If the short hike to Sturtevant Falls leaves you yearning for more, continue up Santa Anita Canyon to Spruce Grove Camp. Beyond the falls, the trail takes on a greater feeling of wilderness immersion. There is less foot traffic in this section of Gabrielino Trail making it a great retreat for those times when you need to feel far from LA.

To get to Spruce Grove Camp, start from the trailhead at Chantry Flats, descend to Roberts Camp and follow the directions to Sturtevant Falls. Three quarters of a mile from Roberts Camp and half a mile below the falls, Gabrielino Trail splits off to the left. There is an upper and lower trail to choose from. The “lower” trail is longer and duller, designed for those on horseback who miss out on the scenic stream-side path. Take the upper (top-of-falls) trail as it climbs the ridge just above Sturtevant. Here you can look down at the cascade viewers below.

Rejoin the stream above the falls as it passes through a narrow gorge. The trail is carved into the rock here as it passes pristine pools. Just ahead, the canyon widens and you will enter a lush woodland. The banks of the creek are dressed with ivy and ferns, and tall conifers provide comforting shade. While the trail to Sturtevant Falls is fairly flat and gentle, this stretch of canyon requires some real hiking. Spruce Grove lies a thousand feet higher than Sturtevant Falls, and you will feel that increase along the trail.

The Gabrielino Trail climbing toward Falling Sign Junction

The trail continues up the right bank to a marker pointing to the left. Cross the creek here and hike up the east wall of the canyon. You will arrive at Falling Sign Junction. Take the right toward Spruce Grove. The sounds of the creek return, as you approach Cascade Picnic Area, where you will find one picnic table.

Press on 3/4 of a mile further to Spruce Grove Camp. The trail continues up the creek through the woodsy canyon, offering fresh air and a “now this is nature” feeling. Spruce Grove Trail Camp has seven campsites, available on a first-come first-serve basis. There are picnic tables, fire pits and even vaulted toilets. This is a great spot to have a picnic, and either head back to Chantry Flats or press on deeper into the San Gabriel Mountains.

Return the way you came for a 7.5-mile round-trip trek, or for just two miles more, cross over Mount Zion to Hoegees Camp and follow Winter Creek down to Roberts Camp to 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:

Photos

 

Sturtevant Falls
       
Gabrielino Trail to Spruce Grove Camp
                 
Upper Zion Trail from Spruce Grove Camp to Mount Zion
       
Lower Zion Trail from Hoegees Camp to Mount Zion
                 
Winter Creek Trail to Hoegees Camp
                           

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

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Sturtevant Falls This 3.25-mile hike visits a 60-foot waterfall and a lush cottage-lined canyon.
	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.
	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.
	Upper Zion Trail The trail from Spruce Grove Camp up Mount Zion is 1.5 miles long.
	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.
	Fish Canyon Falls This 4-mile hike starts at a rock quarry with restricted access and ends up at a multi-tiered 80-foot waterfall.
	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 Mount Waterman.
	Eagle Rock This 7.4-mile hike ascends from Santa Ynez Canyon to a sandstone summit in Topanga State Park with panoramic views of the Santa Monica Mountains.

 

More Info

 

A trail map and brochure of Santa Anita Canyon courtesy of the Angeles National Forest

The Angeles National Forest campground webpage