If your looking to get out on the trail for some family fun look no further than Switzer Falls. After visiting the falls take the kids a little further downstream to the rock slide and you will definitely be a hero. Switzer Falls is an easily accessible, very well known waterfall in the Angeles National Forest. On weekends the trail can be very crowded so its best to get there early as possible.
PARKING:
From Angeles Crest turn off onto the Switzer Truck trail and descend to the lower parking lot. If the lower lot is full there is additional parking back at the top of the turn out. You will need to display your adventure pass. If you don't have one you can purchase them at Big 5. Price is $30 dollars for the year or $5 dollars per day. Dogs are welcomed but must be leashed.
TRAIL HEAD:
Restrooms are available at the picnic area and also at the upper turn out junction From Angeles Crest. While I did not visit these myself I was told by my wife the upper restrooms were horribly dirty so we opted to use the ones at the lower picnic area. Once loaded up make your way down to the southwest corner of the picnic area across the bridge and onto the Gabrieleno Trail.
Follow the well maintained trail downstream along side the Arroyo Seco River. This section is nicely shaded and the views are outstanding. You will encounter multiple creek crossing and a lush dense forest of Alders and Oaks.
At just past the 1 mile mark you encounter a junction cross the creek and stay to the right and head up and out of the Canyon. This higher elevation stretch has little shade so plan accordingly with some sunblock or a proper hat. At just under a half mile further you will come to another junction stay left and continue down the Bear Cyn Trail. This spot makes for some great photos of the surrounding mountains and a first look down The Canyon toward the falls.
1.8 miles in you drop onto the Canyon floor. Here you can turn left and follow the creek a very short distance (.2 miles or less) to the famous Switzer falls. At the base of the falls we dropped our packs and decided to climb the short yet steep spur trail off to the right to the top of the waterfall.
After visiting the falls head back down to the trail junction. Instead of turning right and going back to your car veer left across the creek and back onto Bear Cyn trail. At around the 2.5 mile mark you will arrive at the Rock Slide. This is a great place for a dip in the cool waters and a sure spot to impress the Family.
Although we chose to turn around here and head back you can continue down Bear Canyon for about another mile or so to Bear Canyon Trail Camp. Which is a great introductory Backpacking spot with fire rings and picnic tables. We spent around 3 hours on the trail and our total distance out and back for the day was around 4.8 miles. Perfect family Day Hike.
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