Upper Zion Trail | Los Angeles

Mount Zion via Upper Zion Trail
in the San Gabriel Mountains

Loading ...

Mt Zion view Santa Anita Canyon

After hiking to Spruce Grove Camp above Sturtevant Falls, why not return to Chantry flats by crossing over Mt. Zion?

The trail to Mt. Zion passes along the east side of a ridge leading up to the summit. The grade is gentle, and after all the demanding switches beneath Spruce Grove, the trail feels surprisingly kind. There is only 400 feet of elevation gain over one and a half miles, making for a smooth ascent. While you are spared the climb you would expect to find on a summit trail, Upper Zion Trail still delivers a superb passage through an evergreen forest.

Mount Zion
Upper Zion Trail

There are two important junctions to note along the trail. Just above Spruce Grove, you will come to a small junction beneath Sturtevant Camp. Leave the Gabrielino trail here and turn left on a hard-to-see path that crosses over an artificial dam. If you reach Sturtevant Camp, you missed the turnoff. After 1/8 of a mile on this connector, make a left on to Upper Zion Trail. There are signs posted in both places.

From Spruce Grove Camp, it is 1.5 miles to the summit of Zion. If you are returning to Chantry Flats, (and not camping overnight at Spruce Grove Trail Camp) it will be shorter to descend down Lower Zion Trail to Hoegees Camp and complete the Santa Anita Canyon Loop.

To get to the trailhead: Take the 210 east through Pasadena to Arcadia. Exit Santa Anita and head north. Go up the mountain for 5 miles until the road ends at Chantry Flats. Display your National Forest adventure pass and park your car in the lot.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

View Santa Anita Canyon GPS in a larger map
Or view Los Angeles Hikes in a larger map

Photos

Sturtevant Falls

Gabrielino Trail to Spruce Grove Camp

Upper Zion Trail from Spruce Grove to Mt. Zion

Lower Zion Trail from Hoegees Camp to Mt. Zion

Winter Creek Trail to Hoegees Camp

These photos were taken in April of 2009. Click to enlarge.

Nearby Trails

	Lower Zion Trail The trail from Hoegees Camp up Mt. Zion is 1.5 miles long.
	Hoegees Camp This 4.25-mile hike follows Lower Winter Creek Trail through a beautiful wooded canyon to a backcountry campground with fourteen first-come first-serve sites.
	Spruce Grove Camp This 8-mile in-and-out or 9.5-mile loop takes hikers beyond Sturtevant Falls to a backcountry campground with seven first-come first-serve sites.
	Sturtevant Falls This 3.25-mile hike visits a 60-foot waterfall and a lush cottage-lined canyon.
	Hermit Falls This 2.5-mile heads down canyon away from Sturtevant Falls toward a 30-foot waterfall. The lush canyon and the babbling creek are quite calming.
	Santa Anita Canyon Loop This 9.5-mile loop visits a two peaceful creeks, a 60 foot waterfall and plenty of beautiful wilderness.
	Upper Winter Creek Trail This 2.75-mile long trail can be used to extend Santa Anita Canyon Loop or create a 4.85-mile loop with Lower Winter Creek Trail.
	More trails in the San Gabriel Mountains Explore other destinations in the range.

Similar Trails

	Dawn Mine This 6-mile hike from Millard Campground leads past Millard Falls to an old gold mine.
	Stunt High Trail to Saddle Peak This 8.2-mile hike combines Stunt High Trail and a section of the Backbone Trail to visit the 6th tallest summit in the Santa Monica Mountains.
	Mount Waterman in the Angeles National Forest This 5.5-mile hike gradually ascends 1300 feet, passing through a pine forest to reach the round summit of Mt. Waterman.