Switzer Falls – USDA Forest Service

Great hike that is easy to moderate at times. We did this yesterday with our two kids and once white dog. The trail is mostly shaded but there is section where you increase in elevation and then come back down. A hat a sunscreen would be needed. There was not much water in the fall but it was good enough traversing the creek and allowed the dog to get nice a muddy. It took about 2, hours, maybe 2.5 but we took out time and rested and let the dog play. Try to park in the lower lot as the walk up the hill would be tough. Stop at the National park information office about 1 mile before the parking lot to pick up your $ 5.00 pass. There are great picnic spots so you can also bring along a lunch to have before or after.

I really like this place, except for all of the bees. Yeah I said it, don’t come here if your allergic, otherwise its OUTSTANDING!
Its a nice short easy stroll through the woods, along a ridgeline, and up a creek till you get stuck between a rock and a hard place. The kind that is figurative. You have to scamble over some rocky terrain to make it to the bottom of the falls and that is a bit daunting to some as you could slide down a rock face and then take a 15 foot plunge to the mostly sandy riverbed. But if the Munchkin and I can do it, then so can you.
About 400 – 800 meters of this hike have no trail either. So that just makes it more fun when your cruising along the riverbed up to the base of the falls. Basically from the rock scrabbling point onward.
There is an opportunity on your way to the base of the falls to go to the top of the falls as well as a small pool of water to splash in if you desire… just be careful so as to not go over the falls. It is a 50+ foot plunge and if you didn’t die, you would be seriously injured and likely wishing you had. So stay safe and don’t get too close to the edge as it is rounded slippery and dangerous, but beautiful.
When you are hiking along the ridgeline there isn’t much shade and it also is on the edge of a precipice. So be careful there as well, but it is something that can be easily travelled. The trail thankfully is at least 3′ in width almost its entire length.
The hardest part about this place is finding where it starts. That is because it is at the Switzer Picnic Area. Nothing talks about Switzer Falls itself and it is as the bottom of a steep hill that you can drive or walk down. The climb at the end of the hike, may not be very fun so take that into account as well. There is a lot of parking here which makes things nice and easy as well.
Enjoy your time here and I suggest taking a picnic or at least a sammie to stop somewhere and enjoy being out in nature and away from all the crap that is every where else in So Cal. It is also not that busy of a trail, but there are regular visitors here.

Review ⁷³⁄₃₆₆
Call me stupid, but after a 14 mile hike up and down Mt. Wilson yesterday, I felt I needed a recovery hike :) So Switzer Falls it is! (the original plan was Bridge to Nowhere, but I don’t think my legs would’ve appreciated that).
Switzer Falls is often advertised as a children and dog friendly trail, but to be honest, I don’t know how comfortable I’d be taking my child on parts of the trail. The trailhead is located approximately 10 miles up Hwy 2… You’ll see a sign that says «Switzer Falls Picnic Area», you can park right off in the little parking lot next to the road, or you can drive all the way down and try to find some parking. I suggest you drive down, ’cause you’ll have a steep 0.5mile uphill climb back up at the end of it. At the start of the trail is a very nice picnic area… there you’ll find kids running around, families having mini picnics… it’s a nice area with lots of shade. It can get pretty chilly sometimes, so bring a light jacket. About 1 mile into the trail, you’ll hit an incline… this is where you’ll experience ~650 ft of elevation gain. It’s not too bad… but as you go further along, there are certain areas where you look down… it’s just canyon… no trees, no flowers, no railing to break your fall, so definitely be careful. Once you hit the top, you’ll start your descent down to the falls, at the end, you’ll see a sign– one sign points to Bear Canyon and the other, Switzer Falls. The path to Switzer Falls is unmaintained, but over the years, plenty of ppl have made it out there… that it’s created a pretty clear path over. Make your way over to the falls, it’s a nice area to sit on a rock, relax, and have a light lunch.
To return, you’ll want to head back the same way you came from. That steep descend down to the falls will now become a steep ascent up. It’s honestly not too bad though… only about ¹⁄₃ of a mile, then it’s just flat rocks and your descent back to the woods. My friend and I were able to walk from the falls, back the mountain, and down to the woodsy area in ~15 min. Overall, we were back to the car is roughly 2 hours (this includes the climb back up to the road to our car since we weren’t able to find parking at the bottom). The hike itself took us only about 1 hr 45 min.
Overall, this is a pretty short hike and great for recovery purposes after a long strenuous workout the prior day. The temperature is nice and cool– there’s some small creek crossings, which makes this more of an adventure hike.
I’d definitely be back here when I want a more relaxed and easy hike.

