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Switzer Falls - Bear Canyon


Highlights:

Waterfalls, small cascades, lovely pools, wooded streamside trail, deep canyons
Near:Altadena, CA
Scenery:
Distance:4.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:600 ft
Hike Time:2.5 hours
Difficulty:Moderate
Trail Condition:OK, but a few difficult spots
HikeType:Out and Back


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 21   Submit your own review
Reviewed by jdubya on 2/7/2010
Rangers told me they hope to open in Spring time.

Reviewed by BigQuiche on 1/26/2010
According to Rangers... It's closed for a while. Fire damage.

Reviewed by MB on 1/22/2010
Great hike, but ANF website says it'll be closed till Sep 30, 2010.

Reviewed by Ryan on 1/17/2010
Was closed today...!

Reviewed by Nance on 1/14/2010
Still Closed

Reviewed by lham on 12/4/2009
still closed

Reviewed by dmo on 11/23/2009
I just called today 11/23/09 and it's still closed due to fire damage. :(

Reviewed by mlh on 10/1/2009
Called the Angeles National forest ranger today and was told this trail will not be accessible until at leat Mid November


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

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