Sturtevant Falls in December 2013

I usually remember the waterfall, but my memory of Sturtevant Falls is somewhat fuzzy. I do remember the before and after of getting to and from the falls, and that might just have something to do with the blurriness.

I had already visited Paradise Falls earlier that day, and was now driving east from that area. I have read there is often difficulty finding parking, but by the time I showed up, there was more than adequate parking in the designated area. I went and paid the day-use fee, and then I may have wandered around for a bit on the wrong side of the road (but I might I’m getting another waterfall mixed up here).

At some point, I realized I need to head downhill, which was not what I had originally expected. And as I saw people walking “far below”, I realized this was a steep downhill journey. Now, it’s not terrible, but it still keeps reminding you that you have a steep uphill return. This is also the point where I started feeling somewhat dizzy and nauseated. I remember wondering whether I should turn back since this was just the downhill portion. I kept going. I pushed myself into high gear because I also was worried I wouldn’t get back until after sunset.

So I think I turned around pretty soon after getting to the falls. There wasn’t much water there, so I wasn’t extremely excited. I had seen the more interesting (on that date) Paradise Falls before this. So I hiked back up the road. I actually felt better on the way back, though I do remember exerting a lot of energy. It’s a paved road for the steep portion, which might make it a bit easier.

After getting back to the parking area, thinking I might need something to eat, and then eating a pretty big meal, I realized I was actually sick. So that’s mostly what I remember, though overall, it was a very minor ordeal. I think that part may have blocked out the memory of the falls (or maybe it was the thought of the hike back up!).

Directions:

1. Take the 210, exit 32, and head north on N Santa Anita Ave.
2. Keep driving until this turns into Chantry Flats Road. (The divided road merges at this point.)
3. Just keep driving until you arrive at the main parking lot. Pay the entrance fee if you have not already purchased it elsewhere. (I don’t know what the policy is about parking on the side of the road outside of the parking area, so pay attention to any posted signs.)
4. Cross the road and head downhill along the paved forest route 2N40.
5. Follow the trail to the falls. It’s about a 1.6 mile one-way trip.

Accessibility: 3/10 (moderate/strenuous)
Height: 50′
Length of Hike: 3.2 miles round-trip

Where in the World is Sturtevant Falls?