Love this place. Its mod hike with some easy part. Watch where u go though there some parts other people created other paths. Its a one way path so careful and be nice to other people. Look up sometime and greet other people.
Took us 2 ½ to complete the hike. But maybe we will come back just to hang out and bbq at the parking.
Happy hiking!

Wish I could say I did the full hike but didnt. Place is pretty sweet though, trail needs work but isn’t difficult at all, just go prepared as you always should.
Walked with a good friend for about a hour and then had a picnic breakfast at the benches near the parking lot.
Head up to this place as early as possible because parking gets full pretty quick, make sure to pick up a day pass from the kiosk where the highway parts to Palmdale /​Lancaster, the pass costs $ 5 for the day. A ranger should be available with some attitude.
Do not expect clean bathrooms, look I’m a guy and I didn’t even want to pee, just saying, hold it for the life of you until you get home or at a restaurant back in the city.
Only 20 mins from Los Angeles, so close and you will be humbled by nature.

One my all time favorite LA hikes. A beautiful trail that crosses the creek at least a dozen times. There’s shady areas as well as sunny areas. For those with a fear of heights there are several parts of the trail that could be difficult. Great for dogs, my Yorkie loved it.
On a Sunday there were alot of people and alot of dogs.
You need an adventure pass but it’s worth it.

From the 210, take the 2 northeast for about 10 miles to Switzer Picnic area. It’s on the south side, less than a mile past the Clear Creek Information station. Turn right and drive down the accessed road and park in the main lot (all the way at the bottom, where the picnic tables are) if there are space available. Otherwise there are a few levels above the lowest/​main lot to park at but the hill to get to your car after the hike is a biotch!
Note: You do need to purchase an adventure pass to park. You can get one at the Shell gas station right off of the exit if you don’t already have one.
The trail is well marked and there are bathrooms at the picnic tables, but every Unilocaler is right… they are gross!
From the first step, the hike itself is GORGEOUS (more on that in a bit), but those that have fear of heights issue might have some issues on parts of the hike leading up to the waterfall. It isn’t the steepness so much, but it’s pretty narrow and rocky… so much so that a chain link fence is erected for the really sketchy parts (thankfully). That said, if I can do it, I bet you can too. :)
In my opinion the trail to the waterfall is broken into 2 parts. The beginning is a wonderfully woodsy area along a creek that you cross multiple times. The huge trees provide ample shade (bring a jacket… it gets cold) on the mostly flat dirt path. It’s very easy and really allows you to take in the sights of this majestic area. It’s hard to believe LA is so near.
The 2^nd part is the hairier and steeper trip to the waterfall. This is where you encounter a steeper grade, sharper slippier rocks and feel the heat along this very narrow trail with open view drops to the valley below. Remember to breathe and not look down if you are afraid of heights. Holding on to the inner rocks and someone’s jacket helps too.
Once you do traverse the rocky area you very quickly come to a T… to the left is the waterfall and to the right is another trail. We didn’t do the later. Follow the creek a few more yard along an unmaintained trail and you dead end at the waterfall. It’s amazing and well worth any fear you felt getting to it.
It’s definitely one of my favorite hikes so far and was great for a dog (no ticks for us… yay).
Be sure to bring water and snacks and wear good hiking shoes. And fyi… there is no cell service out here.

Finding the way here is half the battle since there is absolutely no reception when you are one with nature. Luckily the nice firemen trainees were kind enough to point the way and our group of girls were good listeners. After you get your adventure pass at the guest services kiosk, head a quarter of a mile and pull over by the sign that says Switzer Picnic Area. You can park on top and walk down or if there is space, pull your car all the way down and park there to save yourself a mile and an uphill walk in the sun on the way back. The hike itself is fairly shady and not super duper intense but it is quite beautiful. Go early or you simply won’t find space to park. We went on a Sunday at 9am and it was plentiful.

One minute I’m in the city and the next I’m surrounded by rows and rows of green lush trees. The hike to the waterfall is not too strenuous, fairly flat. However, you’ll get some incline on the return. My group was lucky enough to catch a marvelous sunny day with a cool breeze and the perfect amount of shade! And, yes, there are a few areas where the trail narrows, but it’s not that big of a deal. All fellow hikers exchange hello’s, smiles and keep moving about their business. If you’re a newbie to hiking like myself, fear not, there is plenty of signage so getting lost is almost impossible. Just follow the river, follow the river! I had no challenges finding parking, but keep in mind an Adventure Parking pass is required. It can be purchased in advance at Big 5, REI, or the nearby Visitors Center ($ 5.00 daily; $ 30.00 annual). Happy Hiking!

Beautiful hike. You get to hop across rocks to cross small streams. The waterfall has some water. Hopefully with El Niño there will be more water soon. I’d make sure to come early just because part of the hike is in the sun and it can be a bit on the warm side if it’s done later in the day.

First of all make sure you have an adventure pass otherwise you will get a ticket for parking in the lot. That being said if you wish to do the short hike to the falls it is a pretty easy hike. Or you could choose to go to the bottom of the falls by hiking up the hill to the right when you get close to the falls and go over the top there and drop down into the valley. From there you make a left and hike up to the Falls.

I loved this hike. It feels like you’re out of LA. The trails are pretty easy and there are signs everywhere so you won’t get lost.
Note: you do need to purchase an adventure pass for $ 5 to park on the grounds. I picked mine up at the Shell gas station right off of the exit, but you can also pick one up at the ranger’s station. While you’re at Shell, use their restroom. The one at the park is disguising. Trust me on this.
Also, once you get to Switzer Falls picnic area, be sure to drive down the hill. There are a couple of parking lots closer to the trail. Please don’t make the same mistake as me and walk down there. It’s quite a way on foot.
Enjoy!

I loved this hike! I went in early November on a cool, crisp day and was glad I had a jacket stashed in the trunk. The first part of this hike is under the beautiful shady canopy and relatively flat. However, if you want to go to the Falls, you’ll get a nice steep upgrade to climb (and then you need to take the jacket off! lol) and some GORGEOUS views to devour. Then you go down, down, down and you’ll finally get to see a sign that you’re on the right track. You pretty much jump down to the stream bed and follow it to the Falls. It was far from a Niagra, but still better than Temescal. Wear good footwear because it’s rocky and you’re going to be doing a lot of maneuvering across the stream.
You need a pass to park. The ranger office is CLOSED DURING THE WEEK so plan ahead if you aren’t a weekend warrior. I thought for sure I was gonna get ticketed since I ran into a ranger on horseback on the way, but the parking gods were smiling on me. I’ll definitely get one in advance next time so I don’t have to worry.
I also put in «Switzer Truck Trail» into Waze and it took me right there.

Beautiful!!! Feels as if you are nowhere near LA.
I would give this hike 5 stars however the bathrooms were filthy porta potty style restrooms.
We went in August 2015 (not as dry as when I’m writing up this review)
Hiking experience: Not a difficult hike but a nice workout. It’s doable for the entire family, newbies & kids. I don’t feel the trail is well marked and unless you are with someone who knows the path you may have trouble finding the path and making it all the way to the waterfall. Thankfully we had the help of some people that had previously been there. Very friendly hikers here and it’s not very crowded. Shoes may get wet as you are jumping over rocks/​creek. Be careful as rocks can get slippery. Nice wide paths and shaded for the most part.
Nature: The place itself is very beautiful. It’s very relaxing and soothing as you hike alongside the creek. Lots of green to see and truly a stress relieving place.
Entire family enjoyed this hike… definitely coming back.

