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Big Santa Anita Canyon
4.6 ★★★★★ 414 Google reviews · Running trail in Arcadia, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- 10 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Big Santa Anita Canyon's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Natural area & popular hiking spot with over 40 miles of trails, plus waterfalls & wildlife.
What runners say about Big Santa Anita Canyon
“Stunning views of the San Gabriel Mountains greet you before you descend into the canyon.”
We did Sturtevant falls trail which is about 3.6 miles out and back from chantry flats parking. The first .6 mile of the trail is a steep pavement road which can be a bit challenging while coming back from the hike. Rest of the hike is really pleasant with minimal elevation gain and is shaded throughout.
This is THE BEST trail in Los Angeles. Runyon Canyon has nothing on Big Santa! Lush greenery, waterfalls, campsites it has it all. Stunning views of the San Gabriel Mountains greet you before you descend into the canyon. Pack a light lunch and eat at the falls its all good and all God.
Great reverse hike. Walk down then back up. Went sat. May 16 and was packed. No parking. Alot of a## holes and at the falls only 2 of 50 were wearing mask....cant wait to go back though to try again. Great sceanery walking along a stream with 5 dams
We went on January 4th 2025 during the holiday season, so there were many cars. Even though parking was paid, there were no available spots. We had no choice but to park along the roadside and walk a long distance. We challenged ourselves to walk along the cycling trail.
Trail conditions & character
“This parking lot also fills up very quickly, it was full at 6 AM on a Saturday, and this is the trailhead for Mt Wilson and the Strutvant Falls.”
“Such a beautiful hike especially after all this rain we've received.”
“6 miles out and back from chantry flats parking.”
Plan your run at Big Santa Anita Canyon
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- Distance10 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitesantaanitacanyon.com
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–8 PM |
Running trails near Arcadia
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Gabrielino Trail Eastern Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 6 reviews
First Water, Mt. Wilson Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 171 reviews
Popular hiking area featuring waterfalls and a creek (and sometimes bears), with a trail park.
