Santa Anita Canyon

This is like baby big bear with less people and it’s green! In summer I trade hikes for the gym because most hikes become desert-​like, but this reminded me of the east coast and even in summer this would be shady and gorgeous.
Also, I felt safe here, it’s a very well watched and maintained area but still it wasn’t crowded (left Eaton Canyon and Unilocaled around to find a road less traveled: post holiday and weekend that should have been difficult) and there is parking.
We were a little confused on where to park because all along the drive up were people randomly stopped and parking. However we came to a parking lot, which had three levels to it and for five dollars we could park there until 8 pm (or be locked inside) and they do take credit cards. An annual pass is 30 bucks and let’s you park anywhere in the Los Angeles National Forest. Also, they had a burger joint (more like a burger bbq pit) and cold drinks and horses… which I have to figure out if you can rent these guys because the trails were perfect for horses as well as hiking.
Come here if you want a green, wild hike with also a lot of safety nearby.

Love it…
Hermoso lugar, pero tienes que llegar tempranito 7 am para estacionar tu carro, si no te quedarías en el camino al lugar y no es muy seguro.
Los baños súper sucios…
Pero en si el lugar le doy un 8.

We decided to attempt this hike to see how much a larger hike would entail ie, Mt Wilson Trail. There are several bummers this time of year so you might want to check elsewhere.
1. FLIES. The best thing my son brought was DEET. After getting eaten alive 5 min after the fork, I covered my head with a gym towel, sprayed it and stuck my hat. That cut them down to a mere bother, but I really wanted my mosquito hat. Get one, or this will be a bummer. When we got to Studervant, we couldn’t even enjoy lunch because they allowed us to rest for about 15 min before they kept attacking us.
2. NO WATER. My son says this is probably the reason for all the flies. There are just pools of stagnant water around with no streams, no flowing water and of course, no water falls.
3. PARKING. We arrived just after 7am and barely got a parking spot. If we were 15 min later than that, we’d have to park down the road.
4. CAMP GROUND TRASH. Come on people. If you’re bringing up food, pack it out.
The good parts were coming back through Hogees trail it was mostly shady, but the flies get to you so that you can’t really enjoy it. We took some pictures after Mt Zion, but even then its not worth it. If I come back, it will be winter or with my mosquito hat!
God Bless.

I love hiking, but I’m not a big fan of doing it in Southern California. My favorite place to hike would be in the UP near Lake Superior. You can see why SoCal doesn’t really do it for me. This place, however, has enough trees and shade to keep me satisfied. I took the upper winter trail. There wasn’t much water when I went on 4÷11÷15. But there was some, so I’ll take it. It was a bit busy, but given the proximity to civilization it’s a given. Be prepared for a pre-​hike and a post-​hike. I had to park about a half a mile down from the main parking lot. Also, google’s directions suck.

Its a great trek but we took a longer one and man it really gets tough.
The starting mile is cold and you need your jackets put in.
Later comes the waterfall (which is another 7min diversion from your main trek)
I love the quietness, the shade and the entire experience.
It might get a bit scary when you start hiking after the waterfall as its valley at one side and need to be a bit careful.
The best part is its so famous and even if you don’t see the signs for a really long time, you meet other hikers all along your way at every detour you take.
Take ample water.
It took us more than 5hrs to complete the hike.

