Updated on Apr 17 2024 8:38am
The trail to Switzer Falls begins at Switzer Picnic Area. Cross the bridge and then head down the Gabrielino Trail about two miles to reach the waterfall. Most of the trail is shaded under a canopy of trees such as white alder, native oaks, sycamores, cottonwoods, and others. About a mile into the hike, the trail will fork. Stay to the right if you’re headed to the falls.
On the left, you’ll see Switzer’s Resort, the ruins of Switzer’s Camp, part of one of the early wilderness resorts in the mountains called Switzer-Land. Near the rear of the lodge, a small trail used to lead up the steep canyon walls to a tiny majestic chapel built around 1911 from rocks in the area perched high above the waterfall canyon.
Keep to the right and you will be rewarded with a view of the 50ft. falls. There is a deep, multilayered pool that’s a great swimming hole. There is another, smaller swimming hole about 5 minutes further down the canyon with a 15ft. waterfall.
The glory of nature, full of Angelenos.
