Great Outdoors

Orange County/Long Beach Chapter

presents:

Switzer Falls Day Hike

Tuesday, July 1, 8:00 AM to 2 PM

Short Notice of a Weekday Pop Up Hike for Older and Slower Members

Trip Leader: Doug Cable, Phone: 949-922-1452,

(Write up taken from notes by the Hiking Guy)

Switzer Falls Hike

Distance: 4 miles

Time: 2-3 hours

Total Climbing: 690 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Crowds: Crowded

Dogs: Leashed

Swit Click here for the list and bring them with you.

Water and Snacks: 2 liters of water and snacks as desired.

We're going to meet at the Sierra Club carpool spot at 07:30

How to get to the trailhead:

Use this address: Switzer Picnic Area, Altadena, CA 91001

When you see the sign for the Switzer Picnic Area on Highway 2, turn off the highway. The Switzer Falls hike starts at the Switzer Picnic area, which can be a little tricky: you need to drive all the way down the hill to the last parking area. If that parking area is full (it won't be if you get there early) you can park in one of the lots in the upper areas.

It's a steep downhill drive with two-way traffic, so go slowly and be cautious. The lower parking lot is big but may fill up as the day goes on.

There are primitive bathrooms in the parking area.

You'll need a National Parks Pass or Adventure Pass to park here.

The Switzer Falls trailhead is where you first enter the lower parking lot. The Switzer Falls hike is so much more than just a waterfall. 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. Although I've listed the Switzer Falls hike as moderate because there's a bit of climbing, overall, it's a very doable hike that offers many rewards for a small effort. It is  a popular hike, so it's best done very early before the crowds show up.

Right after the trail camp there's a sign pointing the way down to the right. Cross the stream one last time and start climbing.

Right after you cross the stream and start climbing, the trail splits.

The main route to the lower falls is up to the right. If you want to hike to the top of the upper falls, right after the trail camp there's a sign pointing the way down to the right. Cross the stream one last time and start climbing.

You can take the less traveled trail to the left. It takes you above the upper falls, so you need to exercise caution. People have gotten very hurt there.

There's a little climb as the trail winds along the river gorge. The views from the trail in this section are incredible. Much of this area was burned in the 2009 Station Fire but is recovering well. The river gorge stretches in front of you as you continue to hike the Gabrielino Trail.

When you first start on this stretch of trail there's an old fence. Shortly after the fence starts, look down to your right to see the upper falls. You'll probably be able to hear them.

A short while after that, before you reach the next junction, keep your eyes open for the ruins of an old chapel on top of a hill. The chapel was built in 1924 and included a pipe organ and stained glass windows,

Eventually you'll reach a trail split. We're going to leave the Gabrielino Trail and head down to the lower falls on the left. The ridge-line trail descends toward Bear Canyon and Arroyo Seco.

When you get to the bottom continue straight to the lower falls. There's a trail back to the right to Bear Canyon Campground

At the bottom there's a sign pointing you toward the falls. From here you're going to be heading upstream on the Arroyo Seco.

This section goes over and through the stream much like the first part of the hike. There are multiple ways to cross and cross back. Just keep heading upstream. The pool at the bottom of the falls is great to soak your feet in or even take a dip. From the falls you just go back the way you came. It's a great hike, give it a try. See you out there!

The taller 50' Upper Switzer Falls are a short trip upstream from here. The only problem is that it's not a "trail trail," you have to climb up over the lower falls and then pick your way up the stream. If it's doable by kids with vape pens, it's doable by you.

When you get up above the falls, you have to walk along a narrow ridge. There's usually a rope to hang onto. Once you're over the lower falls, follow the stream to the upper falls. There are some decent swimming holes on this stretch.

If you want to add another 3 miles (round trip) to the hike, you can continue down the trail to Bear Canyon Trail Camp. When you get back to the intersection at the bottom of the gorge, instead of going uphill back to the cliff-side trail, continue straight on the Bear Canyon trail.

You'll see a trail sign when you head back from Switzer Falls.

It's a nice trail that gets rough at times but is largely free of crowds. If you're looking for some more miles and want to escape the crowds, it's a nice extension. There's also some decent swimming spots along the trail

Trip Leader: Doug Cable, Phone: 949-922-1452,