The best waterfalls in Arcadia

We left the city for the weekend and went on a spur-of-the-moment waterfall hike. The trail follows a stream the whole way, and the tree cover keeps the summer heat from being too much. You can hear running water along the route, and now and then we spotted small animals in the woods.

After roughly 1.5 miles, you reach Sturtevant Falls, where water comes down a rock wall into a clear pool. Up here there's no city noise, only the valley, the stream and the falls. If you live in Los Angeles, it's a good weekend hike to save.

Trail Details Trail: Sturtevant Falls Trail, Chantry Flat, Angeles National Forest Round trip: about 3.3 miles (5.3 km) Elevation gain: about 450 to 500 ft Difficulty: easy, beginner friendly Time: 1.5 to 2.5 hours, including photo stops Dogs: allowed on a leash Entry: no trail fee Address: Chantry Flat Road, Arcadia, CA 91006 (we navigated to the Gabrielino Trail eastern trailhead) The Walk