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Sturtevant Falls

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.3 (49)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …Southern California
  4. …Angeles National Forest
  5. Big Santa Anita Canyon - Mt. Wilson Area
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“A lovely out-and-back route leading to the beautiful Sturtevant Falls. ”

Ty Duckett
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Map Key

3.4

Miles

5.4

KM

Out and Back

2,145' 654 m

High

1,801' 549 m

Low

639' 195 m

Up

639' 195 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

22%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly A very popular trail that is relatively easy and very family friendly.

Overview

Sturtevant Falls is a lovely hike. The early part is a bit exposed, but once you get to the creek you'll be surrounded by trees. Follow the creek, occasionally crossing it, along a well-used path past cute little cabins until you reach the waterfall.

Need to Know

Adventure Pass required to park at Chantry Flat. Lot fills early on weekends. The early part along the road is mostly exposed to the sun. There are also several stream crossings and your feet may get wet.

Description

Sturtevant Falls is in Santa Anita Canyon and usually accessed from Chantry Flat. This trail is popular, and you are likely to encounter plenty of other enthusiasts on the way.

From the lower parking lot, take the paved road, Forest Route 2N40, down to Roberts Camp where there is a trail junction with the Lower Winter Creek Trail #11W15. Go right taking the Gabrielino Trail (NRT) 11W14 upstream in a nicely shaded canyon with bay, alder, oaks and maple trees.

Along the way, you'll enjoy passing some small debris check dams, and a picturesque bridge. You can hang out in the creek if you wish; I have seen people swimming along the way to the falls. The dams provide an excellent spot for photographers, and I have taken gorgeous pictures of the clear glass-like water on the blocked side of them. You'll pass cabins along the way. They are lived in seasonally, and some are pretty beautiful.

At Fern Lodge, about 1 mile up the canyon, the Gabrielino Trail (NRT) 11W14 goes left and climbs out of the canyon and around the falls. On this route, stay in the canyon bottom following the well used path, boulder hopping along the stream to the base of the falls. The falls are awe inspiring if the water is flowing well. Sometimes during dry seasons it is not as impressive, but still worth seeing nonetheless. There is a little pool at the base of it and people often play in the water. Do not attempt to jump off the rocks into the water.

Once you've had your fill of the falls, retrace your steps back to the parking area. If you wish to go further upstream, go back down the canyon to the trail junction at Fern Lodge, then take the Gabrielino Trail (NRT) 11W14 up and around the top of the falls. Do not attempt to climb from the base of the falls to the trail which is both dangerous and destructive to the trail and the natural resources. The trail continues upstream passing Cascade Picnic Area, Spruce Grove Trail Camp and the historic Sturtevant Camp.

This route is very beautiful. The only downside is that it can be quite crowded. If you don't mind the crowds, you'll have a blast.

Flora & Fauna

Canyon areas shaded by oak, bay, alder and maple trees. Watch for abundant poison oak along the way.

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Angeles National Forest Office

Shared By:

Ty Duckett with improvements by KT S
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 49 votes

#2

in Big Santa Anita Canyon - Mt. Wilson Area

#257

Overall
  4.3 from 49 votes
5 Star
53%
4 Star
27%
3 Star
14%
2 Star
6%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Big Santa Anita Canyon…

#35

in California

#257

Overall
23 Views Last Month
9,339 Since Nov 24, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate
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Photos

Sturtevant Falls Trail.
Nov 9, 2015 near Sierra…, CA
Looking towards Sturtevant Falls.
Oct 13, 2016 near Sierra…, CA
Sturtevant Falls with just a trickle of water
Jul 29, 2018 near Sierra…, CA
Sturtevant Falls
Nov 24, 2015 near Sierra…, CA
Looking into the valley with the creek.
Feb 28, 2019 near Sierra…, CA
The beginning part of the singletrack.
Feb 28, 2019 near Sierra…, CA

0 Comments

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Bad / Closed 25 days ago
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Check-Ins

Sep 2, 2020
KT S
Also climbed to the upper falls via the Gabrielino Trail, which has deteriorated somewhat in the past few years. 4mi
Feb 23, 2020
Michael Rael
Feb 2, 2020
Philipp Dietz
Jul 5, 2019
T D
First time here 3.6mi — 7h 30m
Jul 4, 2019
Paul Gephart
Jul 2, 2019
Olivia Zeller
3.4mi
Jun 3, 2019
Julie Ann Maya
Really good hike! Took my 8 year old and my mom and they conquered it with ease! 3.4mi — 2h 00m
Jun 2, 2019
Alexis Narvaez

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