Is swimming allowed at Sturtevant Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Sturtevant Falls.

Sturtevant Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Sturtevant Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Sturtevant Falls.

California • 50 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Photo Credits (5)

simonov CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

3.3 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

400 ft

About Sturtevant Falls

Sturtevant Falls is a scenic 50-foot cascade tucked into Santa Anita Canyon within the Angeles National Forest, just outside Sierra Madre, California. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, the falls are a favorite day-hike destination for families and photographers: a shady, creekside approach leads to a broad cascade and a pleasant pool at the base where hikers often pause to relax and take photos. The route blends riparian vegetation with the canyon’s rock walls and a handful of historic cabins near the trail, offering a mix of natural beauty and local history in a relatively accessible setting. The hike to Sturtevant is an out-and-back of approximately 3.25 miles with about 400 feet of elevation gain and a moderate difficulty rating. The trail begins at the Chantry Flat parking area and is well used and well maintained, making it a reliable option for most fit day hikers looking for a classic Southern California canyon walk without technical scrambling.

The Setting

Sturtevant Falls sits at 2,113 feet in the hills of California. The falls drop 50 feet.

Height: 50 feet

Trail & Hike Details

3.3 mi distance 400 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate 3.25-mile out-and-back trail gains 400 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

Trailhead: Chantry Flat parking area. Type: out-and-back, length ~3.25 miles total, elevation gain ~400 ft, difficulty: moderate. Surface and route: a well‑trodden dirt and compacted‑rock footpath that descends into Santa Anita Canyon and stays largely shaded alongside the creek. The route passes historic cabins and lush riparian vegetation and includes occasional short, steeper pitches near the canyon floor; no technical climbing is required. The trail terminates at the base of the 50-foot Sturtevant Falls, where a rocky pool and viewing area mark the turnaround point.

What to Expect

The falls drop 50 feet. Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Sturtevant Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $5.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Sturtevant Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring fall winter

The best time to visit is in the spring or after winter rains, when the waterfall is at its fullest. Early mornings or weekdays are ideal to avoid crowds.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Fall, and Winter.

Safety Information

Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall and along the creek. Watch for poison oak along the trail. Flash flooding may occur during heavy rains, so check weather conditions before visiting.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Sierra Madre hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

The ground through the falls loses about 307 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The falls are listed at 50 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 2,107 feet above sea level.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 424 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 100 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Sturtevant Falls near Sierra Madre, California, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Sturtevant Falls near Sierra Madre, California, showing about 307 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing east

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 2,107 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 307 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: East; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Sturtevant Falls is accessed via the Chantry Flat Recreation Area. From Sierra Madre, take Santa Anita Avenue north until it ends at the Chantry Flat parking lot.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Chantry Flat Recreation Area, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. An Adventure Pass is required to park here.

Elevation

2,113 feet above sea level

Coordinates

34.211657° N, -118.019512° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early to secure parking, especially on weekends. Bring plenty of water, as the trail can get warm during the day. Wear sturdy shoes, as parts of the trail may be uneven or slippery.

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With 3.3 miles and 400 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

Kahtoola MICROspikes

Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

BANDIDO GROUP CAMPGROUND

9.3 miles away · 5 sites

Reservable

Overview Groups of all types will enjoy staying at the Bandido Group Campground, which boasts beautiful scenery in a relaxing, rustic atmosphere. The site accommodates groups of up to 150 campers, but is designed for equestrian campers and provides several horse corrals and hitch racks. Bandido is divided into five campsites, each with varying capacities for smaller groups. Site #1 has a capacity of 12 campers. Site #2 can accommodate 60 campers. Site #3 and #5 can each hold a maximum of 30 campe

Book on Recreation.gov