Switzer Falls (Angeles Crest)

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Switzer Falls (Angeles Crest)

Photo: Region 5 Photography · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

🥾 Hike · La Cañada Flintridge

3 hours · $ · No reservation needed

age fit
0–1 yr
★ 1.0
1–3 yrs
★ 2.0
3–5 yrs
★ 2.0
5–10 yrs
★ 5.0
  • 🚗
    About 35 min drive
    From Arcadia · Parking: Switzer Picnic Area lot requires an Adventure Pass ($5/day), full after 8am on weekends; park along Angeles Crest Hwy and walk down
  • 🎒
    Carrier recommended
    Terrain isn't stroller-friendly; a carrier is easier
  • 🌳
    Lots of shade
    Good on cool days · Handles heat
  • ⏱️
    Typical visit: 3 hours
    Best seasons: Winter · Spring

Twenty-five minutes up Angeles Crest Hwy, then a shaded creekside trail along the Arroyo Seco from the picnic area; 1 mile in there are shallows for splashing, and continuing down to the base of the 50-foot falls makes about 4 miles round trip, the step-up waterfall for bigger kids.

💡 Tips
The first half is gentle, the second has steep sections and creek crossings; little ones get plenty out of playing in the water on the first stretch. The mountain road is winding, so prepare kids who get carsick. Check the Forest Service website for closures before you go.

What this place offers

✓waterfall
✓creek
✓creek crossings
✓shade
✓carrier
✓basic restrooms
✓Adventure Pass

Featured in these guides

This weekend's weather in La Cañada Flintridge

Forecast at the destination itself (coast and hills often differ from home)

☀️
Sat 10/17
Sunny · 61–80°F · 1% rain
☀️
Sun 10/18
Sunny · 61–79°F · 0% rain

Location

La Cañada Flintridge, California

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