1793 Reviews. and it’ll just add to the fun seeing them maneuver throughout the trail. It was beautiful but a little cold at the bottom. Parked at the upper lot. But it’s a beautiful hike, u can hear the creek flowing next to u as u walk. 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. Wear right pair of hiking shoes or it be can ankle-twisting. Wild sage, blackberry brambles, and honey mushrooms spotted along the path! Great hike along a creek most of the way. On the left, you’ll see Switzer’s Resort. Got there around 6:45am and parking lot was full. Find the most current and reliable 14 day weather forecasts, storm alerts, reports and information for Switzer Falls, CA, US with The Weather Network. Find the best places to hike near Switzer Falls. Easy going to falls but going back it’s moderate to hard. 7,594 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos taken at ‘Switzer Falls Trail’ The waterfall was not flowing hard but pleasant and relaxing. About; Overview: Avenue to Switzer Falls, Bear Canyon, Lower Arroyo Seco and Red Box Gap. Trail: Switzer Picnic Area to Switzer Falls and the Bear Canyon Trail along the Arroyo Seco to the mouth of Bear Canyon. Descend to the parking area outside the campground. – Elevation Gain: 750′. Stay to the right if you’re headed to the falls. Directions to Trailhead for Switzer Falls Hike, Map of Switzer Falls Hike with Downloadable GPX File, Detailed Description for Switzer Falls Hike,         Copyright @ 2018 thehikersway.com. Parking is limited. 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 a great deal of natural diversity, and a storied history as well. Are there i Parking is $5 per day or get an adventure pass at the local sporting goods store for $35/year. when parking on street be very careful, cars fly down the road. From where we had to park (top of the mountain) to the start of the trail was almost 2 miles itself. Great hike! You can get to the top of the waterfalll but requires some scrambling. The resort struggled for a number of years, but was eventually closed, and the buildings were removed in 1959. I headed downhill on Bear Canyon Trail to get to Lower Switzer Falls. Share. Will have to come back with lunch next time. This hike takes you on good trail down the beautiful canyon of the Arroyo Seco stream, then on trail above Switzer Falls for a scenic view of the falls and canyon, and back down trail to the stream. Follow Bear Canyon Trail back to the creek and upstream, traverse the wash a few more times and watch from below as the two-tiered Switzer Falls thunder down. We arrived at 10am and parking was full. I definitely did!!!! Nice and the weather was perfect at 9:30am- plenty of shade only pockets of direct sun. After you climb the slope for about .3 mile you will be above Switzer Falls which is below and to your left, so keep an eye out for views of the waterfall. Altadena, California." Saw plenty of dogs on trail and at the falls and they were doing great. Beautiful views, some steep areas, narrow trail at top of the canyon could be a challenges for those afraid of heights. Switzer Falls might be the best known waterfall hike in Los Angeles County. Nice, popular trail with optional off trail segment up-stream to reach base of Switzer Falls. The first half of the hike is shady and relatively flat, following a small creek before climbing the cliff side to reveal beautiful views over the mountains. But definitely I’d like to come back when we’ve received more rainfall throughout the season. Close-up of what I believe to be Upper Switzer Falls. 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