A moderate hike through scenic canyons to a series of cascades and pools. Can be done as a day hike or a short backpacking trip.
Location: Angeles
National Forest, Arroyo Seco District Region: Angeles National Forest, above La Canada Distance: 7-mile loop
Difficulty: Moderate When to go: Year-round Hours: Dawn to Dusk Phone: 818-899-1900 Elevation Gain: 2000 ft. Are dogs allowed: Yes, on a leash Restrooms: Yes, near the trailhead. Parking: To park in Angeles National Forest, you must display an
Adventure Pass permit, available at ranger stations and some convenience
stores. Cost is $5 per day or $30 per year.
Trail Information
Full Review: What always amazes me about Angeles National Forest is
how quickly it transports you from urban chaos to total wilderness. You can
get to dozens of trailheads in under an hour from anywhere in LA. And if you
hike in more than a mile or two, the number of humans per trail drops to
practically nothing. Although this hike starts out at the very popular
Switzer Picnic Area, you'll soon leave the crowds behind and have those
pristine falls and swimming holes all to yourself.
From the picnic area, start down the Gabrielino Trail, which takes you over
a footbridge and along a creek. You'll rock hop across the water several
times before reaching a junction at Switzer Trail Camp. Keep to the right to
start climbing uphill.
As the trail flattens out, look to the left for a view of Switzer Falls.
When you reach the next junction, veer left to start the steep descent into
the canyon. Less than a mile later, the trail will flatten out, and you'll
follow the creek downstream as the path crosses it a few more times. Soon
you'll see a series of swimming holes with smooth slide connecting them to
each other. After a rain, those pools sometimes turn the color of coffee.
Worry not; they'll run clear again after a day or two of better weather.
Watch for the trail to start going uphill on the left side of the creek.
This is the path that will take you into Bear Canyon, which splits off to
the left. Since landslides here are common, and trail maintenance is shoddy
at best, you'll probably have to walk along the stream bed for a while to
reach the trail camp. If it is completely washed out (not an uncommon
occurrence), you may have to turn around. Backpackers can camp near the
pools instead of at the camp.
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