WATERFALL WATERFALL WATERFALL!!!
BACKGROUND:
Big Santa Anita Canyon, with over forty miles of trails weaving through the region, many leading to spectacular vistas, beautiful streams, cascading waterfalls, and situations of quiet solitude, is one of the most beautiful canyons in the San Gabriel Mountains. Although it is just twenty miles from downtown Los Angeles, it appears far removed from the bustle and hustle of our everyday lives. It provides a refreshing retreat to a green, peaceful, streamed woodland.
STATS:
Distance: ~11 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,200ft
Trail: Looped, on mostly rocky and regular trails.
ESSENTIALS:
At least 3 liters of water
Know your limits
Hiking boots that can withstand water
Layered Clothing
Gloves
High protein food/​snacks
Electrolytes
Camera
Hat (optional)
Sunscreen
OUR ROUTE:
Me and The Crew started out this hike at Chantry Flat, with a descend down a paved road to First Water Trail and going along down into the canyon. At one time in the canyon, we headed south along the Big Santa Anita Creek, through the retreat cabin Hamlet of Roberts Camp, to reach Hermit Falls. Our route involved a few creek water crossings and a bit of rock hopping along the way, but that’s pretty typical of our hikes. It adds to the fun of it all. Due to the drought, the water level was so low, it wasn’t even ankle deep.
Afterwards a few ooohs, ahhhs, and pictures of Hermit Falls, we backtracked a little and headed upstream for a span of miles on the Gabrielino Trail to visit Sturtevant Falls. Sturtevant Falls is one of the prettiest waterfalls in the San Gabriels and, with a fall of roughly sixty feet, surely one of the most telling. Later on a break at Sturtevant Falls, we doubled back again for about a quarter mile and got our way further upstream using the scenic Upper Falls Trail. The Upper Falls Trail has a short segment with some significant drop offs so care was needed. We eventually rejoined the Gabrielino Trail and followed its route through Spruce Grove on our way to Sturtevant’s Camp, where we stopped for a ride on the big swing, lunch, and fresh water.
Later on a luncheon break at Sturtevant’s Camp, we merged onto Zion Trail and got down a brief climb to the top of Mount Zion (3,575′), where we enjoyed some outstanding vistas of the surrounding canyon and peaks. After admitting in the scene, we descended down the Zion Trail to Hogee’s Campground, where we then connected the Upper Winter Creek Trail as it wraps itself along the pretty wooded canyon side on our way back to our beginning point at Chantry Flat.
The most challenging component of this hike, in my view, is the trek back up the paved road out of the canyon. It seems to go on forevea! A big sigh of relief once we reached the top. Especially since we had a semi-​impromptu sausage, roast, adult beverages included. Woo Hoo!!!
Disclaimer: Hiking is not something that can be taken lightly. It can be life-​threatening as you see and hear on the news, people die or get lost all time. Please, if you are going to hike, never go alone and prepare for the worst, hope for the best. Remember when going for a hike, no matter how short you think it may be, always be prepared. Carry at least two liters of water for every five miles (more if the weather is warm), protein bar, nuts, and electrolytes. Wear sturdy lug sole shoes and protective clothing. Some areas the weather can change quicker than a fireman can put on his gear. It is also very important, always always always let a family member or friend know where you are going and when you expect to be back. Lastly, have fun when you hike it up.
Review 64 Unilocal 100+ Challenge 2015
#HIKINGINARCADIA #WATERCROSSING #WATERFALL #ROCKHOPPING #PEAKSANDVISTAS

Bring bug spray!!! Trekked the 6 mile hike to Chantry Flat with my family today and it was quite a view. I wouldn’t rank this as one of my favorite hikes in CA, but it definitely was a good one. Next time we plan on hiking the falls. Parking is a pain in the rear, $ 5 for the pass (not a big deal), but it gets filled easily. Great views, and a good challenge.

Parking was a mess. People were parked a half-​mile and more down the mountain road because the lot was full on a Saturday at 8:30A. A fight almost broke out with people arguing over the next available stall. Cars were being ticketed because they were sticking out too far into the street. Most importantly, it was a safety hazard having people walking on the curvy mountain road.
A better, safer setup is needed. It’s probably not financially feasible to use shuttles like at a National Park or the Reagan Library. The picnic area was barely used compared to the number of hikers on the trails. And who wants to pay $ 5 to picnic in an area without parking. So turn the picnic area into parking. Not only will there be more spaces for hikers and campers, but fewer spaces would be needed for picnickers. Maybe expand services at the nearby Arcadia Wilderness Park to placate displaced picnickers.
A $ 5 Adventure Pass is required for parking. The pass can be bought at the trailheads at Adams Pack Station (
) on the weekends or at local sporting goods stores (
). The daily passes can be bought in advance and then marked on the day of use. As a National Forest Service site, the annual Interagency Pass (most often used at National Parks) can be used.
Santa Anita Canyon has a number of cabins for rent and also Sturtevant Falls (see
). To the falls and back is an easy to moderate (based on how the National Park Services tends to rate day hikes) which takes 90 minutes to hike. The first part of the hike is on a paved road.
There is also a hiking loop that goes to the Falls and around the canyon up to Mt. Zion. The moderate to strenuous hike is 8.7 miles and took us 4 hours, 40 minutes. The loop starts along the cabin-​lined Gabrieleno Trail. When at the Falls, go to the left and up the hill. It doesn’t look like much of a trail, but it will continue the loop. Return on Mt. Zion Trail which has a small side trail to the top of Mt. Zion and then connect to Upper Winter Creek Trail. The loop can be shortened 1 mile by taking Lower Winter Creek Trail, but we wanted to avoid the blandest part of the trail which is the paved road at the beginning.
The trails were not extremely steep, but walking along the river wasn’t as flat as most riverside trails. Dams meant a lot of going up to clear the dam and then back down to the river and then back up again to clear the dam. After rollercoastering a number of times, it was like, «Damn, another fricken dam to go over.» This is a real forest with trees that provide lots of shade. The highlights of the hike are the creeks and rivers because the trails don’t have many vistas.

