Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
3,339.00 ft (1,017.73 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
18.00 mi (28.97 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Arroyo Seco to Switzer Picnic Area is a 20-mile out-and-back along the Gabrielino Trail located outside of Altadena, California. The well-maintained singletrack trail features rugged mountains, steep cliffs, and deep canyons. It passes several backcountry campgrounds and the sites of two historic mountain resorts, Oak Wilde and Switzer's Camp. The trail passes Switzer Falls, one of the most popular waterfalls in the Angeles National Forest, as well as Switzer Picnic Area, a beautiful shaded picnic area and excellent rest stop. The hike can be done in a day or as an overnight backpacking trip and is suitable for running, hiking, backpacking, and mountain biking.

DIRECTIONS

From Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2), park in the small paved parking area and walk along the road past the locked gate to the fire road. Follow the Gould Mesa Trail as it descends into the Arroyo Seco. Follow the Arroyo Seco using the Gabrielino Trail all the way to Switzer Falls and Switzer Picnic Area.  

Switzer Picnic Area is a beautiful shaded area with picnic tables and bathrooms. This is a wonderful rest stop before turning around and retracing your steps back to the start. 

ALTERNATE ROUTE
If you are looking for a way to shorten the distance, you can arrange a shuttle and have someone pick you up from the Switzer Picnic Area, or reverse the route and have the shuttle waiting for you at Gould Mesa. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Angeles National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/angeles

Backcountry Camping Information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/angeles/recreation/camping-cabins/?actid=29&recid=41672

Gould Mesa Campground: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/angeles/recarea/?recid=41708

Arroyo Seco: https://www.cityofpasadena.net/parks-and-rec/arroyo-seco/#the-environment

Switzer Picnic Site: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/angeles/recarea/?recid=41830

Gabrielino Trail: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/angeles/recarea/?recid=42008

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Adventure Pass required

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Scenic views. Historical sites. Waterfalls.

Cons

Some parts might be crowded.

Trailhead Elevation

1,959.00 ft (597.10 m)

Highest point

3,305.00 ft (1,007.36 m)

Features

Wildlife
Waterfalls
Historically significant
Backcountry camping
Near lake or river
Big vistas

Typically multi-day

No

Suitable for

Biking

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Lodging + Camping

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