Sturtevant Falls
Sierra Madre
Sturtevant Falls is a beloved canyon hike in the Angeles National Forest near Sierra Madre and Arcadia, featuring a shaded, streamside trek of roughly 3 to 3.5 miles round trip with minimal elevation gain. The trail leads across boulder-filled stream crossings to a secluded 50-foot cascading waterfall framed by lush canyon scenery. Visitors frequently highlight the refreshing natural pool at the base of the falls, making it a popular spot for picnicking, wading, and swimming.
Commenters enthusiastically praise the trail as a peaceful, stress-free getaway and admire seasonal highlights like changing autumn foliage. While the general sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, viewers frequently discuss practical trail conditions, including chilly water temperatures, dog-friendliness, and occasional heavy crowds. Some also raise questions regarding water quality, trail difficulty, and driving logistics.
- Expect a round-trip distance of about 3.3 to 3.5 miles with minimal elevation gain.
- Prepare for shallow boulder and stream crossings along the canyon trail.
- Be ready for very chilly water if you plan to swim in the pool below the falls.
- Visit during the fall season to catch beautiful changing autumn foliage.
- The trail is dog-friendly, with pets often seen wading in the water.
Summaries are created based on reviews, notes, and social media posts.
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