Located in the city of Arcadia, you’ll surprisingly find a lush oasis of green forest at the Santa Anita Canyon. The Santa Ana creek flows through the canyon and is a part of the watershed of the Rio Hondo which flows from the mountains through the San Gabriel Valley. Boy scouts who backpack these woods oftentimes will filter the water from the creek and drink it. The boy scouts attest to the cleanliness of the creek water. I, myself, would still be skeptical of drinking it.
This is a popular destination. The parking lot is oftentimes filled to capacity. During holidays the overflow spills onto the small winding highway and you’ll see droves of cars tucked awkwardly in random spaces on the side of the road.
The most popular use of the trail is to access the impressive Sturtevant Falls. There are many variations of hikes available from the start point that range from easy to strenuous. For the more ambitious hiker this trail takes you all the way to Mt. Wilson.
Other points of interest include, Adams Pack Station, Hermit Falls, Chantry Flats, historic cabins and campgrounds. The trail is dog friendly, and well maintained and wide at all spots.

This place has a lot to offer and all levels of hiking experience! You can take a easy hike and just go to the very crowded Sturtevant Falls. This is the main attraction in Santa Anita Canyon. IF you are a seasoned hiker you can do the whole 9 mile loop and check out some of the most beautiful scenery that you will see in the San Gabriel Mountains. Looking for something mid range then there is the Winter Creek Loop Trail (5 Miles). You are experienced hardcore hiker and want a nut case hike, then you hike to Newcomb pass and then options are endless. The main issue is always parking, make sure you get there early and avoid the crowds. I always notice that cars never have the Adventure Pass ($ 5) and if you are unlucky and get a ticket you can always buy it at your local ranger station, Rei, Sport Chalet & Big 5 and mail it in. I can never get enough of this place, but I like my solitude and avoid it during holidays.
Check out my Youtube channel for other adventures and here is a video from my early days

This is a great hike. There are a couple different trails you can take. If there has been rain you get to see a nice little stream through he hike and there might even be enough water at the end of the hike to go cliff diving. I’ve done this hike twice now and let me tell you your legs will feel the burn. Going up the hill to leave you feel like you wont make it. There are a lot of people on this trail but you dont see anyone for every long since its such a long trail and so many people have different paces of walking. You hike in the canyon so make sure you give yourself enough time before the sun goes down, you will lose light quickly.
**tip: you have to pay for parking or need a national forest parking pass.

MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE TRAIL IN SOCAL! Some of the trails I’ve been going to have had views with dry dead plants so I was expecting this might be the same. It was not. We walked down the hill a little bit and all of a sudden I felt like I was in a whole new different area. There was a cool bridge and greens everywhere! The trees gave you the perfect amount of shade so you weren’t hot even it pretty hot weather and you can hear peaceful water running along the creek. There were also such cute little cabins we walked past by and we even ran into a cave when we went a little off trail. However we got back on trail and at the end there was a little waterfall. I enjoyed it very much. Best hike ever.

