Upper Switzer Falls
Los Angeles County, California
Your visit at a glance
- Waterfall height
- 33 ft (10 m)
- Location
- Los Angeles County, California
- Access status
- Partial guide: last section is off trail and the falls names differ between sources
- The walk
- About 5 miles return
- Ground & access
- Downhill first and uphill on the return. Exposed and hot on the middle section. The climb past the lower falls crosses slippery cut steps in granite; the visitor advises against it when wet. Above the lower falls there is not much of a trail; watch for poison oak.
From the Switzer Picnic Area, about 10 miles up Angeles Crest Highway from the 210 Freeway, start near the restrooms and cross the bridge. The trail follows the stream downhill, then climbs an exposed slope to a junction, where you descend into the canyon to lower Switzer Falls. A small path climbs the granite beside the falls; above it, follow the creek a quarter to half mile to Upper Switzer Falls. Return the same way.
Plan your visit
Switzer Picnic Area on Angeles Crest Highway via the Gabrielino and Bear Canyon trails to lower Switzer Falls, then upstream to Upper Switzer Falls
California Through My Lens gives 4 miles round trip to the lower falls and about 5 including the upper falls. The last quarter to half mile is off trail.
Downhill first and uphill on the return. Exposed and hot on the middle section. The climb past the lower falls crosses slippery cut steps in granite; the visitor advises against it when wet. Above the lower falls there is not much of a trail; watch for poison oak.
Where to start
Switzer Picnic Area lot; if full, more parking at the top of the access road. Display a National Forest Adventure Pass.
Timing & water
Best flow after rain. Weekends are crowded. The exposed section is very hot in summer.
Before you go
National Forest Adventure Pass required to park, according to Hikespeak. No hiking permit needed.
Visitor informationMore waterfalls nearby
Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.
- Lower Switzer FallsNational forest trail; Adventure Pass parking33 ft (10 m) · Los Angeles County, CA0.2 miSE
- Royal FallsLos Angeles County, CA0.8 miSW
- Brown Mountain Dam WaterfallPublished hiking route and parking documented; stream crossingsLos Angeles County, CA2.1 miSW
Millard FallsCamp closure posted; road and falls access unverifiedLos Angeles County, CA2.8 miS- Leontine Falls131 ft (40 m) · Los Angeles County, CA4.1 miSE
- Thalehaha Falls79 ft (24 m) · Los Angeles County, CA4.1 miSE
- Roaring Rift Falls20 ft (6 m) · Los Angeles County, CA4.1 miSE
- Suspended Boulder Falls23 ft (7 m) · Los Angeles County, CA4.1 miSE
- Grand Chasm Falls59 ft (18 m) · Los Angeles County, CA4.1 miSE