The coordinates are 34.2663, … The trailhead begins at the main parking lot at the bottom of the paved Switzer Truck Trail. 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. Copyright © 2004–2021 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. 3. Switzer Falls - USDA Forest Service has 4.5 stars. report. Switzer Falls encompasses three sections. From the camp, cross the Arroyo Seco and turn left at the small set of switchbacks built into the hillside and follow the river downstream. Do not attempt this trail during periods of heavy water flow. Additional parking is available on the Switzer Truck Trail access road and at the entrance of the picnic area on the Angeles Crest Highway. So many trees! Stick to the right and you’ll get rewarded with a view of the falls. The trails are usually open year around, 34-14 Angeles Crest Hwy La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011. The trail starts from the Switzer picnic area in the Angeles National Forest and is about half an hour drive from downtown Los Angeles. I will keep you posted on the weather . The trailhead is located at the entrance of the picnic area. You’ll need a National Parks Pass or Adventure Pass to park here. INFO ABOUT FALLS . Athletic/Sports Wed, Dec 27, 2017. Two major sections of the Gabrielino Trail begin at either side of the grounds, one taking visitors to Switzer Falls and down into the lower Arroyo Seco, and the other to Red Box, a major trailhead in its own right. The drive to the park on the Angeles Crest Highway (Hwy 2) is a delight. The trailhead begins at the main parking lot at the bottom of the paved Switzer Truck Trail. As you reach the top of the falls, you'll have to do some rock scrambling, but are rewarded with a nice view of the spill basin below. Right from the start of this hike to Switzer Falls, I can hear the sounds of running water and birds declaring their contentment with this hidden nature enclave. Directions to Switzer Trail head: From the 210, take the Hwy 2 exit toward the Angeles Crest Highway / La Canada Flintridge. Whether the wading pools are full or not, the falls run pretty much year round, and a trip to Switzer Falls is a delightful journey to one of Los Angeles' most special places. This hike should be on everyone's bucket list. Advertising. You see, we’ve typically seen this waterfall in low flow (or nearly dry). You’ll need to buy a $5 Adventure Pass in advance. While this cataract marks the terminus for most hikers, the more adventurous may want to push on to the larger 50' drop further upstream. (An adventure pass can be picked up at Big 5 sporting goods store and some 7-11’s.) The trail starts from the Switzer picnic area in the Angeles National Forest and is about half an hour drive from downtown Los Angeles. Right from the start of this hike to Switzer Falls, I can hear the sounds of running water and birds declaring their contentment with this hidden nature enclave. Escondido Falls, Malibu ... Switzer Falls, above La Canada Flintridge. Requires a 3-mile roundtrip hike. Parking: Parking is available at the Switzer Falls Picnic Area, or in the two overflow lots on the hill. Amenities: Bear Canyon has a small campground (about 3 sites) at the end of the trail to hitch up your tent. The hike from the trail junction to the waterfall is 1.4 miles. is around 4.5 mi. I remember asking this question at a ranger station a while back and they gave me a hang tag that my annual pass slipped into and hung from the rearview mirror. You can buy an Adventure Pass at most sporting goods stores like Big 5 and REI. Park in the Switzer Picnic Area below the Angeles Crest Highway. Switzer Falls. The Niagara Falls Adventure Pass Classic is your ticket to experience the most popular attractions that Niagara has to offer! Pet friendly. – Take snow chains if you have them, or just stop before you get too far into the icy/snowy roads. On the ledge between the tiers, a natural jacuzzi, albeit a cold one, has formed making for a nice place to take a refreshing dip after your hike. Must buy Adventure Pass … Swim at Switzer Falls near Altadena, California. You’ll need to buy a $5 Adventure Pass in advance. I’ll have my adventure pass for the lot, should be I good with parking if I plan to arrive before 8am? We decided to check it out first, and drove down the very steep road to the picnic area where there was ample parking to choose from. You can purchase a National Forest Adventure Pass, Day ($5, Pink in color) or Annual ($30, color depends on