Join us for an exclusive three-day weekend at Sturtevant Camp, a magical gem in our local Angeles National Forest.
We will hike in on a beautiful 4.2-mile trail -- the only way to get to camp is on foot! We'll be carrying our day packs and some gear, but luckily we'll be assisted by a pack of mules who will carry in our food and drink, and carry out our trash!
Just a short distance from Los Angeles, Sturtevant Camp is a world away... in the upper reaches of Big Santa Anita Canyon, tucked into our vast San Gabriel Mountains. The camp was founded 133 years ago -- in 1893, during Southern California's “Great Hiking Era.”
This is the place to unplug and relax: with a main lodge for group cooking and meals, a game and music room, bunk bed cabins and showers, and a giant swing! If you look forward to a slow weekend enjoying canyon life, local history, making our own entertainment, at a nostalgic summer camp in good company, then this is the nature weekend for you!
Event registration is open: to any adult over 18, including non-members.
Trip cost: Includes lodging & facility rental, mule pack transport for group food, supplies and meals.
Hiking information: Map | Distance: 4.2 miles one way | Elevation gain: 1,247 ft | Level: Intermediate. "It typically takes guests two to three hours to hike here." The beautiful riparian and upland trail includes stream crossings, white alder trees, quaint stone and wood cabins, shaded canopy, check dams, and forest views.
Rough Schedule
Friday: Hike in
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9:30 am: Arrive early to
Chantry Flat parking lot. Limited parking; carpool strongly recommended to save on fees and spaces.
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A paid parking pass is required. Purchase three of the daily USFS Adventure Passes at Adams Pack Station, one for each day of parking. 3 x $5 = $15).
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Consider buying the annual pass instead. It is $30, and you can buy a second annual pass to give to another vehicle, for only $5 extra.
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Passes may be purchased online or from other vendors. Other Federal passes are accepted as well.
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10:15 am: Hike into the canyon
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11:30 pm: Lunch break at Sturtevant Falls
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3:00 pm: Arrive at Sturtevant Camp. Check-in. Host orientation. Settle in. Free time. Explore the surroundings.
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4:30 pm: Dinner crew: Cooks
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5:30 pm: Dinner.
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6:30 pm: Cleanup crew.
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7:00 pm: Evening activities, games.
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9:30 pm: Lights out (Each night: Camp lights/electricity turns off)
Saturday: Free day
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8:30 am: Breakfast crew: Cooks
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9:30 am: Breakfast
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10:15 am: Clean up crew
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Free day! Relax at camp. Personal time in nature, Read, Big swing, Music. Explore! We will also have some optional group activities: Crafts, Games, Volleyball, etc.
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12:30 pm: Lunch
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4:30 pm: Dinner crew: Cooks
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6:00 pm: Dinner.
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7:00 pm: Cleanup crew.
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7:30 pm: Sharing Circle, games, music/dance
Sunday: Hike out
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8:30 am: Breakfast crew: Cooks
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9:30 am: Breakfast
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10:15 am: Clean up crew
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Clean up all cabins by 11:30 am
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Clear main kitchen and lodge by 12 noon.
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12:00 pm: Hike out
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3:30 pm: Back at Trailhead
Everyone will need to carry in their own backpack:
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Please read
Sturtevant Camp's Camper Information List. Think of this trip as "backpacking-lite." We'll carry our pack for a few hours, but not have the heavy burden of a tent, cooking gear, food... and we'll stay in comfort! This is a great beginner-level trip to build experience for longer daypacks like Yosemite's High Sierra Camps, El Camino pilgrimage, or true backpacking.
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Pack light!
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Sleeping bag + pillowcase + towel for shower
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2 days/nights clothes: layers, underwear, socks, shorts, pants, jacket, pajamas/evening wear, slip-on shoes or sandals for around camp
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Toiletries (small shampoo/soap, toothbrush/paste, personal needs, medicine)
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Earplugs, head lamp, sunscreen, bug spray
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Wear shoes with good tread
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Lunch/snack/water bottle for the hike in.
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Optional: Hiking poles, snacks/drinks, BYOB (please enjoy responsibly), power bank, charger, a book, arts & crafts, activity, favorite game to share, musical instrument
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Something to share for our Sharing Circle: Something personal? Fun? Your favorite poem, song, scary story, joke, group sing-along/skit/dance/drag routine?
Provided at Camp:
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Group meal ingredients: The pack mules of Adams’ Pack Station will carry these in for us.
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You do not need to bring a tent.
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There is no cell reception or wi-fi.
History
Founded in 1893 by Wilbur Sturtevant, Sturtevant Camp is the only surviving resort from Southern California's "Great Hiking Era" in the Big Santa Anita Canyon when it operated as a popular wilderness getaway. It even features the oldest U.S. Forest Service ranger station structure still standing on its original footprint. Built in 1903 by Ranger Louis Newcomb, the cabin is an engineering marvel with hand-hewn logs that remain structurally sound to this day. The camp is closely tied to the legendary Adams Pack Station, in Southern California, and the only full-time, year-round donkey-packing service in the Western United States!
We look forward to a very special summer camp weekend with you all!
Trip Leaders: Bryan Matsumoto [email protected] Mobile: 626-246-8634 and Jeremy Munns
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We’re looking for creative helpers! We invite you to help us plan this summer camp weekend. Do you have skills to share, for example yoga or cooking? We would love help with organizing fun group camp activities, crafts, games, dance/music and planning our group meal recipes! Please let us know if you'd like to help!
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Please tell a trip leader anytime you are leaving the group, for example, to hike during free time.
Cancellation policy: Refund available by June 12. Refunds not available from June 13, but reservation is transferable to another person.
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