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    Sturtevant Falls

    4.4 (717 reviews)
    Open 6:00 am - 8:00 pm

    Sturtevant Falls Photos

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    Ryan N.

    It was my first time hiking, so my cousin decided to take me to a place he's hiked before: Sturtevant Falls. The scenery was so beautiful! I've never seen so many hills and waterfalls before in my life. It might be a normal view for people who live in California, but for a person who lives in Louisiana and has never hiked before everything was so new to me. The incline wasn't too bad, but be aware of logs and rocks you have to step on as I had fallen a bit into the water due to small slips. Parking wasn't too bad, but it was pretty crowded on a Saturday morning so we had to wait for a minute to get parking. Overall, it was a new experience for me but a fun one. I'd go hiking again, but what a better way to start my first hiking experience than at Sturtevant Falls!

    Jolie F.

    Sturtevant Fall is a 50 foot waterfall drop in the San Gabriel National Monument park within Arcadia. Accessible by hiking the Chantry Flat trailhead from the parking lot. The trail is 3.3 miles long. This trail is extremely busy on the weekend. Best to visit this trail on weekdays early in the morning at 6:00am when the parking lot opens. On the weekends the parking lot is full by 6:10am so best to get there when gate opens. If you want a peaceful hike best on weekdays. The falls are worth a visit as beautiful. Plus a small pool forms beneath which is great to dunk in on hot days. Note the water is super cool but refreshing. Bring water shoes as rocky bottom. And don't forget you have a long climb back to the parking lot. If you seek a longer hike you can do 7.3 mile loop. During this loop you will cross several rivers, cabins and more. The hike is partially shaded. Even on the weekends, most of this hike is quiet and empty of people. As mentioned, there is a parking lot. There is a bathroom next to the lot. Plus a mini cafe where you can get your adventure pass, five dollars. Pass needed for the parking lot.

    Danielle L.

    This is a nice hike! The drive up the mountain is very curvy so take it slow. The parking is rough! We arrived at 10a on a Friday and it took us 30 mins to find a spot. The hike itself is moderate and very similar to Eaton canyon. You'll cross various water streams and will a few water falls before the big one, plus, cute cabins. Overall, very enjoyabe with nice views

    Ty T.

    Late morning hike with @KonaWildBlue Picked up daily parking pass at Party House Liquor and made our way to the trailhead. AM cloud disappeared and the sun started beaming down, luckily this trail is shaded for the most part. Few stream crossing, several wood cabins, natural mini slide into rock pool , and made it in and out to the falls. Doggo had a blast of an adventure and spent a good 10 min attempting to get the log out of the waterbed

    My C.

    This is my favorite out and back trail. It's shaded with peaceful sounds of the stream. At the end, you see a beautiful waterfall. Amazing during all seasons! Parking lot is small but you can find parking along the road.

    Get your Adventure Pass here! (1002 N Santa Anita Ave, Arcadia, CA 91006)
    Thuong T.

    ** THIS TRAIL HAS BEEN REOPENED ** If you're looking for a moderate hike with a flowing waterfall during any season, this it the hike for you! 1. Arrive the earlier the better due to limited parking. I'd say there is parking for about 30 cars or so. 2. You must get an "Adventure Pass" for day parking. You can either buy one before going up the mountain at "Party house Liquor (1002 N Santa Anita Ave)" which is open as early as 7am or you can buy one on site at the Chantry Flats but not sure what their hours of operation are if you plan on buying it the same day. Other reviewers also so you can buy one ahead of time at REI or Big 5. One Day Pass is $5 or Annual Pass for $35. 3. They do have an additional private parking lot that costs $20 to park or you can park further outside along the mountain pass for free, but definitely a much longer walk/hike. 4. The best parking for the trail is the first parking strip right next to the bathrooms. The trail starts right where the bathroom is. The upper level parking lots are for the picnic areas. 5. They do have a store there that sells snacks, drinks AND beer! 6. Most hikes normally start with an incline but this one actually starts with a decline instead. Keep in mind that there are multiple inclines and you will end the hike going back with an incline before reaching the parking lot. 7. You do have to cross the river a couple of times, but most of them have a built wooden plank or is easy enough for children and dogs to cross. 8. There are quite a number of private cabins a long this trail. There were a couple of families who were hanging out with loud music and bbqing. Not sure how to inquire on cabin rentals but did not see any paths for vehicles, so I'd assume you would have to hike in and out to access the cabins. 9. Even when its freezing cold and foggy in the city, it was sunny and blue skies up in the mountain and the hike was rewarding at the end. Pretty spacious area to hang out, and plenty of rocks to sit on. Overall, would recommend for waterfall seekers.

