Sturtevant Falls, Arcadia CA


• 4-star hikes
• 3 to 4 mile options
• Easy & Moderate | Gain 690 to 810 feet
• Arcadia, CA | Los Angeles Region
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A waterfall cascades down a rugged, rocky cliff, forming a small pool at its base. The surrounding landscape is dense with green foliage, including trees and bushes, framing the scene with natural beauty. The waterfall, the focal point of the image, creates a serene atmosphere, with flowing water contrasting against the solid rock formations.
Sturtevant falls on a spring morning.

Sturtevant Falls offers one of the most accessible waterfall hikes in the San Gabriel Mountains, combining natural beauty with historical interest. This popular destination provides an engaging hiking experience suitable for visitors of most ability levels.

The trail begins at the Chantry Flats trailhead, descending into Santa Anita Canyon and following Big Santa Anita Creek gradually uphill to the waterfall. The canyon's remarkably steep sides and mountain peak views make for a dramatic backdrop throughout the hike.
⬤ 4★ Out-And-Back   3.3 mi out & back, easy, gain 690 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?
⬤ 4★ Part-Loop   3.9 mi part loop, moderate, gain 810 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions
 $  Adventure Pass [info]

The main out-and-back trail is mostly easy, with an initial descent down a wide gravel service road that eventually narrows into a double-track pedestrian trail. The only creek crossing is features a rudimentary wooden trail bridge, and the only rocky section of trail can be found as you approach the waterfall itself. This accessibility makes the route popular with families and casual hikers looking for an easier experience.

For those seeking more variety, the part-loop option via the Upper Winter Trail switchbacks downward to the creek along a single track trail, offering a more secluded hiking experience. This route includes several creek crossings that may be difficult during periods of high water flow. This variation on the out-and-back route adds some fun challenges while avoiding a section of the busier main trail.

A person in a red shirt and black pants walks along a dirt path in a forested area. The path is lined with tall trees and lush greenery. To the right, a small wooden cabin is nestled among the foliage, near a stream or river. The natural setting conveys a peaceful and secluded atmosphere, with scattered rocks and dappled sunlight filtering through the tree canopy.
Main trail, midway along the hike.

The waterfall itself drops about 50 feet into a clear pool, with flow varying seasonally. Spring typically provides the highest water volume, though the falls remain active year-round except during extended drought periods.

A unique feature of this hike is encountering numerous huts and houses built around a century ago scattered throughout the canyon, in varying states of disrepair. These structures date back to the early 1900s when the area was a popular mountain retreat.

The image is split into two distinct sections. On the left, a small waterfall flows over a man-made structure into a pool below, surrounded by lush greenery. A person stands at the edge, observing the water. On the right, a close-up of a vibrant purple flower with five petals is set against a backdrop of green leaves. A bud nearby remains unopened. The juxtaposition of the landscape and the flower highlights different aspects of nature’s beauty.
One of several weirs along the route of the creek.

Sturtevant Falls is a very popular destination, so its best to arrive early to secure parking. Plan ahead to obtain an Adventure Pass parking permit (or use the National Park Service interagency pass). While Adams Pack Station, located just above and behind the trailhead, sells both Adventure Passes and Annual Passes, availability can vary. However, they do offer a few paid parking spots on their property as an alternative to the main Chantry Flats trailhead lot.

The Adams Pack Station located near the trailhead is a destination in its own right. Established in the 1930s to serve the many cabins in the canyon, the pack station features a cafe offering food, snacks, drinks and desserts which are best enjoyed on their shaded, outdoor deck. There's even a donkey train service that can deliver your belongings and meals for those staying in cabins of the rustic 1893 Sturtevant Camp.

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The ruins of an old stone structure stand in a forested area, with rough stone walls and a chimney-like feature hinting at its past as a building. The surrounding trees, some with bare branches, add to the abandoned and historical feel. In the foreground, a large rusted metal container sits among the debris, further emphasizing the site's aged and possibly forgotten nature.
The shell of an abandoned trailside cabin.

A split-image composition featuring two distinct scenes. On the left, a close-up of a red-orange salamander rests on a wet, rocky surface with scattered yellow flowers around it. On the right, a waterfall cascades down a rugged cliff, splashing into a pool below. Moss and greenery cling to the rocks surrounding the waterfall, emphasizing the lush environment. The image highlights the contrast between small-scale wildlife and the grandeur of natural landscapes.
More views at the waterfall

A winding forest trail forks into two paths, surrounded by dense greenery. Tall trees with thick trunks create a natural canopy overhead, filtering sunlight and casting dappled shadows onto the ground. Ferns and other vegetation grow along the edges of the well-trodden dirt path, which is scattered with small rocks and fallen leaves. The peaceful, secluded atmosphere invites exploration, offering a choice between two directions through the lush woodland.
The narrow single-track Upper Winter Trail on the part-loop.

A wooden-framed chalkboard sign hangs from a rope, displaying hand-drawn lettering that reads 'LIVE MUSIC THIS FRIDAY! Mar 28.' The text is colorful and artistic, creating a lively and inviting feel. Behind the sign, festive decorations, including colorful paper garlands and string lights, add to the celebratory atmosphere, suggesting the setting is for an upcoming musical event.
Adams Pack Station is worth checking out.

Tangents:
• External Link: Adams Pack Station, Sturtevant Camp
• AllTrails Public: Sturtevant Falls


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