Santa Anita canyon loop is in my opinion, the nicest hike in southern california. Yes, I said that. Here is why. First you get to Chantry Flats. If on a weekend, COME EARLY. Im talking get here at 6:45am the latest! The parking lot fills up and parking a mile down the road really sucks. Make sure to have your adventure pass or you will be cited. To begin your hike, I take the long paved trail that leads down to the trailhead. Cross the bridge and walk along the river. Those cabins next to you, have no electricity. What an awesome way to live, and I’m not being sarcastic. Anyhoo, you will come to a sign where the trail splits. To the right will take you to the base of Sturtevant falls. To the left is the Gabrielino trail that takes you above the falls. Go left. You will get a birds eye view of the falls and the big crowd of people down there. You will see them all wondering how you got up there. Here is what makes it the best hike in SoCal for me.
As soon as you pass the waterfall, its like you are out of SoCal. Everyone just goes to see the waterfall then turn around and go back. They will never see how pretty and amazing things are beyond it. I would say about 75% of the trail from here on is shaded and runs next to a babbling creek. I have gone when it is 100 degrees in the city, and about 65 and shaded in the canyon. There is a little elevation gain and plenty of things to look at. The creek has etched out this canyon for centuries and there are all kinds of odd and neat ways the rock is sculpted. You will see mini waterfalls and even some super smooth water slide looking plarts like you see only in the sierra nevada.
About 6miles in, you will get to Sprucegrove camp. There are firepits for backpackers, and picnic benches for dayhikers. There are some nasty pit toilets so if ya gotta go, go now. Be respectful of them and clean as possible as I once saw that it is Boy Scouts who clean these toilets. This is a Great place to stop and have a lunch break! Once again this is all shaded and next to the creek.
Once your up again, just a few feet ahead you will get to Sturtevant Camp. This place holds A LOT of history as it is over 100years old. There is that one stand alone cabin that is the oldest Forest Service cabin in the nation. What is most impressive about it is to think that John Muir himself stayed there one time or another. If you are lucky, the door will be open so you can experience it. There is also the «swiss dinning hall» where people used to get their party on. The rest of the cabins are owned and operated by the Methodest church. I met a man who maintains everything there and he was incredibly nice and took time to show us around and explained the history.
Next you continue through the camp on your way to Mt. Zion. This whole entire path, like the path before it, is shaded. This is the hardest part of the hike. The elevation gain isn’t difficult at all but it does not let up. I consider myself an experienced hiker, and find this part fairly easy, but a few friends who are novice had to stop and take a few breathers. No shame in that since it just allows you to take in the scenery a bit. You will finally arrive at a sign. The view off of Mt. Zion isn’t very impressive, but worth the short walk out of way to get to it. Once your back on trial, its all downhill from there. Literally.
This portion is the only unshaded part of the hike. It doesn’t last that long, and its all downhill so it’s all good. As soon as you duck into the treeline again, you’re almost at Hoagees camp. You have the option of upper winter creek or Lower winter creek. I take Lower winter creek since I like being next to the creek. The only trade of is on the way back I have to hike that long paved trail I first come down, and its killer. You can hike upper winter creek and you will sacrifice some nice scenery, but end up at the parking lot. At Hoagees camp, take another break and relax a little. Picnic benches, the creek, boulders, and lots of shade for a last break. After that your almost back. You will end up at the bridge and base of that paved trail.
All in all, this hike is the easiest 10 mile hike ever. I have gone with experienced hikers and novice. They all enjoy it the same. Hope this helps, and have fun.

Excellent hiking spot, sadly its getting too well known for its own good, as the parking lot is now seriously over crowded on weekends. You might have to park 1 – 2 miles downhill from the parking lot.
Get your parking permit (5 bucks) at the ranger station. Or better yet, buy the annual pass (30 bucks) from outdoor sports stores like REI before you head up, so you don’t have to walk back to your car just to put the permit on your dash.
Get here early. on weekends, getting here anytime after 8 am means you’ll never find a parking spot. Additionally, since the people that already parked will be (usually) hiking till noon, you might as well go home.
The hikes themselves are great. Be aware that the trails starts on a hill top, and regardless of which trail you head to, a full hike will have around 3700 ft elevation change. That’s to say, the hikes aren’t the easiest, know your limit, don’t try to hike to Mt. Wilson on the first try, and bring plenty of water. The ranger station has maps and free flyers, grab something and keep it on you just in case. The paths are not confusing, but there are a few stream crossings and you can, however unlikely, lose the trail.
The best part about the trails here are they are all shaded, so, regardless of the temperature up to at the parking lot, once you reach the trails it’s always cool and comfortable. The Upper /​Lower Winter Creek trail loop is especially nice since it’s the longer and more difficult trail, hardly anyone goes there. And you can stop by camp Hoegees about midway and take a break.
Great place to hike, but do get here early or don’t bother coming at all.

