Hiking Trail Guide: Upper Arroyo Seco

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Upper Arroyo Seco

Distance
10 miles

Elevation
1400 feet gain

Difficulty
6/10

City
Altadena ,CA (91001) 16 miles from you Weather Map

Trailhead
From Interstate 210 in La Canada, take Highway 2 north and drive 10 miles to Switzer picnic area on the right. Descend to the parking area outside the campground. You will see a footbridge over the stream leading to the trail head.

Description

This hike take you into one of the loveliest sections of the San Gabriel mountains. The hike meanders back and forth 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, where the trail bears right to head towards Oakwilde Camp.

The trail traverses the hillside high above the Arroyo Seco, then drops down into the densely wooded Long Canyon. At the junction of Long Canyon and the Arroyo Seco, a lovely two tier 50 foot waterfall drops down into a gleaming pool. The section of this trail between Long Canyon and the Oakwilde camp is considered to be the most gorgeous of the entire Arroyo Seco, with its souring walls, cascades, and dense woodland.

Map / Directions: