Exploring Sturtevant Falls and Spruce Grove

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. The parking area sits around 2150 feet, and the falls sit 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.

Chino Hills in Spring

It was a beautiful spring morning in early March. I headed to Chino Hills State Park to enjoy an early spring hike amongst the freshly greening hills.

California Desert Cave Homes? Yes, they exist.

I was somewhat skeptical when hearing about the caves of Dublin Gulch. I had passed by this way once before, on the way back from Death Valley. I had no idea what type of irishmen had inhabited these parts of the desert near Shoshone Junction. They had to be risk takers. To live and mine in a desert, you would have to be someone who goes from broke. It was either going to be an interesting desert hike, or it would be a bust. I love old ruins, and architecture, so for me this seemed like a must see.

The 30 Days of Hiking Challenge

Are you looking to challenge yourself, to start hiking, change your life? You can gain a more healthy, body, mind, and spirit through hiking. I can show you how I did it, and will be sharing the essential gear every newbie hiker will need to get started. I started my hiking journey in beautiful sunny Southern California.

Hiking at Peters Canyon Reservoir on a Windy 80 degree day

These trails are a lot of fun for just about anyone who loves hiking.