Want to hike to the top of Mt. Wilson but:
Don’t feel like going on a long 18 mile hike on the wide Mt. Wilson Toll Road from Eaton Canyon in Pasadena?
Or intimidated by the strenuous and often exposed 15+ mile hike on the Mt. Wilson Trail from Sierra Madre?
Then you might want to hike to Mt. Wilson via Big Santa Anita Canyon from Chantry Flat, which is probably the easiest route to the summit. It’s about a 14 mile hike that hits Mt. Wilson from the east side unlike the other routes, allowing you to summit at the Mt. Wilson Observatory. Cool, huh? And because it starts further up the mountain (meaning less elevation to climb) and because most of the hike is in the shade, I highly recommend this route for hikers trying to summit Mt. Wilson for the first time.
You start this hike at Chantry Flat, the same place you start hikes for Sturtevant Falls, Hermit Falls, and Big Santa Anita Canyon Loop. The actual hike to Mt. Wilson is identical to almost half of the Big Santa Anita Canyon loop that I reviewed here:
and I would actually recommend that you do the 10 mile loop first before taking on this hike.
The preferred route goes counterclockwise, going down the paved road at the start, heading towards Sturtevant Falls. When you reach the Falls/​Gabrielino Trail junction, you can go on either the Lower Trail (Top of the Falls) or Upper Trail (Horse Trail) as they will merge later. I would recommend the Lower Trail for the better scenery and shade. You can even take a mile round trip detour to see the 50ft Sturtevant Falls if you have never seen it.
You will soon reach the Cascade picnic area, and shortly after that you will hit the Spruce Grove Campground. You can take a break and use the toilet at either of these locations. Keep going further, past the Sturtevant Camp to the right (which seem to be all cabins BTW) and at around 4 miles into the hike, you should come across the Upper Zion Trail Junction
which is where you would get on the Sturtevant Trail. From there, it’s about 3 miles to the summit and you should see this halfway rest sign
along the way. This climb up on Sturtevant Trail is probably the most difficult stretch of this entire hike but it will all pay off shortly!
Once you summit, you will see the first of the many white domed observatory structures. You will continue to hike on the paved Rim Trail through the Observatory-​Skyline Park past the Cosmic Café down to the parking lot (BTW this whole area is closed from 12÷1−3÷31 so don’t expect to tour the observatory or eat at the café during the winter) where you will find a sign and the start of the Mt. Wilson Trail
to begin your descent.
Hike down a couple miles, and make sure you STAY ON the Mt. Wilson Trail; even though you’ll be on the wide Mt. Wilson Toll Road for a little after a mile into your descent, you have to switch back on the Mt. Wilson Trail (otherwise you’ll end up in Pasadena like I once did…). Once you reach Manzanita Ridge — where you will find a sign and a wooden bench, you will end your hike on the Mt. Wilson Trail and transfer on to the Winter Creek Trail which can be found just left (east) and downwards from the bench. From here, it’s a long 5 mile descent on the Winter Creek Trail. Well, it goes down and near Hoegee’s Camp it goes uphill for a little so there is a little bit of a climb out of the canyons towards the end. Make sure you stay on the Upper Winter Creek Trail and not the Lower one to avoid the paved climb at the end that you did in the beginning and instead end your hike right at Chantry Flat picnic area.
I printed this map and found it pretty helpful during my hike. I highly recommend you take it as well:
Also, remember that good parking is very hard to find at Chantry Flat so try to get out there early!

Great hiking spot! I love the Hermit Falls and the Sturtevant Falls. Come here early if not parking will be a hassle. Trust me, you don’t wanna park at the bottom cause it’ll suck before you even start hiking. Parking is $ 5 so make sure you pay for it or you’ll get fined. Try getting it at REI on the way here its more convenient

Santa Anita Canyon has one of the best hiking trails in SGV! Just head north on Santa Anita Ave. There’s multiple hiking trail for hikers for all levels. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or advance, there is a trail for you!
I came here for my school fundraiser and ran the 9mile trail in 2 hours. I felt darn proud for that accomplishment. I enjoyed the cleanliness and the accompaniment other friendly hikers as well as the beautiful scenery which all made the run possible.
Fee: Adventure day pass is $ 5/​vehicle and the Annual pass is $ 30 (Need I say more?)
Pro: Cleanliness, nice views, multiple hiking trails, only $ 30 for annual pass,
Con:
(1)Restrooms have portable toilets that do not flush!
(2) Limited parking spaces and sometimes when it gets crowded you’ll have to park a long way down along the side of the mountain.
TIPS: Always be prepared! Bring lots of water/​gatorade, sunscreen SPF 30 or greater, First-​Aid Kit, hiking shoes, Tylenol/​Motrin, Salonpas patch for pain, wear comfortable clothings, hat, snack (Protein bar or nuts), eat before the hike.

