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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 104 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 6 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by S.S. on 5/11/2009 I hiked lower Winter Creek between Hoegees Camp and Roberts Camp. I saw this area as part of the longer loop that goes over Mt. Zion to Spruce Grove Camp and Sturtevant Falls. The lower Winter creek Trail is really scening. The creek is lush and picturesque and the trail is gentle. For more information: http://budurl.com/WinterCreek
Reviewed by KMC on 2/1/2009 Decided to do this one instead of watch the Superbowl. Started about 3pm. Quite chilly on the valley floor. Saw a few people on the trail to Hoegee's but had the trail to ourselves on the Upper Winter Trail. Quite a beautiful trip along the water and then getting the canyon vistas on the way back. Were back in the car at 5:30 but we stopped to look at our surroundings quite a bit. Will definitely hike again.
Reviewed by Mt. Mongol Man on 1/5/2009 Hiked on 1/05/2009. Really nice hike. Temp was about 55F, a bit chilly. I took an alternate start, I prefer not walking on paved road so I went down First Water Trail off to the right shortly from the start. There were only a few people on the trail since it was a Monday. Nothing else to say, but go out and do it already.
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! 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||