Spruce Grove Campground

 

25

56

Bronwyn B.

CA

5/14/2007

I went backpacking to Spruce Grove Campground last weekend, and I must say that I was pleasantly surprised.  The bf and I took the main route away from the pack station towards Sturdevant Falls, and at first I was apprehensive because of the large number of people going up and down the trail (not to mention the fact that the road starts off paved, which isn't a very good sign when you're looking for a rustic weekend in the mountains).  Apparently an extremely popular spot amongst the locals for day trips and quick hikes, the trail stayed fairly crowded all the way to the Falls, but once we went past the waterfall and on toward the campground the number of hikers dropped off to almost nothing.  How refreshing!

Six miles in you arrive at Spruce Grove Campground, which is the first campground in on this leg of the trail.  The location is fairly nice: well-shaded and just off the creek, it's a comfy place to stop after an afternoon of hiking.  There are maybe 6 or 7 camping spots total, and each is fairly large and equipped with an iron stove (don't forget your fire permit.  Also, open campfires pose too much of a hazard, so be sure to keep your flaming fun inside the stove).  The park ranger stopped by in the late evening to check on us, and he was super-friendly and really made us feel quite welcome and comfortable.  

On our way back out the next morning we stopped by Sturdevant's Camp, which is a sort of historical landmark and has a lot of cool, old buildings to look at, as well as a giant swing to amuse your inner 5 year-old.  Another 6 miles along the trail, which runs by the mountain's peak overlooking Pasadena and then descends back down to the creek at the bottom of the canyon, and you're back where you started by the pack station.

All-in-all, I tend to like my hiking/camping spots to be a little less developed and crowded than this particular trail, but considering its extremely close proximity to the city this is a surprisingly rustic place.  Aside from the occasional hiker or trail-runner who made their way through every once in a while, the campground itself was fairly quiet and tucked away from everything.  Apparently there's another campground about 10 miles inland that's completely undeveloped, and I think I would like to hike all the way in someday, maybe on a three-day weekend.  But when you don't have the time to drive all the way up to Big Sur or some other spectacular spot, this is definitely a great place to go for a weekend escape from the city.

• Add owner comment
• Bookmark
• Send to a Friend
• Link to This Review

 

0

12

Bob N.

Chino Hills, CA

7/9/2008

Spruce Grove campground is a surprisingly nice trail camp for most.  Forget the crowds...more than likely you'll be the only group there for the evening.  Our only visitors were the Sunday morning cross country runners on there way to Mt. Wilson (whewwww!).  We (a small group of Boy Scouts) have stayed there at least 4 times and every visit was enjoyable.  The running stream was very convenient for water re-supply.  Evenings were cold during the winter months but stove fires kept us warm for the most part.  The campsite was clean and well maintained considering the location.   The trail there was just fine for our youngest Scouts (age 11).  Great hike/great place to visit!

• Add owner comment
• Bookmark
• Send to a Friend
• Link to This Review