Possibly one of the nicest most nature packed hikes I have been on in LA! I didn’t know what to expect or where to go so traveling up the windy, altitude soaked road, we decided to stop at a park ranger’s office and ask where the trail was. She then shared with us that a $ 5 fee would be needed to park at the entrance. I thought this was a bit of a racket. But hey, whatever! –1 star
We traversed the rocky terrain in hopes to find this waterfall everyone had been talking about, and sharing pictures of. We made the hike to the end to find that the waterfall was off, or not running, or whatever you would call it. Drought. It was certainly disappointing although the hike itself was gorgeous, so not a huge drawback. Will definitely come back to search out the elusive waterfall again!
On the way back we were informed of an apparent Rattle Snake on the trail only moments before we passed the exact part of the path.

My first hike. Yes. I am a hiker virgin no more!
As this was my first time, I can’t distinguish between a hard hike or an easy hike (Switzer Falls) as reviewed by Unilocaling hikers. This being my first hike, I thought Switzer Falls had its moments (some decent inclines and descends), some hairy cliff views and some beautiful Angeles Forest sights and views!
Roundtrip…the hike was about 5 miles. I huffed and puffed a bit on the way back from the waterfall but it wasn’t bad at all. It was a sunny and warm LA Sunday but the Switzer Falls hike has a lot of shade and trees. I wouldn’t recommend small dogs or bulldogs (some dude brought his bulldog)…poor sucka.
Bring water and some light snacks. No cell phone reception. Due to the California drought, the waterfall itself was pretty small. My friend said last year there was actually a small lake where you could swim in. Parking could be hard to find, but there’s a lot of turn-​around with hikers leaving. They have some bbq grills and tables and 3 restrooms (hole in the floors). No bathroom at the falls. Had fun! Will definitely do it again. And don’t forget your parking pass!

GREAT HIKE FOR BEGINNERS AND BEYOND!!!
BACKGROUND:
Switzer is a relatively easy hike into one of the loveliest sections of the San Gabriel mountains. The hike meanders back and across the stream running down the spectacular Arroyo Seco Canyon. The stream is lined with oaks and alder, with the water cascading over granite into mirror-​like pools. 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. The trail is good, but there are some steep drop offs in a couple spots. It is well shaded.
There’s also some top-​notch swimming holes down here. Nothing has the simultaneous waking-​up and calming-​down effect like a good splash in ice-​cold mountain water.
STATS:
Distance: less than 5 miles
Elevation Gain: 600ft. of up down.
Poison oak
Creek walking
Steep slopes
Rattlesnakes
Bears
ESSENTIALS:
At least 2 liters of water
Know your limits
Comfy hiking shoes with good lugs
Layered Clothing
High protein food/​snacks
Electrolytes
Camera
Hat (optional)
Sunscreen
Trek poles (optional)
OUR ROUTE:
I’ve been hiking all around Angeles Crest since High School and Switzer Falls is one of my favorite hikes in the area and it became Sierra’s favorite as well. When Sierra was around, I took her to all the cool places I hiked decades before. She never verbally told me, but I believe that her excitement and ear to ear smile with her tongue hanging out was her way of telling me that she loved Switzer Falls the best, just like me.
There are three parking areas, the upper lots, which is just off the main road, a middle area with a few parking spots, as well as a lower lot where hiking trails begin. Switzer Falls not only offers hiking trails, but also picnic tables, bbq’s, and outhouses, this makes for a very popular hang out for those who love the outdoors. If you are looking to hike and/​or bbq, it’s best to arrive at the crack of dawn, especially during the warmer months.
Trails are well traveled and even though much of the area was burned during the 2009 Station fire, a fairly keen eye can find a trail.
Recently me and The Crew celebrated our Anniversary here at Switzer. Since it was mostly all about being together and celebrating all the miles we’ve hiked, the creeks we followed, the boulders we’ve climbed, the peaks we’ve summited, the sunrises we welcomed and sunsets we ahh’d over, stars we gazed, our hiking was just a short leisure hike from Switzer picnic area to Switzer Falls.
We crossed the bridge and walked down Bear Canyon on a road that was paved 80 years ago (and is losing its battle with nature and time). 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. Be mindful of poison oak (PO), which may appear dormant, never is. PO maintains it’s nasty poisonous oil all year long, even when there are no leaves present. During the warmer months, rattlesnakes love to hang out in this area so proceed with caution.
After a mile of some trail, water crossings, and a few dozen wild blackberries if you hike in the summer the trail leaves the creek and climbs up the canyon wall. This part of the hike is the most challenging as far as elevation gain is concerned, if you are a beginner. There is no trees to shade you from the beating sun, however, you will be exposed to plenty of views as the trail runs along the steep wall of the canyon. From here you will gain a view of the top of Switzer Falls. The trail continues along Bear Canyon and heads back down to the creek. The trail turns upstream toward Switzer Falls. Here you will find small pools and cascades beneath the falls.
To access the upper falls, trek back up and over Bear Canyon, cross the creek and hang a right. A maintained trail and and the running creek will lead you to the upper falls. Be extra cautious if you dare climb on the rocks, they are very slippery, even when they are not wet.
SIDE NOTE: Distance is governed by rain and snow fall. There have been times I’ve attempted to hike shortly after a good rain fall only to have to turn around shortly after leaving the parking lot. The water flows rapidly and with a slip of any sort you’ll be heading down stream without a paddle.
This is a great hike for those who just want to get out LA, without driving too far out of LA. It’s also a great place to hang with family and friends picnicking all year long. Btw, the National Forest Service did a lot of cutbacks, all the maids were let go, so please keep the area clean for all the animals and visitors after you. There are trash bins available in the picnic area.
Review 95 Unilocal 100+ Challenge 2015
#hiking #switzerfalls #angelescrest #picnicking #beginnershike

