Updated July 2026
Switzer Falls
Switzer Falls is a roughly 50-foot waterfall on the Arroyo Seco in the San Gabriel Mountains of Angeles National Forest. The Gabrielino Trail follows a shaded canyon past historic camp ruins, with the main hike running about 3.5 to 4 miles round trip.
Before you go
Waterfalls are hazardous by nature — wet rock, cold water, and unstable edges — and flow varies enormously with season and recent rain. Trail figures here describe the route as documented, not conditions today. Check Angeles National Forest (USFS) for closures and current conditions, and confirm land status before setting out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Switzer Falls drops about 50 feet. That makes it the 423rd-tallest documented waterfall in this inventory, taller than roughly 42% of the falls listed here. Height comes from published land-manager and survey records, not from our own measurement.
The Gabrielino Trail (Switzer Picnic Area) reaches it about 3.5 miles (out-and-back) with roughly 685 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate. The nearest town is La Canada Flintridge. That describes the route as documented, not conditions on the day — check with Angeles National Forest (USFS) for closures and current conditions.
Winter to spring (after rain). Waterfall flow swings enormously with snowmelt and recent rain, so a fall that roars in spring can be a trickle by late summer.
More California waterfalls
- Alamere Falls · 40 ft
- Bassi Falls · 109 ft
- Berry Creek Falls · 70 ft
- Big Falls · 500 ft
- Bridalveil Fall · 617 ft
- Burney Falls · 129 ft
- Carlon Falls · 35 ft
- Cascade Falls · 200 ft
Sources
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