year), at most major L.A. area sporting good stores like REI and Big 5. Switzer Picnic Area to Bear Canyon Campground and Switzer… Switzer Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in San Gabriel Mountains near Los Angeles. Like the lower basin, this bowl may or may not be filled depending on existing drought conditions. Great hike with 85% shade, nice water falls at the end of the hike. The middle section is the most impressive with a drop of about 70 ft (21 m). It is one of my recent finds, located only 20 minutes away from Glendale. Angeles National Forest: Switzer Falls - See 60 traveller reviews, 123 candid photos, and great deals for Arcadia, CA, at Tripadvisor. This short moderate hike is one of the most popular hikes in L.A. Hikes: Switzer Picnic Area to Switzer Falls: 3.8 miles, 990' of gain and loss. In 2009, the devastating Station Fire burned large sections of the surrounding landscape, but the waters of the Arroyo Seco acted as a natural buffer and protected the beauty of the canyon floor from the ravages of the inferno. To reach the upper falls, look for a spur trail to the right of the lower falls. Hoping to wrap things up around 10:30am if I can I know total dist. Hike 4.5 miles (round trip) to very popular falls. Hikes: Switzer Picnic Area to Switzer Falls: 3.8 miles, 990' of gain and loss. Shawn Hurley (October 29, 2018, 1:59 am) NOTE: the sign for the picnic area IS the trail head. The drive to the park on the Angeles Crest Highway (Hwy 2) is a delight. San Gabriel Mountains from Upper Gabrieleno Trail, San Gabriel Mtns./Angeles National Forest. There will be some rock scrambling, ducking under tree limbs and around roots to reach the top of the lower falls, but once there, it is an easy .25 miles trek along the banks of the Arroyo Seco to reach the upper falls. How is Switzer Falls - USDA Forest Service rated? Beautiful Switzer Falls First on the list of 5 Best Waterfall Hikes in Los Angeles is the Switzer falls. The area is highly popular on the weekends due to the nearby waterfall Millard Canyon Falls. Close. Switzer Falls Hike in Angeles National Forest Last Modified: May 16, 2020 Switzer Falls is an excellent hike in the San Gabriel Mountains, north of Pasadena and Los Angeles. Maps, directions, and reviews. Create your own unique website with customizable templates. Fees: Yes. After parking, cross the bridge and follow the trail to Commodore Switzer Trail Camp. Fees: Camping - Adventure Pass/America the Beautiful Pass Required if parking at any of the parking areas for Switzer's Picnic Area. You can purchase a National Forest Adventure Pass, Day ($5, Pink in color) or Annual ($30, color depends on year), at most major L.A. area sporting good stores like REI and Big 5. Again, extreme caution is urged if you decide to make this final trek. This short moderate hike is one of the most popular hikes in L.A. Hiking directions: In order to reach the falls, hike along the Gabrielino trail 1.6 miles until reaching a trail junction. Write a review. For a list of local Adventure Pass vendors, visit this page (if you can, call ahead to make sure they have some as they do sometimes run out in certain locations): Switzer Falls. Switzer Falls Hike. Wear layers. Continue east on CA-2 for 9.8 miles. You will need an Adventure Pass to leave your car parked here. Parking is $5 per day or get an adventure pass at the local sporting goods store for $35/year. 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. Campsites are first come-first served. Niagara Falls Adventure Pass Classic Booking unavailable on Tripadvisor. Without the pass, you are subject to a ticket and possible towing. Please check REI store and Big 5 Sporting Goods stores for this pass. Vote. is around 4.5 mi. Reviews. Maps, directions, and reviews. The Switzer Falls hike is 4 miles round trip. Living in LA, you don’t get to see a lot of foliage so the Switzer Falls trail was a great way to see some nature! Location: Switzer Picnic Area Google Map Parking: Parking may require a National Forest Adventure Pass. The hike to Switzer Falls is one of my favorite hikes and is one of the most popular hikes in front range of the San Gabriel Mountains. A misplaced foot or hand could result in a serious tumble over the falls, and that would put a damper on anyone's hike. Located above La Canada on the Angeles Crest Highway (don't forget Adventure Pass), it's an easy drive to the Switzer Truck Trail. If you park at one of the overflow… hide. