7:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Due to limited “good” parking and lots of hikers, this will be an early morning meetup.
The hike to Switzer Falls is one of my favorite hikes and is one of the most popular hikes in front range of the San Gabriel Mountains.
Bring your hiking poles as we will cross the creek several times, I’ve counted more than 20. Bring socks, you may get your feet wet. Wear layers. bring a jacket and gloves, it may be chilly. I will keep you posted on the weather
We will meet in the parking lot at 7:30, and start promptly at 7:45.
This is a 4.5 mile out-and-back hike on the Gabrielino Trail that follows a running creek down into a wooded canyon. The trail begins at the Switzer Picnic Area and descends 650 feet to the stream below Switzer Falls. We will cross a bridge (group photo time) and walk down Bear Canyon on a worn down road that was paved in the 1930s.
This first stretch of the hike is in the shade. When the trail leaves the creek we will begin climbing up along a steep wall of the canyon. The views are great here! We will eventually find ourselves at the top of Switzer Falls, then we will descend to small pools and cascades below. Unfortunately, the pools beneath Switzer have been tagged with graffiti but it’s still quite beautiful.
We will stop here for a break and take some time to explore the creek and the surrounding area. Bring your lunch, or snacks, and water.
HIKING DETAILS
Hike time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 4.5 miles out and back
Elevation Gain: roughly 650’
Difficulty: Fit beginner/intermediate
Dogs: Yes, leashed, per State law
Restrooms: Yes at the parking lot, not on the trail
Known Dangers: Rattlesnakes, slip-‘n-fall. This is bear country
What to look out for: poison oak, ticks
WHAT TO BRING
2-3 liters of water
Lunch, snacks, electrolytes
Hat, sunscreen, bug spray
Hiking poles and socks
Wear layers, jacket and gloves
CARPOOL
Carpooling is highly recommended. Message me if you’re coming from the Simi Valley, Chatsworth area.
PARKING/ADVENTURE PASS
You will need an Adventure Pass to park. You can purchase the pass at Big 5 Sporting Goods or any Ranger Station for $5.00/day, $30/year, or $80/lifetime.
DIRECTIONS TO THE TRAILHEAD
Switzer Truck Trail, Angeles National Forest, Tujunga, CA 91042
Coordinates: 34.26624, -118.1457
From the 210 Freeway in La Cañada Flintridge, take the Angeles Crest Highway (CA 2) northwest for 10 miles to the Switzer Picnic Area.
Descend to the parking lot and display your adventure pass. If the lot is full, additional parking is located at the top of the road.
DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY:
• You must RSVP to attend this event, no exceptions.
• If you choose to sign up for any event, you are releasing the organizers of Hike and Explore from all liability in case of possible injuries.
• The organizers of Hike and Explore are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. By participating in any posted event, you’re taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being.
• Hiking and other outdoor events are inherently dangerous and accidents can happen. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions.
• Your personal, and guests, safety depends on your own judgment and experience.
