Switzer Falls

TRAIL NAME: Switzer Falls Trail via Bear Canyon

HIKE DATE: Saturday, August 03, 2019

MEETING TIME: 7:30 am – 7:45 am
(We’ll meet for 15 mins and then leave the meeting point at 7:45am. Please be on time.)
Return approx: 12:15 pm

HIKE LEAD: Robert Bittner

HIKE LEVEL: Level 4 – (Some Moderate Uphill sections, Mostly wooded flat areas)

WHAT IS A HIKING LEVEL?:
Find out more about hiking levels here:
http://latrailhikers.com/about/hike-levels/

HIKE RSVP (Optional):
https://www.facebook.com/latrailhikers/events

HIKE LENGTH: 4.5 Miles (Roundtrip)

HIKE DURATION: 3 Hours (approx)

MEETING POINT:
McDonalds Parking lot
449 Foothill Blvd.
La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011

DIRECT LINK: https://goo.gl/maps/H8bSfqmGnAE2

(REQUIRED) PARKING PERMIT: Adventure Pass ($5 – Day Pass, $30 Year Pass) can be obtained at most Sporting Goods store (like Big 5, REI) or at the Shell gas station right next to the 210 Fwy. Please get this permit ahead of time in case stores are not open on the day of the hike. Additionally, you should consider carpooling with someone who already has an Adventure Pass.

TRAIL WALKTHROUGH: After gathering at the meeting location, we will caravan northeast on the Angeles Crest Highway – 2 (**Turn your headlights on**) approximately 10 miles from the start of the Hwy to the entrance of the Switzer Picnic Area, turn right and drive down the road to the trail head. This is an out and back relatively easy trail most of the way. For about 1.5 miles we will hike above the water falls through a nice and shady area of the National Angeles Forest in the San Gabriel Mountains following and crossing the upper Arroyo Seco. There is about 1/2 a mile out in direct sunlight with a mild incline on the west side of the canyon just before we start descending to follow the stream again and double back to the lower water falls. We will rest and play in the pool at the base of the waterfall. We will head back the way we came and this is where the uphill fun begins. It is steep but short but soon enough we will be back in the shade.

WATERFALL NOTE: During dry seasons (drought), the waterfall level may be very low & trickling, or completely dry.

WATER REQUIRED. WATER CHECK WILL BE PERFORMED. If you do not take enough water or are not appropriately equipped for this hike, you will be turned away from doing this hike with us even if you show up. Please note, that we have expectations for Level 4 evening hikers. Read all the details.

REQUIRED: 2-3 liters of Water. Hiking/comfortable walking shoes with good grip, hat/visor, sunscreen.

RECOMMENDED: Hiking pole, hydration pack, lunch snacks, insect repellent, light colored clothes.

DOG-FRIENDLY? Friendly (all dogs must be on leash)

HOW DO I PARTICIPATE WITH THE GROUP ON THIS HIKE?
1. Read the Hike’s Details we link at the very top of this page.
2. Make sure that the Hike Level accommodates your hiking experience.
3. If, and only if it suits you, then RSVP for this event and show up the day of the hike with all necessary gear and water (we mention everything you need on the details page for this hike).

MY FRIEND SAID I CAN DO THIS HIKE, I SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO IT, RIGHT?
We take your safety quite seriously, and would not like for you to attend a hike you’re not ready for.  You know your body and hiking experience better than your friends. Whether you are a first-timer or an experienced hiker, please read our hike details page as the hike may not suite your experience level. We have a better experience if every hike has hikers of the intended level.

DISCLAIMER: LA Trail Hikers and its Leads/Organizers/Participants do not take responsibility for any harm,bodily injury, accidents, or damage to personal property. By clicking “Attending,” or attending the hike, you confirming that you understand that all outdoor activity such as hiking, backpacking, and trekking have an associated danger, and will not hold any hike lead/organizer, participant, LA Trail Hikers, or any group associated pet responsible for any hazard to your well being. Additionally, you will not be allowed to participate with the group if you are not adequately prepared with enough water and the right gear/equipment/nutrition essential to complete the hike. You are fully responsible for yourself.