Outdoor Resource Center

Contributor: Josh McNair, From: California Through My Lens

The Sturtevant Falls hike is one of the easiest and most rewarding hikes you can do in the LA area. Now while it does have a steep decline for the beginning half mile which turns into a steep incline for the last half mile when you are hiking back, the trail is only around 3 miles round trip and is suitable for most people to do with ease. The trail is located in Big Santa Anita Canyon in the San Gabriels Mountains and is only about ten minutes off the 215 freeway. Read on for the full walk through and photos.

I loved this picture from my Instagr.am page of the waterfall.

Parking

By far the most difficult thing you encounter on this hike is figuring out where to park. I have been here multiple times and every time the lot has been full. On the weekends the parking can even be backed up to a half mile down the road. So make sure you take this into consideration when you are preparing for this hike. Also remember that if you are not able to park in the main lot (chances are good that you won’t) or the 10 dollar lot above it, then you will need to make sure you have your adventure pass on display for the parking along the road. I have seem many people get tickets, so don’t forget your pass.

The Trail

The trail starts right at the sign for Chantry Flats and immediately starts its steep decline. Just remember when you are walking down this that you will have to walk back up here in end so if it seems like to much then it may not be worth it for you. When you make it to the bottom, you are greeted with a small bridge and the first of a couple of man made waterfalls. These are pretty awesome themselves, especially when the water is flowing well. Just continue to follow the well trodden path as it heads back into the forrest.

The trail then meets with a small community of houses. I was told these houses are privately owned and people actually live there on a seasonal basis. They are pretty cool and there are about 15 of them along the trail. Some even have little walk ways, as well as outhouses and outdoor furniture.

If you continue to follow the path you will make it to angels crossing. While not much of a crossing there is a piece of wood and rocks that will keep your feet from getting wet. After that you head up the trail for the last quarter of a mile before hitting the waterfall. Once you finally see it you realize how tall and how beautiful it really is. The falls are probably every bit of 75 feet tall and there are always at least a couple people there enjoying them. I imagine that during the summer this place is probably teaming with visitors. I know there is a way to get to the top of the falls as well and I plan to check that out next time I head up there. Check out the pictures below.

I would highly recommend this hike if you live in the area. It is such a nice escape from city life and provides a good workout that almost anyone should be able to handle. Take your time and plan for a couple hours as you will want to enjoy all of the beautiful scenery as well as take some time to hang out at the base of a the falls.