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Switzer Falls Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 958 Google reviews · Running trail in Tujunga, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Switzer Falls Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Popular path through a national forest & ruined wilderness resort to a waterfall at a a deep gorge.
What runners say about Switzer Falls Trail
“A beautiful hike that has an easy trail with a moderate uphill climb and occasional narrow sections where reasonable caution will keep you safe.”
“The reward beyond this are the heavy forested (some shade) at the trail below the falls and a number of deep pools and pleasant mist to cool off from the waterfall.”
“The trail is not clearly marked, but the path is well-walked and decently visible.”
“A beautiful hike that has an easy trail with a moderate uphill climb and occasional narrow sections where reasonable caution will keep you safe.”
This place is one of my favorite hikes cause the waterfall at the end is well worth it and its a great place to take some gr8 pictures. The trail it self is challenging which i like it has alot of incline on the way there and back and when you get to the waterfall there is a way for you to get on top of the waterfall…
Midway to the top of Angeles Crest highway. In this wooded canyon you can choose trails up or down the stream that cut through the mountains. ⛰️ Air is usually clean and visibility is far and wide. If you go (as most do) downstream to the falls, you’ll find this leg is an easy wide trail with a low grade.
Very pretty hike that is chill and ends at a nice waterfall. The majority is shaded and flat, only the latter half there is more elevation gain. There are several river crossings but enough rocks to avoid getting wet. The waterfall is small but flowing nicely. Took around 2 hours round trip.
I hiked an out-and-back trail to both Switzer Falls and the Bear Canyon picnic area which was about 7.6 miles. If you do a hike just to Switzer Falls and back to the lot, it's less than 4 miles.
Trail conditions & character
“This trail after the storms has been transformed to an epic waterfall hike with Emerald green rock pools, fresh snow melt, and Mountain Views that take your breath away.”
“The trail itself is absolutely beautiful and it is mostly shaded, but there is a portion heading down to the falls that is not shaded.”
“There's a second lot at the trailhead with plenty more parking and a pit toilet, but I hope you love giant black windows 🕷️ Great trail.”
“This is my favourite dog hike: Lost of shade Plenty of water where they doggies can drink along the way.”
“A beautiful hike that has an easy trail with a moderate uphill climb and occasional narrow sections where reasonable caution will keep you safe.”
“Weekday parking is very accessible.”
“A number of creek crossings keep it exciting making you feel like you're on a true adventure with the treasure at the end being a gorgeous two level waterfall.”
Plan your run at Switzer Falls Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- Phone+1 818-899-1900
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Tujunga
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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