San Gabriels Sojourn

Hike to an Overnight Cabin at Sturtevant Camp

To overnight at Sturtevant Camp is to relive Southern California’s “Great Hiking Era”—the 1880s to late 1930s—when millions flocked to the San Gabriel Mountains to hike, fish, and picnic. Of the era’s several hostelries, only Sturtevant remains. This hike-in cabin cluster tucked deep in Big Santa Anita Canyon at 3,200 feet is open to the public for nightly rentals.

Honeymoon Cottage—a single-room shack with a double bed—is perfect for couples or solo trekkers, while other cabins sleep six or eight people. There’s even a pack-mule service, as there was a century ago. Adams’ Pack Station can haul your gear by donkey from the trailhead at Chantry Flat.

The 3.5-mile path to camp traverses Big Santa Anita Canyon, one of the loveliest, most well-watered canyons in the San Gabriels, gradually ascending 1,400 feet to its upper reaches beyond 50-foot Sturtevant Falls. You’ll be in deep shade most the way, sheltered under a canopy of alder, maple, and towering bigcone Douglas firs in a riparian passage lush with ferns and vines. The camp offers plenty to do, including zip-lining and archery, but more satisfying is simply to build a campfire at dusk and listen to it crackle as birdsong echoes through the wooded glen. Nice note: There’s no wifi or cell service available. The camp’s rustic dining hall, dating to 1897, is a real treat too. Wooden tables and benches line the interior and the pitched roof is decorated with colorful hand-painted horseshoe plaques. A large kitchen, equipped with stoves, utensils, and cookware, makes it easy to prepare even lavish meals. You’re only limited by what food you (or an Adams donkey) haul in.

In the morning, consider a jaunt up to Mount Wilson to visit the famous observatory, which is celebrating the 150th birthday of its founder with a free open house on June 30 and July 1. The steep trail climbs 2,400 feet in under 3 miles.

Take the I-210 to Arcadia, exit at Santa Anita Ave., and drive north for 5 miles to reach Chantry Flat. You will need to display an Adventure Pass to park at the trailhead.. Passes are available just a short walk away at Adams’ Pack Station. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Screaming Good Garden

    Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

    View
  3. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  4. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  2. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View