Santa Anita Canyon facts for kids

Santa Anita Canyon is a beautiful canyon in the San Gabriel Mountains. It is located near Arcadia, California, in Los Angeles County, California. This canyon is a popular spot for outdoor activities and exploring nature.

Exploring Santa Anita Canyon's Geography

Where Does the Water Go?

Santa Anita Canyon is home to Santa Anita Creek. This creek starts high up in the San Gabriel Mountains. It flows for about 10 miles (16 kilometers) down through the canyon. The creek is part of a larger area called a watershed. A watershed is like a big bowl where all the rain and snowmelt collect. This water then flows into a main river.

Santa Anita Creek's water eventually joins the Rio Hondo. The Rio Hondo flows from the mountains through the San Gabriel Valley. It then passes through a natural opening in the hills called the Whittier Narrows.

Protecting Against Floods

Near the entrance of the canyon, you will find the Santa Anita Dam. This dam helps to control floods. It creates a reservoir, which is like a large storage area for water. This helps protect the areas below from too much water during heavy rains. The community of Big Santa Anita Canyon is located below the dam.

Fun Things to Do in Santa Anita Canyon

Getting There and Exploring Trails

Santa Anita Canyon Road was built in the 1930s. This road helps people get from Arcadia into the canyon. It leads to the Chantry Flat Recreation Area. This area is a popular starting point for many adventures.

At Chantry Flat, you can find the Pack Station. From here, many trails begin. These trails lead to amazing places like Sturtevant Falls. It is a great place to hike and enjoy nature.