Trail: Switzer Picnic Area to Switzer Falls and the Bear Canyon Trail along the Arroyo Seco to the mouth of Bear Canyon. On the left, you’ll see Switzer’s Resort. This is one of the most popular hikes in the San Gabriel Mountains, in part because of the easy access, ample parking, and great trail, but also because it is a truly lovely area with … The stream is lined with oaks and alder, with the water cascading over granite into mirror-like pools. Trail starts wide then narrows and climbs a hill with some switchbacks until you reach the falls. Great trail, going down is nice but the way back has a good incline, work those legs. The last bit to lower falls was exhausting but you get a few good views. From I-210 in La Canada Flintridge, take the Angeles Crest Highway (highway 2) northeast for 10 miles to the road for the Switzer Picnic Area (mile marker 34.19). The section of the Gabrielino Trail beginning at the west end of the parking area, after crossing the bridge over the creek, takes you first above Switzer Falls (you can detour to visit the Falls). To communicate or ask something with the place, the Phone number is (818) 899-1900 ext. This is a relatively easy hike into one of the loveliest sections of the San Gabriel mountains. There was very little water at the waterfall. Descend to the parking area outside the campground. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. It begins at Mt. The trail soon descends again leading to the intersection of Bear Canyon and Switzer Falls. Please purchase a Forest Adventure Pass $5 before parking. The trail leaves from the western end of the lot. Quiet with tons of birds and squirrels and the like. saw two woodpeckers and a waterfall can't beat that. Find the most current and reliable 14 day weather forecasts, storm alerts, reports and information for Switzer Falls, CA, US with The Weather Network. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. It was very mellow until 8:30, then lots of hikers came in. Switzer Falls Hike The Switzer Falls hike is so much more than just a waterfall. Take a left for Switzer Falls. Like most people said, it gets pretty narrow in the middle of the hike so try to go early to avoid the crowds. Crowded, but fun hike! The Swtizer Falls Trail is a great hike that summarizes Southern California and all the different hiking environments into one hike! Pretty dope. The mountainous part of the Arroyo Seco is located within the Angeles National Forest. No … The trail ends with 127 stone steps leading into the canyon and down to the river. Only 1/4 mile extra, but it's a bigger, less crowded, fall. Great hike along a creek most of the way. This is a great hiking trail to the gorgeous Switzer Falls in the San Gabriel Mountains My brother took his Aussie and it did great! Parking Address/coordinates: Switzer Truck Trail, Altadena, CA 91001 34.266204, -118.145574 . Agree with others, get there early, we arrived around 9:30, and it was getting crowded as we were heading out ~12:30. Turn right and drive a mile downhill to the picnic area. Little Falls Trail After visiting Little River Falls, follow the river along the rim on this sandstone-laden trail leading to a popular summer swim spot, Little Falls. We saw dogs and children on this trail so feel free to bring the fam bam. Good workout. Wild sage, blackberry brambles, and honey mushrooms spotted along the path! lots of family’s enjoying this hike. Cross the bridge and walk down Bear Canyon on a road that was paved back in the 1930s and is losing its battle with nature and time. Fun hike with two different terrains. Easy going to falls but going back it’s moderate to hard. Pretty easy going hike with a couple of stream crossings. Then you have a section that has steep mountain pass to the waterfall. Get there as early as you can. When to Initiate a Backcountry Rescue (with Your Garmin InReach, PLB, or SPOT) Easy Bear Safety For Hikers and Campers. Upper Switzer Falls The trail ends at the base of the idyllic two-tiered cascade of Lower Switzer Falls. You will see a footbridge over the stream leading to the trail head. A small waterfall and pool is located a few minutes walk further along the stream. There is pretty gnarly drop at one point. The Bear Canyon Trail is 5 miles long. From Interstate 210 in La Canada, take Highway 2 north and drive 10 miles to Switzer picnic area on the right. Great views. Since the trailhead parking is closed, expect to hike down the road to the start. On the street of Angeles Crest Highway and street number is 701. Great hike! The trail to Switzer Falls begins at Switzer Picnic Area, ten miles up CA 2 from Altadena. A 17-year-old Rancho Cucamonga boy died Monday when he fell about 50 feet while hiking at Switzer Falls in the Angeles National Forest, authorities said. http://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/r5/passes-permits/recreation/, The Spirit of Adventure: Angeles National Forest | The Cult Collective, Hiking