
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! 
Reviewed by S.S. on 5/11/2009 Sturtevant Falls is one of the finest in the Angeles and the trail beyond the falls is not nearly as crowded. The creek and forest are really pleasant and give off a feeling like you are far from LA. From Spruce Grove you can also take a trail crossing over Mt. Zion to Hoegees Trail Camp to hike a slightly larger loop. For photos and more information: http://budurl.com/SpruceGrove
Reviewed by Mike on 4/7/2009 Yes, it is only four miles to the falls, but if you take the trail that goes above the falls, you can go on for many more miles to Sturtevant campground and beyond. The trail is one of the most beautiful & peaceful hikes one can take. Been there many times and will be there again this Saturday. I'm determined to get up that last part without stopping at least once before I die!!
Reviewed by zero on 3/26/2009 The hike is actually two miles to get to the falls, then as you start heading back, it splits to the right (coming down), take the Lower Creek Trail which takes you over and behind the waterfall... this is actually my favorite part of the whole hike and not to be missed!!! It is isolated, lots of beautiful pools and cascades, and scrambling over rocks (so please don't take your gimpy granny unless she is really in shape). This trail takes you on a three mile loop down the Upper Creek Trail, then another two miles back to the parking lot=total 7 miles. And worth every centimeter. No ticks this time, YAY!
Reviewed by Kristi on 2/16/2009 I did this hike on Valentine's Day and saw quite a few people there. It was beautiful, lush, picturesque and the stream/waterfall were stunning! However, 7 miles? Not even close. The trail to Sturtevant falls is at most 4 miles. It also wouldn't take you 5 hours unless you brought your gimpy grandma. I also got no ticks.
Reviewed by pk on 1/17/2009 This is a very nice hike, though there was a sizeable amount of people there for this time of year. All the parking places were full up-make sure you bring your adventure pass to park!! I took the family to Sturtevant Falls, then on the way back, I took the Gabrielino Trail and doubled back to an over head look at the falls. The trail climbs above the falls and parallels the creek above the falls where there are beautiful pools and smaller falls along the way. We stopped at Cascade, ate and turned around. Beautiful hike but go on a week day!!
Reviewed by Tony on 1/7/2009 Did this hike on Jan 3 with my wife and our 10 year old son. We actually went from Chantry to Strutevant Falls. Our son loved it! It was about 50, yet he still tried getting in the pool at the falls! On our way out we stopped at the pack station, where they had a fire pit going and burgers and dogs on the BBQ. It was a great end to really cool day. We'll be going back this next weekend with my 6 year old daughter, to see how she likes it. Wish us luck! 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||