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Big Santa Anita Canyon


Highlights:

A 50 foot waterfall, cascades, lush wilderness, this hike has it all!
Near:Sierra Madre, CA
Scenery:
Distance:7 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:1800 ft
Hike Time:4 hours
Difficulty:Moderate
Trail Condition:OK, but a few difficult spots
HikeType:Out and Back


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  105 other hikes on this site
Trail Reviews  Page 1 of 14   Submit your own review
Reviewed by Paul on 7/2/2008
Hard to believe that this little slice of heaven is so close to metro L.A. Lots of animal spotting opportunities, some of the prettiest terrain around and some challenging uphill sections. Saw a black bear on the Upper Winter Creek trail on June 29 at approx. 7:15 p.m. (about 3/4 miles north of parking lot). Awesome!

Reviewed by sm on 6/21/2008
midweek awesome we seen noone for over 3hrs went long way round loop summit of mt zion about 9 mile loop.i reccommed bring more h20 then u think your need min .75 gallon and less food.fresh fruit was great on this hike. seen many squirrels and small lizards but nothing bigger.a about 3 spots had to go under downed tree on trail.went through campgrounds noone there.very hot in spots a few areas tough going up hill in the baking sun.we are both amateur hikers but workout on regular basis which helped.

Reviewed by Claudia on 6/11/2008
This was an amazing hike! Getting there was easy, crossing some streams maybe 2-3 times but not hard at all. 3 beginner hikers (one being 13 yrs old) and we all had small backpacks. The scenery is amazing and the waterfall is just beautiful. We hiked back THROUGH the river which probably made it even more adventuresome for me, but not recommended, you get knee deep in water and there are TONS of rocks. The paved trail back up has an incline not fun for beginners, small children or seniors. If you want good parking on the weekends arrive EARLY. I think it opens at 8am, but I recommend arriving before that on weekends. I arrived at 8:30am and their parking lots were FULL and had to park on the side of the road - not fun.

Reviewed by Nik on 6/9/2008
As an out of shape lady, looking to get into shape with her out of shape boyfriend, I really thought that this hike would be perfect. LOL- no one said anything about the awful hike back up the big hill!! Wow!! I loved the hike once we got down the paved hill but the hike up was hard...especially being fat. My bottom does feel sore today and it was nice down the hills, but I will probably come back to this hike when I am in a bit more shape!!

Reviewed by MT on 6/9/2008
As a novice hiker, I loved this hike. My group was moving at a fast pace and it was a fairly strenuous hike at some points going uphill towards the campground. However, we all made it and it was very rewarding. Friendly people along the trails. A lot of trees to provide shade cover, it never got hot even in the early afternoon. Great hike, will go again soon!

Reviewed by AC on 4/14/2008
It was the best trail ever, the Sturtevant Falls were breath taking! I enjoyed the scenery with my date every step... the streams are peaceful & romantic. We sat on the rocks in the middle of the streams and exchange favorite memories!!! One of the most memorable memories were created. It is for all ages & everyone was friendly.

Reviewed by Ed & Marybeth on 3/29/2008
Very short drive from the metro area . Beautiful wooded rustic picnic area before trail head . Hiked too the falls & back most beautiful scenery of the streams woods wild flowers & falls . Many smaller falls before main falls. Final section of return trail a bit steep but otherwise relative easy hike . Will return .

Reviewed by Kasia McD on 3/10/2008
Great moderate hike. First portion of the hike and bit busy, since the portion to the waterfall is easy. So worth it if you continue past the waterfall towards Mount Wilson. Make sure you do the loop! First half follows the stream bed, second half takes you along the ridge with some great views of the canyon.


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

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