Sturtevant Falls Hike, Pasadena California

Sturtevant Falls Hike, Pasadena California

Sturtevant Falls Hike

Location: San Gabriel Mountains, Sierra Madre, CA
Difficulty: Easy
Features: Hiking trails, waterfall, horseback riding, dogs allowed, incredible scenery

A 3-mile moderately trafficked loop nearby Sierra Madre in California, the Sturtevant Falls Trail features a beautiful waterfall and a number of activity options such as walking, hiking, trail running, and horse riding. Dogs are welcome to use this trail but must be kept on a leash. The trail leads to a 50-foot waterfall, Sturtevant Falls. Additional trails from this point can lead you to Spruce Grove Camp, Hoegees Camp, or Hermit Falls.

How to Get There

The trail is located in the Big Santa Anita Canyon, nestled in the San Gabriel Mountains. To get there, head north on Santa Anita Canyon Ave from the 210 freeway. It will take you to Chantry Flat Rd, at the end of which you’ll find the parking. It’s just a 15 minute drive off the freeway. However, it’d be best to get there early as the parking is filled to the hilt, especially on weekends.

Once you get to the Chantry Flats sign, you will have reached the starting point of the trail. Here’s what to expect:

Elevation

Right at the onset of the trail, you’ll be faced with a steep decline for a 0.5 mile stretch. While it’s no big deal on the way down, naturally it’d be a steep climb on the way back. However, besides the stretch of slope at the beginning, it’s a relatively easy hike that anyone can complete, from beginners to families. The trail is 3.6 miles long and has an elevation of approximately 600 feet.

On the Way

As you proceed along the way, you’ll be rewarded with many interesting sights. Besides the forested areas, you’ll come across cabins and man-made water dams through which the water cascades beautifully in a single, straight, long file. You’ll also come upon a water crossing with only some rocks and a piece of wood to balance your feet on. But it’s not difficult at all.

The Piece De Resistance – Waterfall

As you lay your eyes on the final prize – the waterfall – you’ll find it worth the effort. It stands tall and offers a gorgeous view as the water gushes on the rocks (depending on the rainfall for the period) and gathers around at the bottom to form a huge water body surrounding it.

Top 3 Adventure Hacks

1) Enjoy the activity options

The Sturtevant Falls Trail features a waterfall and a number of activity options such as walking, hiking, trail running, and horse riding.

2) Hike with your dog 

Dogs are welcome to use this trail but must be kept on a leash.

This Outdoor Astronaut Pet Carrier would also work great!

3) Bring a camera

The trail leads to a 50-foot waterfall, which is a sight to see. The rocks are covered in green with algae and moss. It’s quite a spectacular sight and so very close to the city.

NOTE: As of March 2021, the trail is closed due to the wild fires and will apparently remain closed until April 2022.