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 Reporter |
Summary: This wonderful shady hikes ascends up a deep cut canyon, through which Winter Creek flows on its way to merge with Santa Anita Creek. The floor of the canyon is covered with a lush ivy like ground cover, a multitude of trees, large rock faces, and a lovely burbling creek. The morning I did this hike, I heard a symphony of birds, with a large owl swooping down the stream and landing almost directly in front of me. Along Winter creek you will see a few cabins built in the 30's and a series of Lincoln Log like check dams. Follow the paved road down into Santa Anita canyon, across a bridge, and bear left on the marked Lower Winter Trail. About 1.5 miles up Winter creek you'll pass through Hoegee Camp. Just past the camp you will pass two trail junctions, the second of which will be the Upper Winter Creek trail, which will take back to a fire road just above the Chantry flat parking area. Note that the upper trail has some very steep drop-offs so watch your step. 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 Winter Creek Loop: Day Hikers Guide to Southern California by John McKinney (Olympus Press) Afoot & Afield In Los Angeles by Jerry Schad (Wilderness Press) Trails of the Angles - 100 Hikes in the San Gabriels by John W. Robinson (Wilderness Press) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Bikers Ranger Contact: Angeles National Forest, (818) 790-1151 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jim Zuber, who has posted 105 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 6 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by PCL on 8/7/2008 This trail is a good workout but still relatively easy for anyone who can walk for a few hours. Although the temperature was around 90, with all the shade from the trees, the hike is still very cool as long as you stay in teh shade. I definitely wouldn't mind going back again (but first have to explore other trails too). 
Reviewed by dt on 7/13/2008 A great summer hike. The Lower Winter Trail is a great trek through the forest that reminds of a fairytale setting and runs along a creek that's still going strong in dry season. The Upper Winter Trail is just a notch below as you climb the canyon ridge, but remain under cover of a some high plants. This is a good first hike as it's moderately challenging, a manageable length and also close to the pack station where you can purchase a day (or year) Adventure Pass to support the Forest and also avoid an expensive ticket.
Reviewed by Chris on 4/27/2008 Hiked early in the morning to beat the heat and the traffic. There is always a lot of people on this hike and today was no exception. Despite feeling like the 405 fwy the scenery is top notch and the challenge is moderate.
Reviewed by RBD on 4/12/2008 Great hike. As a first time hiker, I found this trail to be adequately challenging (although I don't have any comparisons). The 90+ degree weather could hardly be felt as the wilderness provided plenty of shade. A few hikers and bikers, but as everyone commented, all were courteous and even pointed us in the right direction to make sure we stayed on the right trails. I would definitely hike this again! Thanks for all of the reviews...
Reviewed by Erik S on 3/22/2008 Fantastic hike. My wife and I are trying to get back into shape to do some hiking and backpacking in the Eastern Sierras this summer, and this was an excellent start. It was crowded, but the people we met were friendly and respectful of other hikers. Moderate is a good description of the hike overall, and you can't beat the amount of shade provided. I definetely plan to do it again with an overnight pack to stay at Hoegee Campground!
Reviewed by Uncle Rico on 3/18/2008 This is one terrific hike. Beautiful, lush canyons, well maintained trails, a bubbling stream, and panoramic views of the San Gabriel Valley from the Upper Winter Creek trail. Watch for poison oak trail side and get to Chantry Flats early as the parking lot fills up quickly. Adventure Pass required (can be purchased at the Pack Station). To extend your adventure, and leave the crowds behind, continue up the Upper Winter Creek trail from Hoegees Camp. The trail (which is amazing by the way) ultimately joins the Mt. Wilson toll road (2N45) about 2 miles from the summit. Round trip distance from Chantry Flats to Mt. Wilson and back is about 14 miles.
Reviewed by Hiker Lee on 12/31/2007 I want to thank previous hikers for their suggestions of dropping down to Lower Winter Creek first. Your decent is quick and your ascent is gradual over the next few miles. This was an excellent hike. I would like to do it again in the Spring, even in the Summer as there is a lot of shade. There were a few mountain bikers on the Upper Winter Creek Trail – all hikers and bikers were friendly and courteous except for one biker who was in a hurry and could not wait 5 seconds until we reached a wider place on the trail to pass. The trails are well maintained and the picnic area at Chantry Flats is superb. The vistas from Upper Winter Creek are spectacular.
Reviewed by Hasnolo on 10/1/2007 Hiked this on Sat. and really enjoyed it. I would recommend starting at Lower Creek and coming back on Upper Creek. Get there early, it gets crowded and parking fills up; we started at 8:30am and had the trail to ourselves however by the time we got to the second half on Upper Creek there several hikers and mountain bikers. Trail gets narrow once you get up the mountain on Upper Creek trail. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||