Continue following Gabrielino Trail (NRT) on the west slope of the gorge and you'll get a nice view of Switzer Falls. Very easy going. The stream is lined with oaks and alder, with the water cascading over granite into mirror-like pools. 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). Great hike! 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. Only 1/4 mile extra, but it's a bigger, less crowded, fall. Switzer Falls, Altadena, CA. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. Dawn Mine Trail Hike. You can get more information from their website. When meeting the trail junction, hike down to … Agree with others, get there early, we arrived around 9:30, and it was getting crowded as we were heading out ~12:30. Hiking: Access to the trail camp is a 4.5 mile hike down the Arroyo from Switzer's Picnic Area. 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 … We arrived at 10am and parking was full. 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. A lot of social distancing and mask wearing people were very courteous to others. Beginning of trail to Falls and Bear Canyon 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. Great trail, going down is nice but the way back has a good incline, work those legs. Like most people said, it gets pretty narrow in the middle of the hike so try to go early to avoid the crowds. Crowds could be challenging on the narrow areas, which would also be quite hot in the peak heat of the day. Switzer Falls Hike. After a 4 mile hike, your going to feel it. Big Horn Mine Trail Hike. The last bit to lower falls was exhausting but you get a few good views. The mountainous part of the Arroyo Seco is located within the Angeles National Forest. 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. I wasn’t planning on doing this hike this past weekend. Awesome trail. saw two woodpeckers and a waterfall can't beat that. Switzer Falls Hike The Switzer Falls hike is so much more than just a waterfall. Switzer Falls is a great hike in the San Gabriels Mountain Range that is around 4.5 miles and goes to two different waterfalls. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. NPS / Matt Switzer. Beautiful views, some steep areas, narrow trail at top of the canyon could be a challenges for those afraid of heights. It’s all going up . Find the most current and reliable 14 day weather forecasts, storm alerts, reports and information for Switzer Falls, CA, US with The Weather Network. This is a relatively easy hike into one of the loveliest sections of the San Gabriel mountains. 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. Switzer Falls This 4.5-mile hike starts out above and finishes below a 50-foot tall waterfall. Fees: Camping - Adventure Pass/America the Beautiful Pass Required if parking at any of the parking areas for Switzer's Picnic Area. Read reviews about going earlier and that's definitely the move! COVID REVIEW! 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. Moderate hike with lots of large rocks in the trail & many small water crossings. The Best LA Hikes. Great views. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. 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. 4/60: Switzer Falls Trail. Totally enjoyable. lots of family’s enjoying this hike. There is pretty gnarly drop at one point. The trail is open for the following uses: Hiking On the street of Angeles Crest Highway and street number is 701. 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. Wear right pair of hiking shoes or it be can ankle-twisting. 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. It was very mellow until 8:30, then lots of hikers came in. Date: January 27, 2017 Author: Lyndi M 2 Comments. Wilson. 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! Pretty dope. Good workout. The way back is all up hill but not nearly as difficult as expected. 1.1.21 - wasn’t too crowded early morning. More adventuresome hikers can continue up Bear Canyon for 2 miles to Bear Camp. Beautiful view. Switzer Falls Trail is located in Los Angeles County of California state. 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. 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. Since the trailhead parking is closed, expect to hike down the road to the start. Your email address will not be published. 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). Got there around 6:45am and parking lot was full. 103 likes. Upper Arroyo Seco: Switzer Falls in the Angeles National Forest. The hike meanders back and across the stream running down the spectacular Arroyo Seco Canyon. Beautiful stretch, perfect hike, refreshing views along the creek. Get there early to snag a parking spot since the ramp going down to the trailhead is still closed. Campsites are first come-first served. You will be exposed to … 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. About a mile into the hike, the trail will fork. Turn right and drive a mile downhill to the picnic area. A small waterfall and pool is located a few minutes walk further along the stream. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. 