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 Reporter |
Summary: This 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. After seeing the falls, travel down stream to the intersection with Bear Canyon, and travel up this spectacularly wild, steep walled canyon for another half mile or so to enjoy its wonders. More adventuresome hikes can continue up Bear Canyon for 2 miles to Bear Camp (not shown on my topo). Trailhead: From Interstate 210 in La Canada, take Highway 2 north and drive 10 miles to Switzer picnic area on the right. Descend to the parking area outside the campground. You will see a footbridge over the stream leading to the trail head. (Lat:34.2663 Lon:-118.1436) Trail Guides for Switzer Falls - Bear Canyon: Trails of the Angles - 100 Hikes in the San Gabriels by John W. Robinson (Wilderness Press) Day Hikers Guide to Southern California by John McKinney (Olympus Press) California Hiking by Tom Stienstra & Ann Marie Brown (Foghorn Press) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Horses Ranger Contact: Angeles National Forest - (818) 790-1151 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jim Zuber, who has posted 104 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 26 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by arron on 5/20/2012 i recommend going to this trail if u want adventure and water. Be sure not to miss those small trails to the big water falls. Before going up the hill about a mile from the starting pt, there's a small trail at the left side of river to go to the big falls.
Reviewed by RMY on 4/16/2012 Awesome Hike. Went on 04.15.12. Hiked all the way to the falls, then doubled back and headed into bear canyon. The trails disappear from time to time and there are a lot of fallen trees, but keep an eye out for the pink ribbons wrapped around the trees and youll be fine. Bear canyon gets pretty strenuous at times. We eventually made it to the campground at the end. Very awesome. We plan on doing an overnighter there very soon. If i had to guess an all around distance, from the trailhead, to the falls then all the way back into bear canyon..id say its about 10 miles round trip. The hike to the falls is very kid friendly, but i wouldnt recommend kids for the bear canyon hike.
Reviewed by BigBamboo on 4/11/2012 First thanks Jim for taking time to inform us about this great place. For those wondering about parking pass, well signs says you need it. They are $5.00 for a day pass or $30 for the year, you can find them at Big 5. I have personally never seen a ranger looking for parking passes but why go through the aggravation of finding a $25 + parking ticket. By the way this is a great hike and kid friendly. If you go I promise you will enjoy it!! Again thanks Jim for all your time and effort. 
Reviewed by NR on 4/10/2012 Just got back form a one-nighter here. Here is the breakdown in our pace, which was pretty moderate from the care to Bear Canyon CG. Parking Lot 10 mins (smooth, some pavement) Bottom of the trail to overlook switzers (Marked by Sudden Switchbacks up the mountain) 5-10 mins (Relatively steep ascent) Trail Split to Gabrieleno 5-10 mins (Relatively steep descent) Trail Split Lower switzer (left) & bear canyon (right) 15 mins (trail comes and goes, lots of water crossings) Switzer and Bear Canyon merge into Arroyo Seco. 5 Mins (inconsistent trail, look for pink markers to find your way) Official Bear Canyon Trail Marker 15 mins Small Potential CG 25 Mins Bear Canyon CG!
Reviewed by RMY on 4/2/2012 Do you need an adventure pass for this trail? 
Reviewed by BigBAMBOO on 4/2/2012 Hiked this trail about 2wks ago and my kids loved it. Alot more pleasant hike than Sturtevant falls. Definetly kid friendly took my 2y/o twins, my 4 and 6 year old boys and my 10y/old. They found many swimming holes that they made sure to explore. We went on a Friday afternoon and found more than enough parking. Nice and shady trail for the most part, fairly easy to traverse, plenty of pic-nic spots enjoy a snack and watch the kids splash water. Love this trail and will hike again and again.
Reviewed by BigQuiche on 1/13/2012 Did this hike a few weeks ago, since then some more trees have come down along the trail, which is always fun, climbing over or under... But sadly, since a few weeks ago, some knuckleheads have thought it cool to tag rocks along the pathway, and at the falls...
Reviewed by David on 12/26/2011 I hiked Switzers this morning. I love this trail! I made my way down Bear Canyon and stopped at one of the swimming holes and jumped in. Highly recommend this trail! Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Los Angeles County Hiking, Los Angeles County Trails, Los Angeles County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
