Switzer Picnic Area and Switzer Falls

By Patricia Lamkin

Hidden deep in the cradle of the Angeles National Forest is a true hiker's dream: the rugged trails of Switzer's Falls.

Part of the Upper Arroyo Seco River Basin, Switzer's is located off the Angeles Crest Highway, seven miles north of interstate 210 above La Canada/Flintridge. The shady trail head features a generous picnic area, which includes picnic tables, charcoal grills, and restrooms situated along a gurgling, stony creek. Switzer's offers beginner to advanced trails, sunny mountain views, cool wooded glades, and the highlight of it all: the falls!

Prepare well for your hike. Wear sturdy sneakers or hiking boots, and leave the spangled sandals at home (you'd be amazed the number of sorry city people who don't)! You may encounter some thirsty gnats and mosquitoes, so pack some Deep Woods Off to abate the swarming pests. In the fall, a jacket is strongly advised - one you don't mind tying around your waist or wadding up in your backpack when you don't need it. Also be aware: hiking in the Angeles National Forest is not for the faint of heart. Elevations range from 1,200 to 10,064 feet. The views are spectacular, but bring along plenty of bottled water, a good hat and a bandana.

The best time to visit Switzer's is early Autumn, or after a swell of rain has replenished the creek, for this is when the falls are the most spectacular. During the hottest droughts of summer the falls can dwindle down to a trickle. Check the national forest web site or call ahead for conditions.

To get there take the 210 to the Angeles Crest Highway exit, (State Route 2), going north. To park you will need a National Forest Daily Adventure Pass (one per vehicle). These can be purchased for $5.00 at the Shell station on Angeles Crest Highway, near the junction for the 210. Continue north on Route 2 another seven miles up the mountain.

You'll pass a small ranger station on your right, (another place to buy an Adventure Pass), and shortly after you'll turn right at Mile Marker 34.2. This is the Switzer Picnic Area.

The hours posted at the gate are 6 am to 10 pm. Signs indicate that the gate is locked at 6:00 pm, but you will still be able to exit the park if you stay after dark. Drive down the curvy spur road to the parking area at the bottom. Take the footbridge over the creek, and you are on your way to the falls!

For the first leg, the trail follows the creek, and occasionally the trail will seem to end. When this happens, cross the creek and the trail picks up on the other side. The creek crossings are man-made but natural - large strategically placed boulders and rocks or "fallen" logs. Stick to the dry rocks and the sturdy logs and you'll be fine.

Eventually the trail will seem to dead-end at a natural stone wall. A sign with arrows will direct you here. Follow the arrow to Switzer Falls, which points you to a railed footpath that zig-zags up the rock face. Leaving the creek, take this to the top and continue on the trail.

Follow the signs to Switzer's. The trail will start going down into the canyon, and eventually will meet back up with the creek, which now becomes the trail. Follow the rocky creek-bed upstream until you reach the falls. Whew!

One of the perks after a long hike to Switzer's is taking a cool dip under the falls. These are popular swimming holes. Forgot your fashionable Malibu swim shorts? No worries - birthday suits never go out of style!

For more information visit http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/angeles, or call (626) 574-5200.