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Anyone know if trail is open (bear activity)? Switzer Falls. Bring socks, you may get your feet wet. Families; Couples; Solo; Business; Friends; Time of year. This is one of the most popular hikes in front range of the San Gabriel Mountains, with a picnic area at the trailhead that gets crowded too. There’s a narrow trail that will take you to the base of the falls, but you’ll also see signs to proceed at your own risk. Posted by just now. It's $5 either way, so it's up to you if you want to buy the pass or not. There are, however, occasional reminders of man's past encroachment on this idyllic paradise such as the odd rock wall or retaining feature built along the banks of the Arroyo Seco. I have an annual pass, 'America The Beautiful Adventure Pass' which I can use anywhere in the US (please check the website for more details) that I hang in my dashboard for all state parks we go in. Switzer Picnic Area to Switzer Falls and the mouth of Bear Canyon, 5.0 miles, 1100' of gain and loss. The trail ends at the base of the idyllic two-tiered cascade of Lower Switzer Falls. Parking at either location will add extra mileage to your hike with a moderately steep climb from the picnic area to the Angeles Crest Highway parking lot. 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. No reserving or holding of campsites allowed. 5 years ago. The rocks can be wet and slippery with algae. Parking at Switzer Fall needs an adventure pass. A larger, deeper wading pool will form in the spill basin in rainy seasons, making for a great swimming hole, but will dry out to a moist sandy beach during dry spells. THE STORY: Jedediah Switzer was raised by carnivorous squirrels. Leader: Steve i. Escondido Falls, Malibu. As you move upstream from the lower falls, the trail dead-ends in a box canyon of silver-blue granite walls where the 50' upper falls spill down the cliff face. bring a jacket and gloves, it may be chilly. The pass is $5 for the day or $30 for a year (or even better, $35 for two cars for a year). 32 Reviews 3 Q&A. Southern California Forest Adventure Passes Featuring unparalleled beauty and diverse landscape, the Southern California National Forests offers some of the nation’s best nature-based activities. Yes the trail is open the parking lots are closed. share. $5 parking with Adventure Pass at Switzer Picnic Area (Switzer Truck Trail), off of Hwy 2. Bring your hiking poles as we will cross the creek several times, I’ve counted more than 20. Switzer Picnic Area to Bear Canyon Campground and Switzer… Visitors reached Switzer-land on a 10-mile trip. Pass the Clear Creek Ranger Station, then look for the Switzer Falls sign on the right - carefully descend to the parking lot below. Hikers who attempt this do so at their own risk. 0 comments . Switzer Falls. Want other options you can book now? – Buy your Adventure Pass before you enter the park or at the Visitor Stand before Switzer Falls. The Gabrieleno. Forest Adventure Pass Daily Pass—Costs $5 per day Forest Adventure Pass Annual Pass—Costs $30 Annually Many of the facilities and services in Angeles National Forest - San Gabriel Mountains National Monument are free. Switzer Picnic Area to Switzer Falls and the mouth of Bear Canyon, 5.0 miles, 1100' of gain and loss. The upper part is mostly hidden and quite small with a drop of about 10 ft (3 m). Cash only. After about a mile and a half on the trail, you’ll see a junction, continue taking the trail toward Switzer Falls. Switzer Falls was one waterfall that kind of became an exercise in frustration when it came to satisfactory experiences. It’s a nice place for a snack after your hike. 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. Make sure to follow posted signs - there are some parking spots that do not allow overnight parking. 6 comments . ReportSave. Yes, Adventure pass required for parking. level 1. The multi-tiered 150-foot Escondido Falls are the tallest and most popular in … Switzer Falls. Just don't tell too many people; you'll want to keep this one to yourself. I’ll have my adventure pass for the lot, should be I good with parking if I plan to arrive before 8am? Granted, it was 9 a.m. on the one sunny day sandwiched between two rainy ones in … share. Show options. This will be my first foray into the Angeles Forest. Claim your business to immediately update business information, respond to reviews, and more! BBQ areas. It is probably my favorite hike in this area as it has lots of history, beautiful canyon views, and two nice waterfalls. