The Mt Zion loop hike is a great option for those that have hiked from Chantry Flat before, maybe to Mt Wilson, but want something a little more off the beaten path. On this loop, I’ll take you on the Upper Gabrielino Trail, then on the historic Mt Zion Trail, built in 1896 and once the main trail into the area, then up to Mt Zion for panoramic views, and finally back to the start on the Upper Winter Creek Trail. And while there might be crowds on the nearby trails, this loop route on Angeles National Forest’s secondary trails offers peace and tranquility.
How to Get to the Trailhead
This hike starts at the popular Chantry Flat Picnic Area. There are popular waterfalls nearby and the parking can get crazy. Do yourself a favor and get here at sunrise. The gate to Chantry Flat opens at 6am but sometimes is open earlier. Use this trailhead address: Chantry Flat Recreation Area, Chantry Flats Rd, Arcadia, CA 91006
You need a parks pass or Adventure Pass to park here, even if you are parking in the street overflow.
You’ve probably been to Chantry Flat before if you’re doing this hike. Come early and avoid the crowds. There are primitive toilets here.If the lot is full you can park on the street. Just not like this guy in the no-parking zone.
Gear for the Hike
This is longer hike in the backcountry, so you’re best served by using proper hiking gear. There are some stream hops and climbs, so proper footwear and trekking poles are handy. In the summer the bugs can be intense. This route is also generally snow-free (since it’s at a lower elevation).
Garmin InReach Mini 2 I’m a firm believer in carrying a satellite communications device which works where cell phones don’t. I use a Garmin InReach which lets me send text messages back and forth to my family to let them know that I’m okay or if my plans change when I’m out in the backcountry. It also has an SOS subscription built-in so that you can reach first-responders in an emergency. The devices also offer weather reports, GPS, and navigation functionality (what’s the difference between a GPS and satellite communicator?). For a few hundred bucks they could save your life, so for me it’s a no brainer to have something like a Garmin InReach. If you use a smartphone to navigate and want a more affordable option that integrates with your phone easily, check out the ZOLEO. – Latest Prices:Amazon | REI
Altra Lone Peak 6 For most people, the Altra Lone Peak is a solid choice that will leave your feet feeling great at the end of any hike. The feel is cushy and light, and if it had a car equivalent, this would be a Cadillac or Mercedes Sedan. The grip is great and they’re reasonably durable for this type of trail runner, which I think is better in most conditions than a hiking boot, and here’s why. The downside of this shoe is that it won’t last as long as something like the Terraventure 3 or Moab 2 (see alternate footwear choices at the bottom of my gear page). I’ve been using mine for many miles and my feet always feel great. I have a video on the details of the Altra Lone Peak 6 here. – Women’s Latest Prices:REI | Amazon Men’s Latest Prices:REI | Amazon
Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles I’ve gone back and forth on trekking poles, but I think for most people they are a good investment. They help you dig in on the uphills, provide stability on loose downhills, act as a brace when crossing streams, and can probably poke away aggressive wildlife in a pinch. The Trail Ergo Cork poles are a good balance of light weight, durability, affordability, and ease of use. If you want something ultralight and a little more pricey, I’ve had great luck with the Black Diamond Z Poles too. – Trail Ergo Poles: REI | Amazon Z-Poles:REI | Amazon
Gregory Zulu 30 & Jade 28 After testing quite a few backpacks, the Gregory Zulu 30 (and Jade 28 for women) is, for most hikers, the best all-season day-pack. First off, it’s very comfortable, and the mesh “trampoline” back keeps your back dry. Its 30L capacity is enough for all the essentials and plenty of layers for winter hiking. External pockets make it easy to grab gear. It’s hard to find something wrong with the pack; if anything, it could be a bit lighter, but overall, it’s not heavy. And its price-point makes it not only affordable but generally a great value. – Women’s Latest Prices:REI | Amazon Men’s Latest Prices:REI | Amazon
Here’s my complete gear list that I personally use, have tested, and recommend, updated June 2022.
No company pays me to promote or push a product, all the gear you see here is gear I use and recommend. If you click an a link and buy gear, I get a small commission that helps keep the website ad and promotion free. There is no cost to you.
Mt Zion Loop Trail Maps
I’ve purposely routed this hike on some of the lesser-used trails in the area to give you a different experience. The first section on the Upper Gabrielino Trail offers some views of Mt Zion and distance from the crowds of people at the falls. And coming back, you’ll take the Upper Winter Creek Trail, which winds along a ridge, high above the lower trail and campsites.
