Arroyo Seco to Switzer Picnic Area

Arroyo Seco to Switzer Picnic Area is a 20-mile out-and-back along the Gabrielino Trail located outside of Altadena, California. The well-maintained singletrack trail features rugged mountains, steep cliffs, and deep canyons. It passes several backcountry campgrounds and the sites of two historic mountain resorts, Oak Wilde and Switzer's Camp. The trail passes Switzer Falls, one of the most popular waterfalls in the Angeles National Forest, as well as Switzer Picnic Area, a beautiful shaded picnic area and excellent rest stop. The hike can be done in a day or as an overnight backpacking trip and is suitable for running, hiking, backpacking, and mountain biking.DIRECTIONSFrom Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2), park in the small paved parking area and walk along the road past the locked gate to the fire road. Follow the Gould Mesa Trail as it descends into the Arroyo Seco. Follow the Arroyo Seco using the Gabrielino Trail all the way to Switzer Falls and Switzer Picnic Area. Switzer Picnic Area is a beautiful shaded area with picnic tables and bathrooms. This is a wonderful rest stop before turning around and retracing your steps back to the start. ALTERNATE ROUTEIf you are looking for a way to shorten the distance, you can arrange a shuttle and have someone pick you up from the Switzer Picnic Area, or reverse the route and have the shuttle waiting for you at Gould Mesa. ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONAngeles National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/angeles. Backcountry Camping Information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/angeles/recreation/camping-cabins/?actid=29&recid=41672. Gould Mesa Campground: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/angeles/recarea/?recid=41708. Arroyo Seco: https://www.cityofpasadena.net/parks-and-rec/arroyo-seco/#the-environment. Switzer Picnic Site: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/angeles/recarea/?recid=41830. Gabrielino Trail: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/angeles/recarea/?recid=42008.