Purchase your parking pass at the shop! Always hike with somebody with you when you are hiking! Safety first and bring extra water
Intense drive! Thanks to my co-​worker, I was the passenger and he drove. I would have been a turtle driving up there. Haha…
Santa Anita Canyon is located in Arcadia, not too far from Monrovia. It was such an awesome experience because our co-​worker certainly did his homework before we hiked. Santa Anita Canyon has a history. Gold was found here! Cabins were bulit for those who digged for gold. We were still able see some and apparently there are at least 81 of them still in good shape, however, we only discovered at least 7 on our trail.
What to expect? Crazy parking! People would park however they want, but still have room for others to fit, however, be careful. We saw some people parked their car against the mountain rocks, which looked like their car was about to tip over. (serious!) Get your parking permits because it’s only $ 5 compare to a ticket.
Where to hike? As you reach to the top, you’ll see a bunch of people just sitting around on the bottom of the restroom trail, that’s the start. Check out the map. There’s two trail and both have a waterfall. We ended up hiking the short one, which took us about 40 minutes to get to the Sturtevant Falls. about 2 hour round trip. Work those calves and booty! ;) Totally worth the hike.
Tips:
— Get there early
— Have someone drive up there to get parking permit
— bring a lot of water including snacks and food (please don’t litter, forest is our nature)
— prepare to sweat so bring a towel
— bring sunscreen!
— bring extra trunks/​swimsuit/​sandals and dip your feel in the water :)
— ah yes, dog friendly!
— most importantly, be safe!
Definitely coming back for the long trail! :)
Keep hydrated!

Santa Anita Canyon is only 15 minutes away from like Santa Anita Park. This is good get away from the cities. Enjoy a nice hiking in the Canyon. You could hike as far as Mount Wilson but most people come here to see the Sturtevant Falls which it would take up to 1 hour to get there and 2 hours round trip.
Parking can be nightmare here especially if you don’t come early, expect like 10 – 15 minutes walk, car with all wheel or 4×4 is idea to park near the mountain. There’s pinic area in the entrance. There wasn’t a information center or I can’t find one if there were one. Few of the sign need to be repainted. Just aware with the governmetn cuts this canyon and other might be understaffed and maintenance, the restroom is awful.
TIPS
— Parking price had raise from $ 5 to $ 10, get the annual pass $ 30.
— Hiking Pole is recommended.
— Cellular coverage doesn’t work most area of the park, bring walking talkie would be good choice if you plant to do long hike like to Mount Wilson.
You can get a nice view of SGV on the way to the canyon.
Interesting looing Rock.

Sweating is sexy!!!
If ya like seeing a bunch of sweaty peeps, head over to the Santa Anita Canyon.
There are loads of trails here.
Some are easy.
Some are tough.
Some take you to waterfalls (2 of them).
Some are uphill.
Some are shaded.
Some provide no shade at all so wear your sunscreen.
My uncle and I did the 11 mile loop.
It wasn’t too difficult for us to complete.
We jogged a lot of the way.
The view at the top would have been spectacular if it weren’t for the thick layer of smog over So Cal.
We even got to see a baby rattle snake, which was cool and frightening at the same time
If you want to hike the trails here arrive early. We got here at 6:45am and we still had to park almost a half mile from the entrance.
By the time we left people were parking a mile away from the trails entrance.
They have a tiny store here that sells drinks, snacks, maps and even adventure passes for your car so you can park up in the mountains.
Great place to hike. Highly recommended.

We did the Big Santa Anita Loop =) This is a great scenic loop trip form Chantry flat, we climbed the Gabrielino Trail to Sturtevant Camp, and returned by the Mt. Zion and Upper Winter Creek trails.
We started down a paved road. There are a number of small cabins along the way.
The trail is in the middle of a beautiful oak woodland, and there’s a 4 way junction of trails.
We then went to see the 50-​foot-​high Sturtevant Falls, a worthy trip. =)
FYI, take the middle (lower) trail –the more scenic and exciting alternative. This trail slices across a sheer wall above the falls and continues through miniature cascades and pools.
About 2 miles into the hike you will reach Cascade Picnic where ther are restrooms. Another a mile, you will reach Spruce Grove trail Camp. This is a nice place to stop for a snack or you can continue to Sturtevant Camp which is less than 1 mile where you can relax and have a swing.
Cross a dam and take the MT. Zion trail to upper Winter trail.
The trip back up can be a PAIN =) so be ready!
Overall, a great fun enjoyable afternoon of hiking. =)