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. Stay to the right if you’re headed to the falls. Upper Switzer Falls The trail ends at the base of the idyllic two-tiered cascade of Lower Switzer Falls. definitely will do again in spring. Lower parking lot was closed, but the hike next to the river was amazing. My brother took his Aussie and it did great! Great trail! Hike at Switzer Falls near Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana, CA, California. This trail has lots of stream crossings, so wear water shoes, jump or be prepared to get wet! Waterfall was flowing pretty nicely. Really lovely trail. 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. Trail starts wide then narrows and climbs a hill with some switchbacks until you reach the falls. After about a mile and a half on the trail, you’ll see a junction, continue taking the trail toward Switzer Falls. 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. Get there as early as you can. No … 221. There was very little water at the waterfall. The Bear Canyon Trail is 5 miles long. When to Initiate a Backcountry Rescue (with Your Garmin InReach, PLB, or SPOT) Easy Bear Safety For Hikers and Campers. 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. The Swtizer Falls Trail is a great hike that summarizes Southern California and all the different hiking environments into one hike! The creek out is pretty and lined with oak, sycamore and evergreens. Fun hike with two different terrains. Crowded, but fun hike! A bit chilly but warmed up quickly. Maps, directions, and reviews. 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 waterfalls around Los Angeles Explore other waterfalls in the Santa Monica and San Gabriel Mountains. You will see a footbridge over the stream leading to the trail head. 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. On a small rise is the junction with Bear Canyon Trail 1.4 miles in, turn right to stay on Gabrielino Trail (NRT). Then you have a section that has steep mountain pass to the waterfall. Didn’t take children or a dog with me but saw many enjoying the trail. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. This is a great hiking trail to the gorgeous Switzer Falls in the San Gabriel Mountains Popular Articles. The trail leaves from the western end of the lot. 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. 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. Get there early. The trail ends with 127 stone steps leading into the canyon and down to the river. Switzer Falls Trail is located at 701 Angeles Crest Hwy, Tujunga, CA 91042. Hike the Etiwanda Falls Trail. Pretty easy going hike with a couple of stream crossings. 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. 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 … Quiet with tons of birds and squirrels and the like. Great hike along a creek most of the way. 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. It’s a fun hike located at: Switzer Truck Trail, Altadena, CA 91001 On the left, you’ll see Switzer’s Resort. 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. Many hikers with dogs and families. If you’re looking for a peaceful nature hike this isn’t it. Lowe Truck Trail (2N50.1) at the water tank and ends at Gabrielino NRT below Switzer Falls. This is a family friendly hike and not too challenging. Trail peters out after you leave the Switzer Falls trail, and disappears just after you arrive at the creek. To communicate or ask something with the place, the Phone number is (818) 899-1900 ext. THE STORY: Jedediah Switzer was raised by carnivorous squirrels. Parking Address/coordinates: Switzer Truck Trail, Altadena, CA 91001 34.266204, -118.145574 . 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. Best Hiking Gear 2021. A good majority of people were wearing masks. 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. Easy going to falls but going back it’s moderate to hard. It begins at Mt. Just hiked the Switzer Falls trail yesterday. As many has mentioned. Pretty small waterfall—nice and shady. You will hike through a stream, forest, mountains and desert all in one hike. It was a great hike today, the day was beautiful. The rocks and the creek looked straight out of a ghibli film. The waterfall a little active. Make sure to leash your fur buddy when you start summiting towards the peak. 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. Hiking back up that road afterwards is no fun. The trail to Switzer Falls begins at Switzer Picnic Area, ten miles up CA 2 from Altadena. This is a relatively easy hike into one of the loveliest sections of the San Gabriel mountains. Parked at the upper lot. Trail: Switzer Picnic Area to Switzer Falls and the Bear Canyon Trail along the Arroyo Seco to the mouth of Bear Canyon. California Travel and Tourism Commision, P.O. The trail soon descends again leading to the intersection of Bear Canyon and Switzer Falls. From Interstate 210 in La Canada, take Highway 2 north and drive 10 miles to Switzer picnic area on the right. Wild sage, blackberry brambles, and honey mushrooms spotted along the path! The falling, yellow leaves were delightful. Take a left for Switzer Falls. We saw dogs and children on this trail so feel free to bring the fam bam. A nice trail below the camp ends at the top of the falls. Location: Angeles National Forest near Mt. Box 1499 , Sacramento, CA, 95812-1499, Phone: 800-862-2543. Waterfall wasn’t that impressive but nice none the less. Please purchase a Forest Adventure Pass $5 before parking. 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