✅ Trail Status: Open (with road advisory)
As of March 2026, the Sturtevant Falls trail and Sturtevant Loop are open. Big Santa Anita Canyon was outside the January 2025 Eaton Fire burn area. However, Chantry Flat Road may experience intermittent closures for fire-related repairs. Always check the Angeles National Forest Chantry Flat page or call (818) 899-1900 before your visit.
Why Sturtevant Falls Is LA's Top Waterfall Hike
Hidden inside Big Santa Anita Canyon in the San Gabriel Mountains, Sturtevant Falls rewards hikers with a 50-foot cascade tumbling into a shaded grotto. The trail is close enough to downtown Los Angeles for a half-day trip, yet remote enough to feel like genuine wilderness. You will cross a creek multiple times, pass century-old resort-era cabins, and walk through some of the lushest canyon scenery in the Angeles National Forest.
Of the five resorts built in this canyon during the "Great Hiking Era" of the 1880s through the early 1930s, only Sturtevant Camp still stands. That alone makes this trail a living time capsule for Southern California outdoor history. Whether you are a first-time hiker looking for a manageable trail or a weekend regular scouting your next foothill home, this guide covers everything you need.
Trail at a Glance
Getting to Chantry Flat Trailhead
Driving Directions
From the 210 Freeway in Arcadia, take exit 32 for Santa Anita Avenue. Turn north (toward the mountains) at the end of the off-ramp and drive approximately 5 miles up Santa Anita Avenue. The road narrows and winds into the foothills before arriving at the Chantry Flat parking area. The trailhead address is Chantry Flats Road, Angeles National Forest, Arcadia, CA 91006.
Parking and the Adventure Pass
You need a National Forest Adventure Pass to park at Chantry Flat. A day pass costs $5 and an annual pass costs $30. You can also use an America the Beautiful Interagency Pass. Passes are available for purchase at Adams Pack Station (when open), at the Chantry Flat parking area, or in advance at REI locations.
Parking tip: The lot fills up fast on weekends, often by 8:00 AM during spring. Arrive early or visit on a weekday. If the main lot is full, Adams Pack Station offers overflow parking for an additional fee.
The Trail: What to Expect Step by Step
Mile 0 to 0.6: The Paved Descent
The hike begins with a steep paved road descending 0.6 miles from the Chantry Flat parking area down to the canyon floor. This is an "upside-down" hike, meaning you go downhill first and face the steepest climb on the way back. The pavement leads past the historic Roberts Camp area and connects you to the Gabrielino National Recreation Trail.
Mile 0.6 to 1.6: Canyon Trail and Creek Crossings
Once you reach the canyon floor, the trail turns to dirt and follows Big Santa Anita Creek upstream. You will cross the creek several times on rocks and small bridges. After rain, expect your feet to get wet at some crossings. Along the way, you will pass several small manmade check dams and historic cabins from the resort era, many of which are still privately maintained through special-use permits with the Forest Service.
Mile 1.6: Sturtevant Falls
The trail ends at a natural amphitheater where Sturtevant Falls drops approximately 50 feet over a moss-covered rock face into a shallow pool. The falls flow nearly year-round, but the most impressive water volume arrives between February and May following winter storms. During late summer and fall, the cascade slows to a trickle. There is a viewing area at the base where you can sit and take in the scenery before heading back the same way you came.
Good to know: This is an out-and-back trail. The return climb gains about 680 feet over 1.6 miles, with the steepest section being the final 0.6-mile paved push back up to the parking lot. Save some water and energy for the end.
Sturtevant Camp: A Piece of Living History
Sturtevant Camp was founded in 1893 by Wilbur Sturtevant and is the only surviving resort from the Great Hiking Era in Big Santa Anita Canyon. Today it operates as a Methodist retreat camp, accessible only on foot via the trail you just hiked. The camp includes the oldest U.S. Forest Service ranger station structure still standing on its original footprint, built in 1903 under the supervision of mountain homesteader Louis Newcomb when the land was part of the San Gabriel Timberland Reserve.
Reaching Sturtevant Camp requires continuing past the falls, adding roughly 2 more miles to your hike. The camp is not open to drop-in visitors, but the trail to it passes through some of the most scenic sections of the canyon.
Adams Pack Station
At the Chantry Flat parking area you will find Adams Pack Station, the last remaining pack station in Southern California and the only year-round pack station still operating in the western United States. Working burros are led on packing trips twice a week to transport supplies and materials to the historic cabins and Sturtevant Camp, which can only be accessed by trail. The Pack Station also sells snacks, drinks, and Adventure Passes.
Nearby Trails from Chantry Flat
Chantry Flat serves as the gateway to multiple trails in the San Gabriel Mountains. If you want to extend your day or come back for a different route, here are three options.