Worst of the 3 SGV waterfall hikes.
Driving up to the trail was a long 9 mile trek that is similar to driving to Big Bear.
Make sure you get a parking pass. You can buy it at the Shell right off the freeway. It is located going away from the direction of the mountain. I bought mine at the small ranger building right before the trail parking. Cost is $ 5 cash which ever place you go.
There are 3 parking areas here. The first is right on top where it says Switzer picnic. If you take the small road on the right hand side you will see the second small lot, and if you keep going down, you will see the third lot, right at the trail starting point. Park at the third if you can.
Trail itself was a pretty easy 4 mile round trip hike. It was shaded throughout the entire hike until it splits at the bottom. A lot of bugs everywhere. The trail is pretty easy to follow except at a few of the crossings. The split is where this hike gets confusing.
If you go right, you climb up hill through a open thin trail. I had to turn back because I was scared my dog could fall off. But apparently you have to go up this to get to the climb down that you takes to the front of the waterfall. Not worth it for me.
If you go left, you hike a small trail that takes you a small pool and the top of the waterfall. This was still a pretty tricky hike and there is a warning sign that tells you not to continue.
Pet owners, this hike was pretty easy. He was not tired at all. But he got really wet and muddy. Bring a towel!
Overall, not worth the hike to see parts of the waterfall. Cantry and Eaton are a lot better.

This review is for Bear Canyon Trail Camp.
This trail is accessed from the hike to Switzer Falls. Right before you approach the Falls (0.1 mile away), there is a trail to the right to Bear Canyon. Round trip is about 8 miles up and back.
This trail is not a difficult one in terms of ascension or climb. However, it can be tricky crossing the various points along the stream with lots of large and small rocks that need to be maneuvered to get across. If the ground is wet, then the rocks can be very slippery, so take caution.
The trail is very pretty and heavily wooded. It is shaded for most of the way. There are some areas of climbing, but the climbs are not very strenuous. Once you reach Bear Camp, it is a nice, flat area with some seating. It is very tranquil. We were going to attempt to reach Brown Mountain from here, but beyond this point there is so much overgrowth and no marked trail that it is impassible.
parking — small lot available, but an adventure pass is required. Go early to get a space.

Having hiked here for years with my children before the Station Fire, I admit I was scared to return. It’s one of the most lovely hikes in Los Angeles County. But all is not lost! Most of the trees deep in the canyon have survived and are thriving. The creek, while not exactly babbling in this year of drought, still trickles its way to the falls. Mother Nature carries on.
Come early for good parking, especially on Free Days like today! Check here
for more information on fees and parking.