    Got our Adventure Pass at Big 5 and went there around 7:30 am on a Thursday so the parking lot was pretty empty, just be careful of the windy road driving up. The hike itself is pretty easy, fun to cross the little wooden planks across streams and be surrounded by trees as opposed to the dusty and bare trails in the valley. Good amount of shade and the falls were so nice to sit next to, water was cold and refreshing, and the hike back up was a little tiring but not the worst. A very good workout and then grab food in 626, I would come back again.

    Ryan K.

    W hike there's a lot of scenic side quests you can take off the main trail leading up to the waterfall. Also the walk back is an uphill grind good luck

    Hiking

    Amazing hike all around less than four miles, the first part all down hill along a stream of water hiking to a waterfall. The path is wide and fun for dogs to jump in and out of water constantly to cool down. We got an annual parking pass for 30 dollars at Big 5 but the two lots fill up by 8 am every single weekend so you have to arrive at the crack of dawn. The hike back to the car is uphill for the last fifteen minutes but when you're done it feels fantastic. It's so shady for most of the walk as well. Sadly it's getting more and more packed with people as the other trails seem closed now all the time.

    Emmer H.

    A Hidden Gem in the Mountains! Sturtevant Falls is one of my favorite trails in the San Gabriel Mountains. The 3.3-mile (1.5 - 2hrs hike) round-trip is the perfect blend of challenge and relaxation, just enough of a workout to feel accomplished but still super enjoyable. The scenery along the way is stunning, with shaded paths, creek crossings, and charming little cabins that make you feel like you're stepping into another world. The waterfall at the end is such a rewarding sight, especially in the spring when it's flowing strong. I always recommend getting there early, especially on weekends, since parking at Chantry Flats fills up fast. Don't forget your Adventure Pass! The uphill trek back can be a bit of a workout, but nothing too intense. Just wear good shoes and bring water. It's also dog-friendly (just keep them leashed). If you're looking for a peaceful nature escape not far from LA, this hike is a must. I'll definitely be coming back again and again!

    Went by the other day, you cannot enter.
    Mery M.

    It's still closed. Picture taken this week. It is possible you can get there if you hike the Mt Wilson trail in Sierra Madre. You cannot drive on the road, the gate is locked.

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    Sturtevant Falls Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Sturtevant Falls

    As of today 6/14/2025 is this trail open?

    yes

    Is the hike open right now?

    It was open on Mothers Day

    December 2023> is this trail back open yet?

    Feb 23 2024 still closed.

    Is it open yet?

    I believe so. We recently visited the area & I didn't see any closures on any sections of the mountains.

    Is this trail open?

    No, drove 45 minutes to find out it's closed.

    Hi is this place open now?

    Came all the way from OC.. still closed. Bummer wish they'd update on here.

    Anyone know when this will open again? My favorite hike in all of Southern California.

    Closed

    Is this trail open?

    Was still closed.

    Someone know if is open?

    Still closed, indefinitely :(

    Is this trail still closed?

    Yes still closed

    Went this morning, 11/23/2021 and the road is still closed, 5k fine for trespassing. I saw a truck go around tho?

    Is it still closed.?

    Yes as of 08/04/21

    Has it reopened yet?

    No as of 10/9/2021

    Is it open?

    Closed

    Does anyone know if the trail is open?

    Closed

    Is it open?

    Just called and as of today, April 2, it is still closed.

    Is trail to water fall still closed?

    Yes it is still closed as of 1/3/2021 and for those of you who went without masks thanks for screwing that up for the rest of us! It's closed due to too many crowds and idiots not social distancing and/or not wearing masks as directed. The Ranger… Read more

    Is the Sturtevant Falls trail open on the weekends now?

    No fire situation

    Has the hike trail reopened?

    Yes, I went 8/1, but they do close throughout the day when it gets full and te-open with in the same day once they have availability, I went in a Saturday at 2:40 pm, had to come back about 1 - 1/2 later to be able to get in.

    How safe is the drive to the park? I am planning to visit next week with my special needs son. Is the drive to the park is easy on the road or we have to drive through cliffs go up the mountains. I am driving from Orange county. Thank you

    The drive isn't so bad until the the last quarter mile to the parking lot, it definitely gets crowded and can get difficult to find a parking spot. May require parallel parking and gets narrow because it the road is a one way and cars are surrounded… Read more

    View All 69 Questions

    Review Highlights - Sturtevant Falls

    Before you head up here though make sure you have an adventure pass which you can get at a gas station for $5.