Jurassic World LA (Switzer Falls) - Lost Angeles Underground. Upper Arroyo Seco: Switzer Falls in the Angeles National Forest. Switzer Falls is a great hike in the San Gabriels Mountain Range that is around 4.5 miles and goes to two different waterfalls. Dawn Mine Trail Hike. The waterfall a little active. Hike back upstream to the first falls, and then - c'mon, try this - scale the rock above the falls and continue up along the creek to the second falls. California Travel and Tourism Commision, P.O. As many has mentioned. Wear right pair of hiking shoes or it be can ankle-twisting. Users have reported that when the trailhead parking is closed, there is an additional 1 mile and 300 feet in elevation added to the hike. Many hikers with dogs and families. Pretty small waterfall—nice and shady. COVID REVIEW! THE STORY: Jedediah Switzer was raised by carnivorous squirrels. 1.1.21 - wasn’t too crowded early morning. Beautiful stretch, perfect hike, refreshing views along the creek. The Best LA Hikes. I knew Chris was going to be hiking with me, so I was originally planning on doing a hike that I had done with my group back in October, that also appears in “60 Hikes…”. More adventuresome hikers can continue up Bear Canyon for 2 miles to Bear Camp. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. Box 1499 , Sacramento, CA, 95812-1499, Phone: 800-862-2543. You will hike through a stream, forest, mountains and desert all in one hike. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. People aren’t joking that when the driveway is closed it’s quite a steep walk up at the end of your hike - but I think it’s worth it! More waterfalls around Los Angeles Explore other waterfalls in the Santa Monica and San Gabriel Mountains. We arrived at 10am and parking was full. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. There is a little bit of rock scrambling to reach the top of the lower falls, but from there it is an easy walk along the Arryo Seco to reach the 50' upper falls in about .25 mile. 103 likes. This trail has lots of stream crossings, so wear water shoes, jump or be prepared to get wet! You can get more information from their website. Widely recognized as the most well-known waterfall hike in the greater Los Angeles area, this 14-foot cascade is accessed from the Switzer Falls Picnic and Day Use Area just off … A bit chilly but warmed up quickly. But it’s a beautiful hike, u can hear the creek flowing next to u as u walk. 221. Location: Angeles National Forest near Mt. Best Hiking Gear 2021. The hike meanders back and across the stream running down the spectacular Arroyo Seco Canyon. Moderate hike with lots of large rocks in the trail & many small water crossings. Elevation change: 650 feet. On a small rise is the junction with Bear Canyon Trail 1.4 miles in, turn right to stay on Gabrielino Trail (NRT). Stay to the right if you’re headed to the falls. Popular Articles. Hiking: Access to the trail camp is a 4.5 mile hike down the Arroyo from Switzer's Picnic Area. Big Horn Mine Trail Hike. Hike at Switzer Falls near Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana, CA, California. Maps, directions, and reviews. Fees: Camping - Adventure Pass/America the Beautiful Pass Required if parking at any of the parking areas for Switzer's Picnic Area. Only issue with this hike is lots of people and parking lot closed so you have a long downhill walk to trailhead and a long uphill walk back to car. Spur Trail to Upper Falls For the adventurous who wish to reach the larger upper falls, look for a side trail to the right of the lower falls. Switzer Falls This 4.5-mile hike starts out above and finishes below a 50-foot tall waterfall. Switzer Falls Trail Description – the detour to the top of the falls The return hike from the Lower Switzer Falls followed the way we came in with the most strenuous part being the ascent back up to the trail junction with the Gabrielino Trail at the apex of the hike. After a 4 mile hike, your going to feel it. The falling, yellow leaves were delightful. This trail is currently open as of 12/20/2020, you can use a Daily Adventure Pass to park in the lower parking lot at the trailhead. Angeles National Forest Hikes. Hiking directions: In order to reach the falls, hike along the Gabrielino trail 1.6 miles until reaching a trail junction. Make sure to leash your fur buddy when you start summiting towards the peak. Totally enjoyable. Really lovely trail. Your email address will not be published. After about a mile and a half on the trail, you’ll see a junction, continue taking the trail toward Switzer Falls. NPS / Matt Switzer. It *is* passable, but we averaged a half mile per hour lugging two bikes through, including a few waterfall passes, a jumping into a neck deep pool and tossing the bikes 15 feet into the river. You will be exposed to … This is a family friendly hike and not too challenging. Nice, popular trail with optional off trail segment up-stream