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A 10.2-mile round-trip run to Oakwilde Campground.


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Map Key

10.2

Miles

16.5

KM

87%

Runnable

3,279' 1,000 m

High

1,815' 553 m

Low

1,778' 542 m

Up

1,778' 542 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

38%

Max Grade (21°)

Dogs Unknown

Features River/Creek · Waterfall

Check with the USFS regarding closure updates before running or camping in this area!

Currently closed! Gabrielino Trail (NRT) between Bear Canyon Trail and Ken Burton Trail is currently closed as are all intermediate picnic areas and campgrounds.
The Angeles National Forest currently has Oakwilde Campground status listed as CLOSED.

Overview

A 10.2-mile round-trip run from Switzer Picnic Area to Oakwilde Trail Camp. Oakwilde Campground is also a horse camp.

Need to Know

The Switzer Picnic Area can be quite busy on weekends and you may not be able to park at the trailhead.
Vehicles need an Adventure or Interagency Pass to park at the main trailhead.

Description

There are several parking areas for this run. If you park at the upper lot by the highway, you'll need to head down the paved road to the picnic area and the start of the trail.

From Switzer Picnic Area, head west on Gabrielino Trail (NRT) which takes you down into the gorge following Arroyo Seco and is shaded by oak, spruce, and alder trees. At about one mile, you'll reach the former Switzer Trail Camp which sits just above the falls. A nice trail below the camp ends at the top of the falls. Continue following Gabrielino Trail (NRT) on the west slope of the gorge and you'll get a nice view of Switzer Falls.

On a small rise is the junction with Bear Canyon Trail 1.4 miles in, turn right to stay on Gabrielino Trail (NRT). The trail leaves the main canyon of Arroyo Seco and drops into Long Canyon. It then drops down to the Arroyo Seco creek floor, following it all the way to Oakwilde Campground. There are five run-in campsites (non-reservable) at Oakwilde Campground.

After camping out, run back the way you came.

Thanks to John McKinney, The Trailmaster, for sharing this trail description. To learn more about trails in California, check out his guides at The Trailmaster Store.

Flora & Fauna

Oak, spruce, lilac, and alder line the trail.

History & Background

The trail along Arroyo Seco (as well as a popular trail resort) was originally built by Perry Switzer. This resort was later owned by Lloyd Austin who added a tennis court, chapel, and dance floor. The areas was extremely popular during the "Great Hiking Era" well into the 1930s.

Contacts

Shared By:

John McKinney

Trail Ratings

  3.5 from 2 votes

#3

in Arroyo Seco

#4805

Overall
  3.5 from 2 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#3

in Arroyo Seco

#669

in California

#4,805

Overall
21 Views Last Month
2,777 Since Aug 9, 2017
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Photos

Maple in fall along Gabrielino Trail above Switzer Falls
Mar 26, 2018 near Altadena, CA
Nice views
Dec 6, 2017 near La Caña…, CA
Switzer Falls in the summer
Jul 21, 2018 near La Caña…, CA

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