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Mt Zion Loop Hike Directions
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Hike down through the gate at the beginning of Chantry Flat.We’re heading to Sturtevant Camp in 4.3 miles, and then up to Mt Zion.Keep heading to the bottom of the paved road, passing the trail to Hermit Falls.At the bottom of the hill, head to the right and over the bridge.Once over the bridge, make the right through the big intersection. If you need to go to the bathroom, there’s one here.Head up the Gabrielino Trail from the intersection.Leave the crowds behind and hike up the Gabrielino.You’ll hike through the area with all the cabins.Make the hard left at the first junction (going straight heads to the falls).Okay, make the hard left to head on the Upper Gabrielino Trail.The trail climbs about 400 feet in a half mile and is manageable.As the trail winds around the ridge you’ll get some views of Mt Zion.The trail has some level sections and is easy to follow.At around 2.4 miles in you’ll rejoin the lower trail at the Falling Sign Junction. Go straight.Here’s a closeup of the sign at Falling Sign Junction, which should be familiar if you’ve done the hike to Mt Wilson from Chantry Flat.The Gabrielino Trail continues uphill through the shaded Angeles National Forest.Hike through the Cascade Picnic Area.If you’re wondering about these dams that you see all through this section of Angeles National Forest, here’s the deal. In 1954, the government laid out a program to protect the property and watershed (which served LA) here. They set up a series of check dams to ease flash flooding but also to help fight fires. In subsequent floods many of the dams blew out. That, combined with new schools of thought about fire and flood prevention, led to the abandonment of the project. Chris Kasten has an interesting article on the check dams here.Cross over the creek and keep heading up the trail.Hike through the Spruce Grove campsite.After Spurce Grove you’ll leave the Gabrielino Trail by heading to the left.Here’s a closeup of the sign at that junction. We’re heading up the Sturtevant to the Mt Zion trail in 1/8th of a mile.Just past the last junction, make the left before the Sturtevant Camp sign. You can also go straight through the camp and then join the trail later if you like.Head up the trail across the stream from Sturtevant Camp.And here’s the important trail junction for Mt Zion. Look for the trail to the right up to Mt Zion.Here’s the sign at the Upper Zion Trail junction. We’re going to Mt Zion summit and then onto (upper) Winter Creek.While not a majorly popular trail, it’s still often well maintained. There might be a downed tree or branch, but they are generally cleared rather quickly.
This path was the original trail from Chantry Flat to Sturtevant Camp, built by Wilbur Sturtevant in 1896, allegedly by following the path that a bear took over the mountain to get to the camp. In the fire and subsequent landslides of 1953, most of the trail was destroyed. It was rebuilt by volunteers and reopened in 1985.
The trail climbs for a good portion, but it’s not a huge mountain grind. You’ve done most of the climbing already.When you get to the junction with the trail history display, make the left to head up the spur trail to the Mt Zion summit.The trail to the summit can get a little narrow and overgrown, but it’s there.When you reach the clearing, you’re at the summit! It’s not a high peak but it does have about 100 feet of prominence above the surrounding terrain.To the east you can see as far as Mt Waterman and Twin Peaks.And to the west you’ll see Mt Harvard and Mt Wilson
When you’re done at the summit, head back to the spur junction.
At the spur, make the left and start heading back to the start on the loop at Chantry Flat.The trail winds downhill as you lose about 1000 feet in a mile.The views into Santa Anita Canyon are great.When you reach the junction by Hogees Camp, make the right.After a short uphill stretch you’ll reach the junction with the Upper Winter Creek Trail, which might look familiar if you’ve come down from Mt Wilson toward Chantry Flat in the past. Go straight onto the Upper Winter Creek Trail.Here’s the sign at the trail junction. We’re heading back to Chantry Flat, about 3 miles ahead.At the beginning of the Upper Winter Creek Trail, there is some uphill hiking.But soon the trail levels off (with some small ups and downs) and winds along the ridge above the canyon.Soon you’ll hear the screams and Bluetooth speakers at Chantry Flat, which will come into view from the trail when you reach the end.The Upper Winter Creek Trail ends at the road. Go straight downhill.And look for this little side trail downhill. You can follow the winding road or cut straight down the trail back to the picnic area and parking lot.When you reach the fence, hop over and head straight down to the parking lot to end the hike.
This guide last updated on August 20, 2021. Did something change on this hike? If so, please contact me and let me know. I'll update the guide.