to reach base of Switzer Falls. You can get to the top of the waterfalll but requires some scrambling, Red Box Trail to West Fork Campground [CLOSED], Mount Lawlor via Strawberry Peak Trail Loop, Gabrielino Trail from Redbox to Devore Trail Camp [CLOSED], Strawberry Spur Trail, Mount Lawlor, and Gabrielino Trail Loop [CLOSED], Colby Canyon, Strawberry Spur and Josephine Peak Loop, Switzer Falls and Bear Canyon Camp via Gabrelino Trail [CLOSED], Gabrieleno Trail: Switzer Falls to Hahamonga Watershed [CLOSED], Gabrielino NRT to Josephine Peak [CLOSED], Switzer Picnic Area to Gould Mesa Campground. Waterfall wasn’t that impressive but nice none the less. Parking is only available at the top (near the main road) so you will have to walk down to the trail head and back up to the parking. Switzer Falls and Bear Canyon Camp via Gabrelino Trail [CLOSED] is a 8.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near La Canada Flintridge, California that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. Crowds could be challenging on the narrow areas, which would also be quite hot in the peak heat of the day. The way back is all up hill but not nearly as difficult as expected. definitely will do again in spring. 4/60: Switzer Falls Trail. Get there early. It was a great hike today, the day was beautiful. The falls are about 30' in heightl and spill into a circular basin that fills with water during wetter seasons, creating a small wading pool. After a mile (where you can enjoy wild blackberries in the summer), Gabrielino Trail leaves the creek and climbs up the side of the canyon. Wilson. When meeting the trail junction, hike down to … Lower parking lot was closed, but the hike next to the river was amazing. Continue following Gabrielino Trail (NRT) on the west slope of the gorge and you'll get a nice view of Switzer Falls. A nice trail below the camp ends at the top of the falls. Parked at the upper lot. Got there around 6:45am and parking lot was full. Great trail! This first stretch of the hike is in the shade, with a few crossing of the Arroyo Seco and the opportunity to visit resort era ruins. About a mile into the hike, the trail will fork. In about 2 miles the trail to Switzer Falls takes you along a babbling brook, through historic ruins, on the side of a spectacular gorge, and then finally, to a pristine waterfall. Read reviews about going earlier and that's definitely the move! A good majority of people were wearing masks. The creek out is pretty and lined with oak, sycamore and evergreens. Beautiful view. Switzer Falls Trail is located at 701 Angeles Crest Hwy, Tujunga, CA 91042. Beautiful views, some steep areas, narrow trail at top of the canyon could be a challenges for those afraid of heights. Thank you U.S.F.S for keeping the doors open! It’s all going up . Trail Canyon Falls This 4-mile hike ascends a mountain-framed canyon to a 30-foot beauty on the east side of the San Gabriel Mountains. The rocks and the creek looked straight out of a ghibli film. Awesome trail. Very easy going. I wasn’t planning on doing this hike this past weekend. Just hiked the Switzer Falls trail yesterday. Campsites are first come-first served. After seeing the falls, travel downstream to the intersection with Bear Canyon, and travel up this spectacularly wild, steep-walled canyon for another half mile or so to enjoy its wonders. Switzer Falls via Gabrielino Trail is a 3.6 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Pasadena, California that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The weather was nice! A lot of social distancing and mask wearing people were very courteous to others. Waterfall was flowing pretty nicely. The trail is open for the following uses: Hiking Beginning of trail to Falls and Bear Canyon Switzer Falls, Altadena, CA. If you’re looking for a peaceful nature hike this isn’t it. Hiking back up that road afterwards is no fun. This is a relatively easy hike into one of the loveliest sections of the San Gabriel mountains. The hike travels high above the 50 foot high Switzer falls, then drops back to the stream, where hikers can double back to stand at the base of the falls. Lowe Truck Trail (2N50.1) at the water tank and ends at Gabrielino NRT below Switzer Falls. Switzer Falls via Gabrielino Trail is a 3.6 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Pasadena, California that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. Get there early to snag a parking spot since the ramp going down to the trailhead is still closed. Didn’t take children or a dog with me but saw many enjoying the trail. Switzer Falls Hike. Switzer Falls Trail is located in Los Angeles County of California state. Date: January 27, 2017 Author: Lyndi M 2 Comments. Hike the Etiwanda Falls Trail. The many great places to visit in or near the Arroyo Seco have made it one of the most popular hiking spots in Southern California. 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