Switzer Falls is a horsetail waterfall on Arroyo Seco in Angeles National Forest, Los Angeles County, California, with a lidar-based height of about 55 feet.
The falls
Arroyo Seco drops over bedrock in a single horsetail. The drop measures about 55 feet by lidar, a figure that is unconfirmed and may describe Upper Switzer Falls, a taller drop above the main falls, rather than the lower falls most hikers reach.
Getting there
Parking is in Angeles National Forest, 9.5 miles north of Interstate 210 on Angeles Crest Highway, and requires a National Forest Adventure Pass, priced at $5 for a day or $30 for the year. From there the hike to the lower falls follows the Gabrielino Trail, a moderate 4-mile round trip with about 690 feet of climbing; reaching the taller upper falls means additional rough travel beyond that point. A visitor report from August 2026 found the lower parking lots closed for bear activity, with walking access still open from the upper lot.
When to go
Winter and spring are the recommended season, and hot summer days are best avoided. Stream crossings on the trail become hazardous after heavy rain.
On site
A hiker survived a 90-foot fall while climbing above Switzer Falls in March 1991. Swimming permission, dog rules and a safe route to the top are not documented.
History and name
The original trail camp here dates to 1884 and is attributed to Pasadena carpenter Commodore Perry Switzer.
Nearby
Upper Big Tujunga Falls is about 1.4 miles away, Saucer Branch Falls about 2.7 miles, and Millard Falls about 2.8 miles.
Distances are straight-line.