Switzer Falls and Bear Canyon
Details
Saturday, January 17 -Switzer Falls and Bear Canyon
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Description: This is a relatively easy hike into one of the most lovely sections of the San Gabriel Mountains. The hike meanders back and across the stream running down the spectacular Arroyo Seco Canyon. The stream is lined with oaks and alder, with the water cascading over granite into mirror-like pools. The hike travels high above the 50 foot high Switzer falls, then drops back to the stream, where hikers can double back to stand at the base of the falls. We will continue down Bear canyon a ways until we get bored with beauty/ trail overgrowth and then turn back. The hike is 4.5 - 6 miles total and is an in and out, with 600ft elevation gain (most of that is in one short section).
History: The original "Switzer Camp" was started in 1884 by Perry Switzer, a carpenter and resident of Pasadena. He apparently made a decent business out of it, taking care of guests until a forest fire came through in 1896. The camp was rebuilt in 1905 and was named Camp Losa-Dena, a mashup of Los Angeles and Altadena. In 1911, it was sold to Lloyd Austin, who renamed it Switzer-Land, and built the chapel above the falls, with rock from the surrounding canyon, and 5 cent donations from visitors.
The chapel held 200 people, had a piano and a bell in the belltower, and from the photos is appears there were beautiful stained glass windows.
Guests could hike from Pasadena, but many came by car up the Arroyo Seco to Oakwilde, and took horses or mules up the trail from there. Here are some old photos:History: THistory: T
http://s484.photobucket.com/album...al%20Switzer/?albumview=slideshow (http://s484.photobucket.com/albums/rr207/cougarmagic/Historical%20Switzer/?albumview=slideshow)
BRING: Hiking poles, if you have them, extra layers in case it gets hot/cold, lunch/snack, water (2 - 3L), a camera, hat and sunscreen. Wear long pants for this one.
Adventure Pass: Yes 1/ car for those who drive! These can be obtained at Sports Chalet in Stevenson Ranch or any BIG 5 Sporting Goods store; $5 for a day pass, $30 for a year pass.
Dogs: OK, on leash and if well behaved around people / other dogs. If you bring a dog, you will need to drive yourself.
Meet your Leader: At 7:15AM outside Towsley Canyon in Parking lot for a 7:30AM SHARP Carpool departure. Alternatively, meet at the Trail Head for a 8:30AM departure down the trail.
Please be respectful of your driver's support by contributing something at the end of your carpool to help defray the cost of gas - THX.
Directions to Towsley carpool meeting spot: From Valencia, take the I-5 South to the Calgrove exit. Exit, turn right. Go through the signal and immediately turn right into the driveway for Towsley Canyon. Park OUTSIDE the gate. Look for the hiking club members and leader there.
See map from Towsley to Trailhead below but refer to directions also, to be sure:
Directions from Towsley to Switzer Trail head: Take 5 to 210 East. From I-210 in La Canada, take Highway 2 north. Drive 10 miles to the Switzer Picnic area. After the intersection with Angeles Forest Highway coming in on your left, less than 1/2 mile after the intersection, you will see the road to the parking lot on the right side. Watch that curb! Descend to the parking area outside the campground. You will see a foot bridge over the stream, leading to the trail head. Meet at bridge (see photo below) (Lat:34.2663 Lon:118.1336)
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Directions from Palmdale to Switzer Trailhead: Take the Angeles Forest Hwy to the intersection with the Angeles Crest Hwy (2), turn left and you will see the road to the parking lot on the right side less than 1/2 mile after the intersection.
Rated: Moderate
Leader: Steve
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