Sturdevant: Yesterday, Today

As the Angeles Chapter settles into a year- long celebration of its Centennial, it is appropriate to offer an outing that focuses on the rich history of the chapter and its roots in the mountains of Southern California. In many ways the closest and most accessible mountains to the growing population of Los Angeles in the early 1900's were the San Gabriels. The Pacific Electric's famed Big Red Car brought thousands of hikers each weekend to the base of Mt. Wilson in Sierra Madre. Many early Sierrans were drawn to the beauty and majesty of Big Santa Anita Canyon with its falls and lush riparian canopy. The Chapter first mountain home, Muir Lodge, was situated near the base of the canyon's largest waterfall. At one time the canyon was home to six Trail Camp resorts that accommodated the throngs of hikers who made the trails vibrate under hob nailed knee high boots. Today, high on the eastern flank of Mt. Wilson, only one Trail Camp survives and that will be our destination for a two night stay. Sturtevant's Camp, situated in a shaded grove of Big Cone Spruce, has withstood the test of time and nature. While much of the front range and back country of the San Gabriel Mountains were devastated by the Station Fire, Big Santa Anita Canyon and Sturtevant's camp were spared and will provide the location and trails for this journey back in time to the founding of the Angeles Chapter. Famed mountain historian John W. Robinson has been invited to join us at the trailhead and share his unique insights into the history of the Big Santa Anita Canyon and the Great Hiking Era of the early 1900's. Once under foot our journey will take us to the site of Muir Lodge, Sturtevant Falls and then into the canyon for our 4 mile trek to Sturtevant's Camp. In camp a special evening fun-filled digital presentation by Chapter Historian Bob Cates will chronicle the Chapter from its founding to the modern era. As we go to press the future management of Sturtevant's Camp has become uncertain. This may be the last time we can offer this outing. Space is strictly limited. Please see trip writeup and particulars under April 8-10 in the Outings Section of this issue of the Southern Sierran.

Contact Peter Ireland 310-457-9783.