Hiking Sturtevant Falls in Santa Anita Canyon

Chantry Flat/ Sturtevant Falls , looping back to Adam's Mule Packing station.

Hike Length: 8.4 Miles with 700 feet elevation gain.

Rating: Easy++, to Moderate

Description:

The trail starts at Chantry Flat on a paved road, then becomes a single track trail past Roberts' camp and then to Sturdevant Falls. After a rest we will hike back to Roberts' camp and follow another hiking road back to Chantry Flat to complete a loop. The hike is well shaded and usually has water flowing year round. There is lots of greenery and rustic charm.

PARKING: NOTE, this trailhead is very popular, parking can be difficult, that is why we strongly recommend you carpooling.

By far the most difficult thing with this very popular hike is finding a place to park. The parking lot opens at 6AM and is usually full with locals by 7AM, for this reason, we have early Hiking time. On weekends, cars can be parked up to a half mile down the approach road to the lot. If you are not able to park in the main lot for free, you will have to park along this approach road. In that case, you will need an Adventure Pass on display, if you want to avoid a ticket.

Directions to Trailhead: Take 210 Fwy East from SCV. On the 210 Fwy in Arcadia, heading East, take the Santa Anita Ave. exit. Turn left (North) on to Santa Anita Ave and drive 6 miles until the road deadends in Chantry Flat parking lot.

From the north (Valencia), take the I-5 South to the Calgrove exit off ramp. Exit, turn right. Go through the signal and immediately turn right into the driveway for Towsley Canyon but park OUTSIDE the gate. Look for club members and leader here.

From the South (Fwy 5/14 interchange), take the I-5 North over the hill into Santa Clarita Valley. First off ramp is the Calgrove exit. At bottom of ramp, turn left. Go under the freeway and through the signal, then when you see the parked cars at Towsley canyon, immediately turn right and park OUTSIDE the gate. Look for club members and leader here.

Carpool: Meet at the Towsley Canyon front parking lot at 7:15AM. Carpool arrangements will be made at that time and we will leave at 7:30AM SHARP. Please be respectful of your driver's support by contributing something at the end of your carpool to help defray the cost of gas. Let me know if you want to meet up.. otherwise I’m going straight.

If meeting your Leader at the Trailhead: The group will meet at the lower trailhead entrance (as you enter the parking lot, beside the Restrooms). We plan to leave this spot at 08:15AM. We normally wait 15 minutes for late comers.

Adventure Pass: Required if you park outside the parking lot (which may end up being the case). We recommend you get one good for a year at Sports Chalet ($30).

Bring: A snack/lunch, water(3 liters is recommended), and electrolytes (i.e. Gatorade) if it is a hot day, sunscreen, hat, hiking poles if you have them, and your camera. Wear an extra light layer (as we are starting early), you can always leave it in the car, and good boots with tread. And clothes to change after left in the car.

Bring some money, if you want to enjoy a cold beer, a hot dog, or homemade chili at Adams Pack Station (above, established 1936) at the end of the hike. If we are lucky they will have their famous pulled pork sandwich.

Leader: Julio C

. http://californiathroughmylens.com/2011/11/hiking-sturtevant-falls-in-santa-anita-canyon/

WAIVER OF LIABILITY: This Meetup group, it's organizers and members take no responsibility for any injuries nor accidents that may occur during events. By joining this event you take full responsibility for your own safety. Please ensure that you are in good health before participating and understand that there is risk involved in your participation. This Meetup group does not certify the qualifications of any of it's organizers or trip leaders, and they are not responsible in any way for your safety. We are all just participants, nothing more.