It was my first time back on trail, exploring a new trail in the National Forest, in what felt like many months. Winter had come and gone, and spring was finally here. At a low elevation, the canyon here can get hot, so I wanted to explore it while it was still relatively cool out. Seasonality is something I take into account when planning my hikes, to enjoy the trails when the weather are conditions are most hospitable and pleasant. This canyon can get very hot, as it sits below 2000 feet. So winter and spring are the best times to visit here.
The hike began downhill from the newly opened Chantry Flats parking area. It has been closed since last year, when the devastating fires wiped out the area. This is the trailhead for hiking to Mount Wilson as well.
The parking area sits around 2150 feet, and the falls sit at around 1700 feet in elevation so I would be hiking deep into a canyon along a sun exposed path.
There are a series of flood control dams and spillways throughout Big Santa Anita Canyon, along this hike. A man named Wilbur Sturtevant established a trail camp here in 1893. The cabins such as Robert’s Camp and Hogees Camp were built in the early 1900’s here.
Once in the canyon, there is some shade and trees along the way to the falls.
There was purple lilac in bloom alongside the stream.
Passing under this tree made me feel like I was in the Hobbit.
You will notice many cabins, and ruins throughout the canyon.
After passing over the stream, maneuvering over some boulders, and about 2 miles of hiking, I made it Sturtevant falls.
This is one of the tallest most majestic waterfalls I have seen in the area. I practically felt like I was back in somewhere like Yosemite with all this majesty. It was a weekday, so not too crowded either. After enjoying the falls, I decided to explore further on to Spruce Grove Camp.
There were many wildflowers in bloom along the trail this time of year, even in this rare blue shade I don’t see very often.
I climbed higher above the shady canyon, on an exposed path, where I could get a nice view of the
surrounding peaks.
The path began to become a bit rocky, and rugged. I wound my way between sunny exposures, and lush pockets of woodlands.
I noticed an Acmon Blue butterfly, perched in a flowering vine.
As I climbed higher, I continued to pass spillway after spillway. I believe I counted about 15 of them, each with its own waterfall.
I made it to Spruce Grove which was about 3.5 miles from Chantry Flat. The campground was deserted, with its fire rings, and picnic tables along a creek, beneath shady trees.
On the way back I took a detour, at the Falling Spring sign, and came up a beautiful canyon of emerald pools, above Sturtevant Falls.
There were many small waterfalls before the main falls up ahead. Despite the beauty I would be hesitant to bath in these pools, in the event the current could take you over the falls.
This is the narrow trail above the falls. I took my time navigating it. The log in the photo, marks where the falls drop off.
On my way back down, I was treated to another beautiful view of Sturtevant Falls.
Seeing all these waterfalls made my heart happy today. I was glad I was able to take a longer hike, still slowly healing from last year’s injury. It felt good to be out there and make it 7 miles!
Chantry Falls was a refreshing spot to feel renewed. I recommend this hike to get a few miles, in peace and solitude.
I hope you enjoyed reading this, and it is helpful in knowing what to expect, should you decide to visit here.
Leave No Trace
Just be sure to come prepared and follow Leave No Trace principles to keep the wilderness pristine for future hikers.
About me
I’m Serafina! I’m a writer and California girl who loves to go exploring. Hope you will get outside today, breathe some fresh air, and be happy!
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