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. Mar-May; Jun-Aug; Sep-Nov; Dec-Feb; Language. Swim at Switzer Falls near Altadena, California. Best of all, the trek is mostly completed under a dense canopy of oak and alders on the banks of the Arryo Seco, providing plenty of shade from the blistering California sun. Get to trailhead early for premium parking at the BOTTOM of the fire road. You may also take a second spur trail from the camp location to the top of the upper falls. Fees: Yes. open-air dance floor, a croquet field, tennis court, and a library. Only 1/4 mile extra, but it's a bigger, less crowded, fall. And along the way, hikers are treated to some stunning vistas of the interior San Gabriel Mountains as they pass through a unique bit of Southern California history. INFO ABOUT FALLS . Passes are available on the weekends at the Clear Creek Information Center just.4 mile to the west … https://www.yelp.com/biz/switzer-falls-usda-forest-service-la-canada-flintridge-2 Unfortunately, due to our on-going drought conditions, the wading pool has dissipated, leaving only a sandy beach in its wake. You can also get it from a gas station and other authorized sellers. Switzer Falls is a series of 3 waterfalls with an elusive main 50-70ft drop and an accessible 30-40ft lower tier accessed by a hike of at least 3.6 miles. Though there is plenty of parking, the lot can fill up quickly on weekends. This will be my first foray into the Angeles Forest. A slip here could put you over the edge of the falls, and help is a long way away. 100% Upvoted. Switzer Falls might be the best know waterfall hike in Los Angeles County. By Jamie in 3 - 5 Miles, Angeles National Forest, San Gabriel Mountains on August 16, 2017 January 8, 2020. Cross the stream and follow the trail as it climbs above the falls. I highly recommend doing it super early in the morning or on a weekday if that's feasible. Not sure about Bear activities I've never encountered one ever. My understanding is that it does work in lieu of an adventure pass. Posted by just now. The rocks surrounding the lower falls are steep and jagged, and may be wet and slippery at any time of year. Well, this hike has not one but two different cascades, one of which is a two-tiered drop! Excellent 19; Very Good 5; Average 3; Poor 2; Terrible 3; Traveller type. After hanging the adventure pass in your car and to do the Dawn Mine loop you have to find the sunset ridge trail, which heads up steeply away from the campground. Traveller rating. Highly recommend it. Parking: Parking is available at the Switzer Falls Picnic Area, or in the two overflow lots on the hill.You will need an Adventure Pass to leave your car parked here. 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM ... You must display an Adventure Pass on your car (they cost $5), otherwise you will receive a fine for $5. Location: Switzer Picnic Area Google Map Parking: Parking may require a National Forest Adventure Pass. Is it open still or is it close due to COVID 19? Save time by purchasing your passes online before you go. A little more challenging than the rest of the waterfalls mentioned, Switzer falls is absolutely spectacular and definitely worth exploring. Be sure to have the adventure pass before driving up (and down). Close. Hike 4.5 miles (round trip) to very popular falls. by Marshall Outdoor Club. Click for printable .pdf map and trail guide. Hoping to wrap things up around 10:30am if I can I know total dist. When meeting the trail junction, hike down to the floor of the canyon where the waterfall is. Parking Address/coordinates:Switzer Truck Trail, Altadena, CA 91001 34.266204, -118.145574 . Who doesn't like a waterfall? Today, wandering though this enchanted setting for just over a mile, you will see little evidence of the fire that engulfed the area beyond the trees and find yourself far removed from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles just 30 minutes away. The turnout for the Switzer Falls Picnic Area is very clearly marked, and you might be tempted to park here and make your way down the hill, which is what we almost did. Cross, Constructed in 1894 by Commodore Perry Switzer, this back, Designed by Arthur B. Benton, the chapel featured an iron bell, reed, As you come around the bend, the trail splits in two. save. The hike is beautiful but the falls weren’t really flowing. If you don't mind hopping rocks, walking across logs, and ducking branches to get to the falls, then try Switzer!