Sunday Hike To "Switzer Falls"

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/8/f/a/event_254838682.jpeghttp://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/0/5/c/event_254840572.jpeg*We will meet at 9:00 am in the lower parking lot and leave shortly thereafter. If you want to carpool from the club, let me know a.s.a.p. as space is limited (*no later then the night before). We will leave the club just after 8:00 am (*be here by 8:00 am).

The Hike:

The trail to Switzer Falls begins at Switzer Picnic Area. Cross the bridge and walk down the canyon on a road that was paved 80 years ago (and is losing its battle with nature and time). This first stretch of the hike is in the shade, with a few crossing of the Arroyo Seco and the opportunity to visit resort era ruins. After a mile (and a few dozen wild blackberries if you are hiking in the summer) the trail leaves the creek and climbs up the canyon wall. You will be exposed to plenty of views and sun as the trail runs along the steep wall of the canyon. From here you will gain a view of the top of Switzer Falls. The trail continues along the canyon and heads back down to the creek. Follow the trail as it turns upstream toward Switzer Falls. Here you will find fellow hikers enjoying the small pools and cascades beneath the falls.

To get to the trailhead: From the 210 freeway in Altadena take the Angeles Crest Highway exit (CA 2) northwest. From there you will drive 10 miles to the Switzer Picnic area on the right side of the highway. Then drive down the paved road to the lower parking lots. Park anywhere. *If the lot at the picnic area is full, there is additional parking at the top of the road. *When you get here, Look for the Big Green SUV with "Herbalife" on the window, or call me @ 626-417-6225 if there's cell service.

Trailhead address: Switzer Truck Trail, Angeles National Forest, Tujunga, CA 91042

Total miles - 4.5 miles

Total Time - 2-3 hr?

Total elevation gain - approx. 650 feetDifficulty - Beginner level

Parking: *An Adventure Pass is required to park.

What to bring: 1-1/2 to 2 liters of water, snacks (optional), hiking boots or trail shoes, trekking poles (optional), bug spray, sun block and a hat, camera.

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DISCLAIMER/WAIVER OF LIABILITY:
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING BEFORE SIGNING UP FOR THIS HIKE. THESE ORGANIZERS/ASSISTANT ORGANIZERS ARE NOT PROFESSIONAL HIKERS AND MAY NOT BE TRAINED TO HANDLE MEDICAL EMERGENCIES. BY SIGNING UP FOR THIS HIKE YOU AND YOUR GUESTS AGREE TO NOT HOLD THE ORGANIZERS OF THE HIKE, JUST NUTRITION OR MEETUP LIABLE FOR ANY INJURIES THAT MAY OCCUR TO YOUR PERSON OR PROPERTY. HIKING IS AN INHERENTLY DANGEROUS ACTIVITY THAT CARRIES WITH IT THE RISK OF INJURIES INCLUDING SLIP/TRIP AND FALLS, FRACTURES, BLEEDING, HEAD INJURIES, HEAT STROKE/EXHAUSTION, SNAKEBITES, AND ALLERGIC REACTIONS FROM POISON OAK AND IVY. YOU AND YOU ALONE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOURSELF ON THE TRAIL. ALWAYS REMEMBER TO KNOW YOUR OWN LIMITS, STAY ON THE TRAIL, NEVER HIKE ALONE, TELL THE HIKE ORGANIZER IF YOU ARE LEAVING THE GROUP, AND USE YOUR OWN COMMON SENSE.