Join us for an exclusive three-day weekend at Sturtevant Camp, a magical gem in our local Angeles National Forest.
Just a short distance from Los Angeles, Sturtevant Camp is a world away... in the upper reaches of Big Santa Anita Canyon, tucked into our vast San Gabriel Mountains. The camp was founded 133 years ago -- in 1893, during Southern California's “Great Hiking Era,” and has delighted generations of campers. Thanks to dedicated volunteers, the camp has survived many natural disasters, and is now reopened for Great Outdoors to celebrate Pride Month with our own Summer Camp Weekend at Sturtevant!
We will hike in on a gradual, lovely 4.2-mile trail, enjoy a lunch break at popular Sturtevant Falls, then continue to camp. We'll carry our own backpack with clothes and light gear, but we'll be assisted by a pack of donkeys who will carry our food ahead of time, and pack out our trash!
Sturtevant Camp is a place to unplug and relax, with a main lodge for group cooking and meals, a game and music room, bunk bed cabins and showers, and a giant swing! If you look forward to a slow weekend enjoying canyon life, local history, making our own entertainment, and a nostalgic summer camp in good company, then this is the nature weekend for you!
Trip Info Session! Thursday, June 11, 7-8 pm.
Ask all your questions - online! (Click Zoom link ) Meet the trip leaders, who will discuss this special trip itinerary, go over the plan & logistics, meet those registered and interested, and answer any questions. Whether you're curious about the trip, or already registered, we encourage you to join the meeting! The session will be recorded and sent to registrants in case you can't make it.
Event registration is open: to any adult over 18, including non-members.
Trip cost: Includes meals (2 dinners, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches), lodging & facility rental, mule pack transport for group food, and supplies.
Hiking information: Map | Distance: 4.2 miles one way | Elevation gain: 1,247 ft | Level: Intermediate. "It typically takes guests two to three hours to hike here." The beautiful riparian and upland trail includes stream crossings, white alder trees, quaint stone and wood cabins, shaded canopy, check dams, and forest views.
Schedule (subject to change)
Friday, June 26: Hike in
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9:00 am: Carpooling and early arrival to
Chantry Flat parking lot are strongly recommended to find limited parking and save on fees. A paid parking pass is required for each day of parking. We recommend you purchase in advance: see Parking Pass options below.
Adams Pack Station may have them for sale. You will need three daily USFS Adventure Passes (3 x $5 = $15).
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10:15 am: Hike in to the canyon
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11:30 pm: Lunch break at Sturtevant Falls
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3:00 pm: Arrive at Sturtevant Camp. Check-in. Host orientation. Settle in. Free time. Explore the surroundings
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4:30 pm: Dinner crew: Cooks
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5:30 pm: Dinner
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6:30 pm: Cleanup crew
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7:00 pm: Evening activities, games
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9:30 pm: Lights out (Each night: Camp lights/electricity turns off)
Saturday, June 27: Free day
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8:30 am: Breakfast crew: Cooks
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9:30 am: Breakfast
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10:15 am: Clean up crew
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Free day! Relax at camp. Personal time in nature, Read, Big swing, Music. Explore! We will also have optional group activities: Crafts, Games, Volleyball, etc.
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12:30 pm: Lunch station
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4:30 pm: Dinner crew: Cooks
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6:00 pm: Dinner
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7:00 pm: Cleanup crew
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7:30 pm: Sharing Circle/Talent Show, games, music/dance
Sunday, June 28: Hike out
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8:00 am: Breakfast crew: Set up
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8:30 am: Build your own Breakfast and Lunch station
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9:30 am: Clean up crew
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Clean up all cabins by 10 am, move bags to lodge
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Clear main kitchen and lodge by 12 noon.
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12:00 pm: Hike out
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3:30 pm: Back at Trailhead
Everyone will need to carry in their own backpack:
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Please read
Sturtevant Camp's Camper Information List. Think of this trip as "backpacking-lite." We'll carry our pack for a few hours, but not have the heavy burden of a tent, cooking gear, food... and we'll stay in comfort! This is a great beginner-level trip to see how you like it, and build up experience for longer daypacks like Yosemite's High Sierra Camps, El Camino pilgrimage, or true backpacking!
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Remember: Pack light. Don't bring heavy or unnecessary items.
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Sheet, sleep sack or sleeping bag + pillowcase + towel for shower
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2 days/nights clothes: layers, underwear, socks, shorts, pants, jacket, pajamas/evening wear, slip-on shoes or sandals for around camp
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Toiletries (small shampoo/soap, toothbrush/paste, personal needs, medicine)
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Earplugs, head lamp, sunscreen, bug spray/bug net in case it's buggy.
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Wear shoes with good tread
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Lunch/snack/water bottle for the hike in.
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Optional: Hiking poles, snacks/drinks, BYOB (please enjoy responsibly), power bank, charger, a book, arts & crafts, activity, favorite game to share, musical instrument
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Something to share for our Sharing Circle/Talent Show: Something personal? Fun? Your favorite poem, song, scary story, joke, group sing-along/skit/dance/drag routine?
Provided at Camp:
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Group meal ingredients: The pack mules of Adams’ Pack Station will carry these in for us.
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You do not need to bring a tent.
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There is no cell reception or wi-fi.
History
Founded in 1893 by Wilbur Sturtevant, Sturtevant Camp is the only surviving resort from Southern California's "Great Hiking Era" in the Big Santa Anita Canyon when it operated as a popular wilderness getaway. It even features the oldest U.S. Forest Service ranger station structure still standing on its original footprint. Built in 1903 by Ranger Louis Newcomb, the cabin is an engineering marvel with hand-hewn logs that remain structurally sound to this day. The camp is closely tied to the legendary Adams Pack Station, in Southern California, and the only full-time, year-round donkey-packing service in the Western United States!
Message from the Trip Leaders:
We have wanted to organize a Sturtevant Camp weekend for many years, and are excited to finally do it! We look forward to having a very special summer camp weekend with you all!
Trip Leaders: Bryan Matsumoto [email protected] Mobile: 626-246-8634 and Jeremy Munns
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We’re looking for creative helpers! We invite you to help us plan this summer camp weekend. Do you have skills to share, for example yoga or cooking? We would love help with organizing fun group camp activities, crafts, games, dance/music and planning our group meal recipes! Please let us know if you'd like to help!
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Please tell a trip leader anytime you are leaving the group, for example, to hike during free time.
Cancellation policy: Refund available through June 15 with a $10 processing fee. Refunds not available from June 16, but reservation is transferable to another person.
Additional parking pass options:
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We recommend purchasing the parking pass ahead of time, online or in-person from US Forest Service offices, Big 5 stores or other locations.
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The USFS Adventure Pass website lists vendors and other details.
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Consider buying the annual pass instead of three daily ones. It is $30, and you can buy a second annual pass to give to another vehicle, for only $5 extra. These are only available at certain locations, call to confirm availability.
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Other Federal land passes are accepted as well, such as the America the Beautiful National Parks pass.
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