On the trail: Sturtevant Falls

Sturtevant Falls is one of our favorite nearby hikes, especially for days when we just need to get a little fresh air but we still have stuff to get done. One of the things I love about having Koa is that even when I feel overwhelmed by other tasks, I know I have to get her out to get some exercise, so I make time to get outdoors and it always ends up making me feel so much better. Today, I was feeling particularly anxious, all the way up to Chantry Flats, but as soon so we got on the trail, I was able to let everything go and just be in the moment with her. Often times I've failed to make that kind of time for myself, but having her forces me to take that time, if only for her well being. That being said, here is our very first trail review:

Location: Chantry Flat Recreation Area in the Angeles National Forest (near Sierra Madre/Arcadia)
Length: 3.5 miles | Difficulty: Easy, with some inclines
Parking: There is a small parking lot, it fills up FAST on the weekends and people park alongside the road.
Fees: Forest Adventure Pass required. $5 for the day or $30 for a year pass that also grants you access to all of the Southern California National Forests (totally worth it). Available at the Pack Station (only open Friday- Sunday).


Full disclosure, Chantry is kind of a shit show on the weekends, but luckily I don't have a normal person job, so I can come during weekdays. To get to the trail head, walk past the outhouses down the little paved road. It's a steep half mile from here to the trail head, which is a nice warm up on the way down but when you're finished with the hike and have to walk back up it, it's a bit of a butt burner.

The trail is mostly pretty mellow, with a few gentle inclines. Right before the trail head and at a few different points in the hike there is a shallow stream to cross (or to tromp in and taste, if you're a dog), but there are plenty of stones, so you can easily cross without getting wet feet. With the exception of the half mile paved bit at the beginning, the whole hike is almost entirely shaded.

The one thing I did notice today is that it's finally warming up enough for the BUGS to make their comeback. It's not too bad now but as it gets hotter it'll only get worse, so next time we will be bringing along some bug spray (or possibly making our own...)

As you hike, you'll pass a few cabins, and eventually you'll see these little off-shoot trails to the right:

If you head up to the right, the trail will actually lead you to the falls, as well, you'll just be above them looking down. The trail continues further back than the waterfall, and it's absolutely beautiful, but we've yet to fully check out the rest of the trail up there.

The actual waterfall isn't the biggest or loudest, but it's pretty damn gorgeous, and the little pool and surrounding area is a serene place to arrive upon.



You can head back the way you came, which is what we did today, or if you're feeling adventurous you can also scramble up the hillside the left of the pool, and you'll be on the upper trail that leads back down to the little off-shoot trail two photos up. From the trail head, you can also try out another little trail if you still have time! If you follow the First Water trail it also connects with the Hermit Falls trail and will eventually spit you out somewhat further up on the paved trail back to the parking lot. This is a fun way to extend the hike, that I''ll write more about some other time!