Sturtevant Falls Trail | Los Angeles

Sturtevant Falls
in the San Gabriel Mountains

Los Angeles | Trails Add Comments | Trail Rating: Forgetable

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Sturtevant Waterfall Angeles

Sturtevant Falls is one of the finest waterfalls in the Angeles. The 3.25-mile hike follows a pristine creek past resort era cabins.

To get to the waterfall, start from Chantry Flats and head down the steep paved road toward Roberts Camp, a quaint collection of quiet cabins surrounded by ivy-covered oaks and bays. This turn-of-the-century resort camp is definitely not abandoned, but you probably won’t see any of its residents. The first water trail passes more of these homes, but on a recent trip, the creek crossings on this trail required rubber boots or wet feet.

If you feel like you walk on too much pavement in Los Angeles as it is, there is an alternative route down to Robert’s Camp. Near the top of the road there is a sign for the First Water Trail. This dirt trail winds down the mountain and ends in Roberts Camp a little further to the east.

Gabrielino Trail
Cabins along the trail

From the end of the paved road at Roberts Camp, cross the bridge and follow the sign to Sturtevant Falls. Enjoy the calm sounds of the creek as you hike the wide trail up the canyon. Rock hopping is necessary at a few creek crossings, but what would a waterfall hike be without these? After 1 1/4 miles you will be greeted by Sturtevant Falls, a site that is worth the risk of a few wet toes. A large space at the base of the falls provides decent viewing room for this 60 footer. Pack a picnic and enjoy the tumbling water before heading out and up.

Gabrielino Trail
Sturtevant Falls

To extend this hike, continue beyond the falls on the Gabrielino Trail to Spruce Grove Camp. Additionally, you could add a side trek from Roberts Camp to Hoegees Camp or Hermit Falls. Sturtevant Falls may also be visited as part of the Santa Anita Canyon Loop, which is a great 9.5-mile immersion into the Angeles.

To get to the trailhead: Take to 210 east through Pasadena to Arcadia. Exit Santa Anita and head north. Go up the mountain for 5 miles till 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 to the trailhead:

View Los Angeles Hikes in a larger map

	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.
	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 2.6-mile hike 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
	More trails in the San Gabriel Mountains Explore other destinations in the range.

Similar Trails

	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.
	Millard Falls This one mile hike visits a 50-foot waterfall up one of the most scenic canyons in the range.
	Switzer Falls This 4.5-mile hike starts out above and finishes below a 50-foot tall waterfall.
	Trail Canyon Falls This 4-mile hike visits a 40-foot beauty on the east side of the San Gabriel Mountains.
	Escondido Falls This 4-mile out and back visits a 200 foot waterfall that is split into two tiers. The upper tier is 150 feet tall and stunning after a rainstorm.