It's about four (4) miles (if you don't hike to the base of the Falls), with about a half mile of elevation ascent.

	From Chantry Flats Parking Area ... Walk down to the bulletin board and restroom facility adjacent to a stairway that leads you down to the start of the Gabrielino Trail. There is also a white pipe gate at this location which you drove by just before the parking area.
	Proceed down this steep, single lane paved road (gated to public vehicles) which descends to the canyon bottom and foot bridge. The distance to the foot bridge (Roberts Camp) from the parking area is 7/10 of a mile (looking at this first sign, but 6/10 of a mile looking at the sign at Roberts Camp!), with 400' feet of descent.
	Once at Roberts Camp, proceed across the bridge and follow the trail signs toward Sturtevant Falls & Spruce Grove Trail Camp.
	The trail route continues from here in the form a narrow dirt road which follows the stream up canyon, passing check dams (crib-like structures installed in the stream bed in the early sixties to mitigate erosion) and a number of quaint cabins. The road soon peters out and becomes a single-track hiking trail that continues on up the canyon under a canopy of white alder, bay, live oak and big leaf canyon maples.
	Soon, you will arrive at Fern Lodge Junction, which is 8/10 of a mile from Roberts Camp. STOP! Take the time to view (left-click) the images to the left and right of this sentence, AND read this and the following two sections (table rows) before proceeding. (If you continue straight ahead, the trail dead-ends at the Falls and you have to double-back). At this point (the junction is actually about 50 paces before the Lodge--see image to left), you have a choice of three routes--two routes (to your left [west]) that will continue up the Gabrielino Trail to Sturtevant Camp. Both routes are part of the Gabrielino Trail and they rejoin beyond the Falls. Rt 1) The longer, but gentler route is the Upper Trail (horses & hikers). Rt 2) The more breathtaking is the Lower (Top of Falls) Trail (hikers only).
	Rt 3) If you want to enjoy the base of the Falls (the area pictured in the right-hand frame of this website), then proceed past the junction to Fern Lodge (please use the thumbnail link to the left), and then follow the footpath that angles beyond the Lodge at about "2 o'clock" and crosses the creek. (Editor's note: if you hustle, you can get to the Falls and back to this junction in 20 - 30 minutes, but WHY? My children and I take about 45' for the round-trip so that we can enjoy the sound of the Falls and the big boulders).
	Back to the two (2) trail choices: If you are scared of heights, then take the Upper Trail. It climbs up onto the slopes above the canyon bottom. This trail affords views out into other canyons and mountain tops. A bit gentler than the Upper Falls trail, this is a good one for younger children. Also, if it's dark or the trail surfaces are wet, this is the one to take. The Lower (Top of Falls) Trail passes through a rugged and pristine section of the canyon, which gives you a true sense of being in a deep and hidden gorge. It affords a beautiful view down Sturtevant Falls, passes by a number of inviting pools in the Santa Anita creek, and at one point is carved out of solid rock. This route is best approached when the weather is dry and during the day--lighting is important.
	Whichever way you go, you'll end up at Falling Sign Junction (Don't ask me why it bears this name--the sign is as sturdy and erect as any of them!). Continue toward Cascade Picnic Area and Spruce Grove Campground. The sign incorrectly labels Spruce Grove as Spruce Group.   Breaking News! We just learned the origination of the name--ask Chris or Joan when you're in camp! :)
	Half a mile later, you'll cross the stream and be at Cascade Picnic Area, which boasts just a single picnic table, outhouse and call box with an authentic and working crank telephone. You can actually ring Sturtevant Camp on the old crank phone. (Follow the directions in the box--Sturtevant Camp is two rings). From here, you have about one mile to go--you will hike up, over or around nine (9) more check dams between Cascade Picnic Area and Sturtevant Camp.
	Continue up canyon, passing through Spruce Grove Campground. This Forest Service campsite contains of half-a-dozen tables and wood burning stoves. Just keep on going another third of a mile up from here to a stream crossing and you'll encounter your last junction.
	This last junction offers you the choice of going toward Newcomb Pass and DeVore Trail Camp, or heading up to Mt. Wilson via the Sturtevant Trail. Turn left here (up canyon) heading toward Mt. Wilson by climbing up over yet one last check dam.
	At the top of the dam you'll notice a sign indicating the trail goes to your left, or over to the opposite side of the dam. Don't take it. Instead, keep heading straight up canyon, keeping to the right hand side of the stream. You'll now see "Sturtevant" etched into a split log sign. Pass by this and another hand-made wooden post sign to the camp itself. Within a minute, you will arrive. You made it!