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    Hoegee's Loop Trail

    Hoegee's Loop Trail

    (20 reviews)

    Worked on this trail recently with Bear Canyon Trail Crew and had a blast…read more The trail isn't that difficult with a few stream crossings with shallow water lines in February 2026. The trail has some decent shade in some areas, but a lot of exposed areas as well. This trail is secluded from the outside world compared to Chantry Flats and is a perfect day hike to get away from people. Highly recommend coming early to beat the heat and find parking. A day pass or an adventure pass is needed for parking. Beware of poison oak. There's a lot in this area. Would come back!

    During a recent weekend backpacking trip with my son and his Boy Scout troop, I enjoyed our first…read morenight of camping at Hoegee's Camp on the Loop Trail. As posted in my other Chantry-esque reviews, I've hiked this area hundreds of times, but always with young kids or inexperienced hikers... thus, we end up at Sturtevant Falls instead of venturing into connected trails. This time, we arrived at the Chantry lot around 6 P.M., hung our Forest Adventure Passes on the rearview mirrors, and backpacked with headlamps into the local hills. At the bottom of the asphalt-paved trail from the parking lot-- just as soon as you cross the footbridge, the trail to Hoegee's branches off to your left. A slow but steady uphill climb saw us arrive at Hoegee's camp in the dark of night. Just a few other folks were availing themselves of campsites, so our group of about 15 made camp, and enjoyed a sack dinner. All trash and food was secured in bear cans (which we brought) and a bear box that was found in the middle of camp near the trail. Plenty of bears in the area at all times, so be bear aware. No, actually, you probably aren't very good at creating a bear hang, and you're doing it wrong. Use the bear box! Plenty of water rushing over the nearby spillway for late winter/early spring was a delightful sound as I fell asleep on my not-entirely flat camp spot selected in the dark. In the morning, we awoke with the morning light to a beautiful canopy of oak trees. After breakfast, we tore down camp quickly, and continued up the loop for Spruce Grove. This hike can be completed in a single day, to be sure... but if you want to stretch it into an overnighter, camping here is free for first-come, first-served folks. Do note that there are no restroom facilities at Hoegee's camp-- so you're going nature potty and/or digging a latrine. Please be sure to move far away from Winter Creek before digging your little hole... everyone downstream thanks you :) If you're doing the day loop, there is a restroom at Spruce Grove, but no running water.

    Inspiration Point via Castle Canyon

    Inspiration Point via Castle Canyon

    (191 reviews)

    Long and difficult hike but worth the view! About 10 miles…read moreround trip from Cobb Estate. Bring a hat, lots of water, snacks, sunscreen, and BUG SPRAY. Me and my husband started around 7:30am and finished the whole hike around 1pm at a steady pace with about an hour break when we got to Inspiration Point. The hike from Cobb Estate to Echo Mountain was a breeze for us, but the hike from there to Inspiration was a whole other story. I recommend wearing long pants as the second half of the hiking path isn't as clear and pretty narrow on some parts. We took our time and treaded lightly but still got some minor scratches on our legs from all of the branches and leaves. My husband started getting irritated from walking into all of the spider webs lol. Not sure if the actual hike was 2 miles from Echo Mountain because it felt so much longer than that. We started getting really tired near the end from all the incline. We almost gave up until my husband saw the view of Inspiration Point. Once we got there, the views made it all worth it! Would we do it again? Maaaaaybe lol.

    Updated review: I've been to Inspiration Point twice now, most recently after the great Los Angeles…read more"blizzard" of early 2023. And how super intense and cool (figuratively and literally) it was! Total about 10mi from the top of Lake - Echo Mountain - Castle Canyon trail - Inspiration Point - Sam Merrill trail - Echo Mountain and back down to Lake. DEFINITELY a strenuous hike and would highly recommend hiking poles, sunscreen, water, and snacks! The view is incredible, especially with tons of fresh snow everywhere. Hiked this early March 2023 and the Castle Canyon trail leading off from Echo Mountain (a decent hike in its own right) is pretty challenging, if not a bit brutal in some areas: slippery snow, downed trees and bushes blocking the path, and a heavy incline. Again, highly recommend poles. Once at Inspiration Point the view is phenomenal. The Pacific Ocean, Palos Verdes, Catalina Island, and even Anaheim and Irvine are all visible from the top, and downtown LA too of course. Lots of picnic benches and photo-op-worthy view finders for major Southern California sites. Gorgeous San Gabriel mountains in the background. The Sam Merrill trail leading down the backside of the mountain (and then curving back around to the south/west) is much more tame (but still a bit precarious with 2+ feet of snow) and very sun-exposed all the way back to Echo Mountain. All in all probably one of the more butt-kicking Los Angeles hike. Takes about 4-5hrs round trip depending on your pace.

    Sturtevant Falls - hiking - Updated May 2026

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