There are many hike choices from this trailhead:
It could be an out and back to one of the camps along Gabrielino Trail and return. Example: Return from Spruce Grove = 7 miles round trip. Or, turn around sooner.
It could be a longer loop trip up to Sturdevant Campground then onto Mount Zion and return via Upper or Lower Winter Creek trails, 8-9 miles.
It could be a shorter loop from Roberts Camp along Lower Winter Creek to Hoegees and return via Upper Winter Creek. 5.1 miles
It could be a long out and back on the Santa Anita Ridge Trail (7-8 miles), or even a longer 9 mile trek extending from the ridge along the Olene Ridge and back via Upper Winter Creek.
Or it could be a shorter descent to Hermit Falls starting from the "First Water" trail turnoff, 3 miles.
Directions to Trailhead: Take the 210 FREEWAY east to SANTA ANITA AVENUE exit (turns into Santa Anita Canyon road) and drive north to Chantry Flats, about 5-6 miles. Park in the upper large lot. Signed trailhead is across the road. Don't forget Forestry parking pass.
Weather and altitude thoughts: Chantry = 2,220 feet, Mt. Zion = 3,575 feet, Spruce Grove = 3,100 feet, Hoegees = 2,500 feet, Sturtevant = 3,240 feet. Hopefully all below snow level, but wouldn’t it be nice to see some?
Google Earth photo - Combined Chantry Flats Hikes
GPS Data: Note: Chantry Flat Trailhead Elevation = 2200 ft.
Lower/lower Winter Creek to Hoegee Campground (Magenta-Blue)
Total miles = 5.6 mi. RT
Helipad add on = 0.8 mi. RT
Max Elevation change = + 660 ft.
Hermit Falls (Red)
Total miles = 2.5 mi. RT
Max Elevation Change = - 645 ft.
Gabrielino Trail to Sturdevant Camp, Mt. Zion, Upper Winter Creek (Blue)
Total miles = 9.5 mi. RT
Base of Sturdevant Falls add on = 0.6 mi. RT
Max Elevation Change = +1750 ft.
Santa Anita Ridge Trail (Green)
Total miles = 7.6 mi. RT
Max Elevation Change = +1600 ft.
Santa Anita Ridge-Olene Ridge-Upper Winter Creek (Green-Yellow-Blue)
Total miles = 9.2 mi. RT
Max Elevation Change = +1870 ft.