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gabrielino Trail (NRT) | ~28 miles (full) | Moderate to strenuous | National Recreation Trail running from Chantry Flat through Big Santa Anita Canyon to the West Fork San Gabriel River. Take sections for a shorter hike. |
| First Water Trail | ~1 mile | Easy | Short connector trail near Chantry Flat. Good warm-up or add-on for families with small children. |
| Chantry Flat to Mt. Wilson | ~8.5 miles (out and back) | Strenuous | A full-day hike following the Gabrielino Trail and Upper Winter Creek Trail to the summit. Check current closure status, as portions near Mt. Wilson remain in the Eaton Fire closure area through December 2027. |
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What to Bring
- Sturdy footwear. Trail runners or hiking boots with grip. You will cross the creek multiple times, and rocks are slippery when wet.
- At least 1 liter of water per person. There is no potable water on the trail. Carry more if you are hiking with dogs or children.
- Sunscreen and a hat. The paved descent and return climb are exposed to direct sun.
- Snacks. The uphill return is more demanding than it looks. Energy bars or fruit will help.
- A light layer. The canyon floor stays shaded and can be 10 to 15 degrees cooler than the parking area.
- Cash. Adams Pack Station is cash-friendly. Useful for Adventure Passes and snacks.
- Trekking poles (optional). Helpful on the creek crossings and the steep paved return if you have knee issues.
- Your Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful Pass. Display it on your dashboard before you leave the car.
Safety Tips
- Start early. Parking fills up and afternoon heat makes the return climb harder. Aim for a trailhead arrival before 8:00 AM on weekends.
- Watch creek crossings after rain. Water levels rise quickly after storms. If a crossing looks dangerous, turn back.
- Stay on the trail. Poison oak grows along the canyon edges. Stick to marked paths.
- Pack out all trash. There are limited waste receptacles on the trail.
- Check road conditions. Chantry Flat Road is narrow, winding, and subject to closure after heavy rain or for fire-repair work. Call (818) 899-1900 or check the Forest Service website before driving up.
- No swimming. The pool at the base of the falls is shallow and rocky. Wading is common, but diving or jumping is dangerous.
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Get Your Free Home ValuationWhere to Eat After Your Hike
Chantry Flat sits just above Sierra Madre, and you will drive right through town on the way home. A few options to refuel after the trail.
Sierra Madre
- The Only Place In Town (110 W Sierra Madre Blvd) has been serving the community since 1945. Classic American comfort food in a cozy, multi-room setting with outdoor seating.
- Nano Cafe (322 W Sierra Madre Blvd) is a local favorite for breakfast and lunch with generous portions and good coffee.
- Corfu (48 W Sierra Madre Blvd) offers Greek and Mediterranean plates, kebabs, gyros, and weekend live music. Indoor and outdoor seating available.
Arcadia
- Din Tai Fung (Westfield Santa Anita) is worth the wait for soup dumplings. A post-hike reward that never disappoints.
- Craft by Smoke and Fire (400 E Huntington Dr) serves BBQ, burgers, and craft beer in a casual, hiker-friendly setting.
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The San Gabriel foothills put world-class hiking minutes from your front door. Browse active listings in these trail-adjacent communities.
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Get Your Free ValuationFrequently Asked Questions
As of March 2026, the Sturtevant Falls trail and Sturtevant Loop are open. Big Santa Anita Canyon was spared by the January 2025 Eaton Fire. However, Chantry Flat Road may have intermittent closures for fire-related repairs. Always check the Angeles National Forest alerts page or call the LA Gateway District Office at (818) 899-1900 before heading out.
The out-and-back hike to Sturtevant Falls is approximately 3.3 miles round trip with about 680 feet of elevation gain. Most hikers complete the trail in 1.5 to 2 hours at a moderate pace. Note that this is an upside-down hike, meaning you descend first and climb on the return.
Yes. A National Forest Adventure Pass is required to park at the Chantry Flat trailhead. A day pass costs $5 and an annual pass costs $30. You can purchase one at Adams Pack Station (if open), at the Chantry Flat parking area, or in advance at REI. An America the Beautiful Pass is also accepted.
Sturtevant Falls drops approximately 50 feet into a grotto at the base. It is the tallest single-drop waterfall in Big Santa Anita Canyon and one of the most photographed waterfalls in the San Gabriel Mountains.
The best time to see Sturtevant Falls at peak flow is from late winter through spring, typically February through May, after seasonal rains. The waterfall flows nearly year-round but slows to a trickle during late summer and fall. Weekday mornings offer the smallest crowds and easiest parking.
Yes, leashed dogs are permitted on the trail. Keep your dog on a leash at all times and pack out any waste. The stream crossings can be slippery, so be mindful of your dog near the water.
Adams Pack Station at Chantry Flat is the last remaining pack station in Southern California and the only year-round pack station still operating in the western United States. Working burros are led on packing trips twice a week to transport supplies to the historic cabins and Sturtevant Camp, which can only be reached by trail.
Yes. From the falls area you can continue on the Gabrielino National Recreation Trail toward Sturtevant Camp (founded 1893) and beyond. The Sturtevant Loop adds mileage through the canyon, and the Chantry Flat to Mt. Wilson route offers a strenuous full-day option when the upper trails are open.
Justin Borges
Team Lead, The Borges Real Estate Team
DRE #01940318
With over 13 years in Southern California real estate, Justin specializes in probate sales, trust properties, and character homes. His expertise in 1031 exchanges and historic preservation has helped hundreds of clients navigate complex real estate transactions.
