Great Outdoors OCLB
Sturtevant Camp
Friday December 19, 8:45 AM
Distance: 4.5 miles | Elevation gain: 1,247 Ft
Time: Allow about 4 hours depending on our pace and water/snack/lunch breaks.
Hike Level: Moderate Hike
Easy Access from the 210 Freeway!
Event Details
Established in 1893, Sturtevant Camp is located in the upper reaches of Big Santa Anita Canyon, in the San Gabriel Mountains of Southern California. We are a hike-in camp dating back to the “Great Hiking Era”. The trail in is a little over four mile hike from the parking lot at Chantry Flat, north of the City of Sierra Madre, California. Just like it was in the “Great Hiking Era”, the only way to get to camp is to hike.
Sturtevant Camp is located in the true wilderness of the Angeles National Forest, yet it is just miles from Los Angeles. The forest is a host to a multitude of wildlife. Come and enjoy creatures such as the gray squirrel, fox, raccoon, and skunk. We have several varieties of snake such as rattle, gopher, racer, and California king snakes. Only the rattlesnake is poisonous and mostly seen off trail, so please stay on the trail.
There are both mountain lions and bobcat that are occasionally seen during the day, mostly during the night. The most interesting are the black bears that are actually more brown in color. People are most concerned about these larger animals and really should not be if some caution is used. They are just as afraid of us as we are of them. If you encounter a bear, retreat if possible. Otherwise, stand your ground, make yourself big by raising your hands. Making noise will also move him/her on.
History of the Chapel
The Camp was owned and operated by the regional United Methodist Church for over seventy years. Early in their development of the Camp, they planned for a swimming pool, but then LA County built the “check dams”, one of which completely displaced where the pool would have been.
So instead, a Chapel was built with outdoor benches at the base of a pair of huge Bigcone Spruce trees, looking out over the Canyon stream. Over the years, various services were held, including a few weddings. Later, a memorial cross was dedicated to remember a young camper from Arcadia. And a few years after the 2020 Bobcat Fire, one of the two big Spruce trees fell down on its own.
Where Do We Begin?
From the 210 freeway in Arcadia, take the Santa Anita Avenue exit and drive north to Chantry Flats, about 6 miles.
There may be parking down the hill but your car must be completely behind the white lines or it will be ticketed.
There is private parking for $25 per car at the Adams Pack Station. This parking fee helps support the Pack Station and the care and feeding of their donkeys.
Otherwise an Adventure Pass is required for parking and they can be purchased at the Adams Pack Station. Carpooling is recommended. There are restrooms near the upper parking lot.
Link to Trailhead in Google Maps
https://maps.app.goo.gl/LcUkXedUE4jqGGWv8
What to Bring:
You should bring your ten essentials, a day pack, water (2 to 3 liters), trekking poles, sunscreen, hat and trail snacks.
BRING PLENTY OF WATER!
Any Questions:
If you have any questions about this hike, please do not hesitate to reach out to Lance. Hike leaders will be:
Lance W. with Richard K.
Email: [email protected]
If there are any last-minute day-of cancellations,
please let me know via text.
Click here for the list of ten essentials.
Wear shoes with good tread - just good common sense.
Carpooling is recommended to help reduce gas, cost and damage to the environment.
Photos from previous hikes at various trails beginning at Chantry Flat.
