Notebooks of Scott

One of my favorite hikes in this area is the trail from Chantry Flats to Sturdevant Falls. However, every time I go, I see the trail head for First Water trail to Hermit Falls. Last week some friends and I decided to check it out. I had read that it was a good place to go swimming, so we brought along swim suits. We started off around 2:30 in the afternoon, which would put the trail in the shade on the return trip. The hike is an upside down hike, so the return trip is harder. The trail is relatively well marked and maintained, and maintained and you can tell you’ve arrived at the falls when you reach the old gauging station (a rusty vertical metal cylinder).

The trail brings you to the top of the main falls and getting to the bottom involves climbing down some rocks. It was definitely worth the effort though, the falls are nice and the pool is cold and deep. Perfect for swimming. If you are a little more adventurous you can even jump off the cliff from the top off the falls into the water (we estimated a 50 ft drop based on the time it took to fall). The only draw back of Hermit Falls is the amount of trash. Its rather distressing to see just how much is there, especially compared to the very clean Sturdevant Falls.

All in all, it was a good hike. One I would visit again.

Links:

• Big Santa Anita Canyon and Chantry Flats Pack Station
• Yelp listing for Hermit Falls