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| Lower Switzer Falls |
Switzer Falls is one of my favorite hikes in the Los Angeles
Area. Most people just hike to the lower
falls, but you can actually climb the lower falls and head upstream to the base
of the upper falls which is among the best waterfalls in the Los Angeles area. The entire
hike is around 7 miles round-trip to the upper falls, but it can feel tougher than that because the return trip is mostly uphill.
To reach the trailhead from the 210 in La Canada Flintridge,
take the
Angeles Crest Highway (route 2) north for 10 miles. You will pass the intersection for the Angeles Forest Highway on the right and then drive ¼ of a mile further on Route 2 to the Switzer Falls parking area on the right.
The Trail
Angeles Crest Highway (route 2) north for 10 miles. You will pass the intersection for the Angeles Forest Highway on the right and then drive ¼ of a mile further on Route 2 to the Switzer Falls parking area on the right.
The Trail
Begin walking in the southwest part of the bottom parking
lot, past the outhouses. The path will
be paved, but it'll transition to dirt. Within 5 minutes, you'll come across an
unsigned fork with a small rock wall to your left, a paved path ahead, and a
dirt path that drops to your right. If
you go straight, you'll reach the remnants of Perry Switzer's resort at a dead
end. Instead, take the dirt path to the
right that'll drop you down to the Upper Arroyo Seco, which will be on your
right as you head further south.
Above the Canyon
Floor
At about 25 minutes
from the trailhead, you'll come across an unsigned campground area with a few
metal stoves. Look across the creek, and
you'll see switchbacks (with reinforced metal walls) taking you above the
canyon floor. Cross the creek and ascend
those switchbacks. If you don't cross
the creek and instead go straight, you'll be in a dangerous rocky area above
the upper falls.
Head up the mostly unshaded switchbacks. 7-10 minutes later you'll hit a junction with
some signs. Avoid going straight, which
leads you towards the (as of January 2013) closed Gabrielino Trail. Instead, keep to the left to descend to the canyon
floor again.
The Canyon Floor
About 10 minutes
later, you'll reach the canyon floor again.
A sign will tell you that if you head south downstream, you'll be
entering Bear Canyon. If you only want
to see the lower Switzer falls, head north upstream.
(Trail Description via)
(Trail Description via)
Less than 10 minutes
after arriving at the canyon bottom, you'll hit lower Switzer Falls. Proceed
carefully on the right-hand trail to the top of the falls. The trail is usually
muddy and partially hidden.
From the top of lower Switzer falls, continue upstream for
another 20 minutes until you reach Upper Switzer Falls. This part of the hike
requires some rock hopping and stream crossing. It might be impossible in the
spring or when the water levels are too high, but its worth the extra effort. The
Upper Falls are taller, more secluded, and way more impressive.
On the way out, just retrace your steps. Remember to bring
plenty of water and a snack/lunch.
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| Angeles Crest Highway |
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| Lower Switzer Falls |
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| Upper Switzer Falls |
