About Sturtevant Falls

Sturtevant Falls is the most beloved waterfall hike in the Angeles National Forest above the San Gabriel Valley — a 50-foot plunge into a shaded sandstone canyon that offers a genuine mountain escape from one of the world's largest metropolitan areas. The trailhead at Chantry Flat is a gateway to the San Gabriel Wilderness for millions of Los Angeles hikers.

The trail follows Winter Creek and then Big Santa Anita Creek upstream through a beautiful riparian canyon of alder, sycamore, and oak. The falls appear around a final bend — a dramatic plunge into a shadowed pool. The canyon is cool and shaded even on hot summer days, making this an excellent hot-weather hike for Southern California. The area also features the Upper Winter Creek Trail for longer excursions.

Trail Highlights

• 50-foot plunge in a shaded San Gabriel Mountain canyon
• Classic escape hike from Los Angeles — less than 1 hour from downtown
• Cool, shaded riparian canyon provides relief on hot Southern California days
• Historic pack station and cabin community along the approach trail
• Trailhead connects to dozens of miles of further Angeles National Forest trails

Trail Description

From the Chantry Flat parking area on Santa Anita Canyon Road, follow the paved trail down to the canyon floor and across the bridge. Turn left on the Big Santa Anita Canyon Trail and follow it upstream. The trail passes several pack station cabins along the creek.

After 1.8 miles the canyon narrows and Sturtevant Falls appears — a 50-foot plunge into a pool surrounded by mossy sandstone walls. The shaded amphitheater keeps the area cool. Return via the same trail.

Tips & What to Bring

• The Chantry Flat parking lot fills completely by 8am on summer weekends — arrive earlier or carpool
• An Adventure Pass ($5/day) is required for the Chantry Flat parking area
• The creek crossings can be impassable during heavy rain — check conditions
• A pack mule train regularly uses this trail — yield and stand calmly when they pass
• The falls can reduce to a trickle by late summer; best flow is January through May

Getting There

From Arcadia, CA, take CA-210 East and exit at Santa Anita Avenue. Head north on Santa Anita Avenue, which becomes Santa Anita Canyon Road. Follow to the Chantry Flat parking area at the end of the road. GPS: 34.2200, -117.9900.