Switzer Falls. - Member Hike
| Hike Name: | Switzer Falls. |
|---|---|
| Country: | United States |
| State: | California |
| Nearby Town: | La Canada-Flintridge |
| Rating: |  |
| Directions: | From 210 in La Canada, take Highway 2 north and drive approx. 10 miles to Switzer picnic area on the right. Park in the picnic area. Cross the stream leading into the main picnic area. Follow the path past the picnic area and continue down the stream. |
| Total Hike Distance: | 4.50 miles |
| Hike Difficulty: | Easy to Moderate |
| Permit Required: | No |
| Hike Type: | In & Out, Backtrack Hike |
| Hike Starts/Ends: | Switzer Picnic area |
| Trails Used: | Arroyo Seco, Bear Canyon Trail |
| Backcountry Campsites: | Yes |
| Backcountry Water Sources: | Streams |
| Management: | U.S. Forest Service |
| Contact Information: | Angeles National Forest 701 N. Santa Anita Avenue Arcadia, CA 91006 626-574-1613 www.r5.fs.fed.us/angeles |
| Best Season: | Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall |
| Users: | Hikers, Dogs |
| Road Conditions: | Primary Paved Roads |
| Hike Summary: | #17 in John W. Robinson's "Trails of the Angeles". 600' elevation loss/gain November-June This is a fairly easy, well travelled trail. You begin at the popular Switzer picnic area, and follow the canyon trail 1 mile to Switzer Trail Camp. You cross the stream many times and must boulder hop. The boulder hopping is the "moderate" part of this trip. My mother handled it well so barring any physical limitations most people exceptiong very small children should be able to handle it with no assistance (I saw a few small children crossing with help from adults). Once at the trail camp head right across the stream and take the trail heading up the canyon wall. It is possible to view the falls just beyond the trail camp (there is a warning sign) but there is a sudden drop. If children are present it is best just to take the trail up only. Cross the stream at the trail camp and ascend the west slope. The trail follows the canyon wall with a steep drop-off at some points. At 0.25 miles there is a junction go left. The trail wraps around, and drops into the canyon where it remeets the stream. turn upstream(left) to Switzer Falls. Turn Downstream (right) to view the beautifull cascades and wooded recesses of the canyon. It's 1 mile to Bear canyon trail camp. Explore whatever distance you feel comfortable with. I recommend hiking to both the falls and Bear Canyon trail Camp. The falls are great on a hot day. The canyon and cascades break you away from the crouds and give you a better picture of the "natural" state of the canyon. |
There are no comments yet.