Hiking the Switzer Falls & Ken Burton Loop

Tucked deep within the rugged beauty of the Angeles National Forest, the Switzer Falls & Ken Burton Loop is not your average waterfall hike—it’s a demanding, sometimes unforgiving backcountry adventure that rewards persistence with sweeping ridgelines, hidden creeks, and a sense of true wilderness just outside Los Angeles.

If you’re expecting a casual stroll to a waterfall, this trail will humble you. If you’re ready for a full-day (or overnight) backcountry challenge, it might just become one of your most memorable hikes.

Trail Overview: What You’re Getting Into

The full loop clocks in at roughly 15–20 miles with over 4,000 feet of elevation gain, typically taking 9–10 hours to complete.

• Difficulty: Hard
• Terrain: Mixed (forest, ridgelines, creek beds, overgrown sections)
• Features: Waterfalls, river crossings, mountain views, wildflowers, wildlife
• Trail Type: Loop

This route combines portions of the Gabrielino Trail, Bear Canyon Trail, and the Ken Burton Trail, forming a diverse but often poorly maintained backcountry loop.

⚠️ Important: As of recent reports, portions of the trail have experienced closures and fire damage, so always check current conditions before heading out.

The Experience: What Hikers Actually Say

This is where the trail gets real. Based on AllTrails reviews and hiker reports, the Switzer–Ken Burton loop is less about distance and more about navigation, endurance, and adaptability.

Expect the Unexpected

• “Trail disappears” is a recurring theme
• Overgrown sections can scratch, sting, and obscure the path
• Some hikers report 20+ miles total due to getting off-route

One hiker described it as:

“Super easy to lose your way… legitimately dangerous terrain”

Terrain Reality Check

• Narrow cliffside sections with steep drop-offs
• Scrambling and bushwhacking in places
• Multiple creek crossings (wet feet likely)
• Long exposed stretches with little shade

Time & Energy

Many hikers underestimate this loop:

• Starting at 9am and finishing in darkness is common
• Headlamps are not optional—they’re essential
• Mileage markers can feel inaccurate in practice

How to Prepare (Seriously)

This hike punishes poor planning. Here’s how to do it right.

Physical Preparation

• Be comfortable with 15+ mile hikes and 4,000 ft elevation gain
• Experience with route-finding and off-trail navigation helps

Gear Essentials

Bring more than you think you need:

Navigation

• Offline maps (AllTrails, Gaia GPS)
• Backup battery pack
• Optional but wise: GPS beacon (many hikers recommend it)

Water & Food

• At least 3–4 liters of water
• Or a water filter for creek refills (lighter and smarter)
• High-calorie snacks + emergency food

Clothing

• Long pants & sleeves (thorny overgrowth)
• Waterproof shoes (for creek crossings)
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)

Safety

• Headlamp (non-negotiable)
• First aid kit
• Trekking poles (for steep descents)

Wildlife & Natural Environment

This trail cuts through classic San Gabriel Mountain ecosystems, offering a mix of riparian and chaparral environments.

Wildlife You Might Encounter

• Mule deer
• Coyotes
• Rattlesnakes (especially in warmer months)
• Birds of prey overhead

Hikers consistently report active wildlife zones, especially near water sources.

👉 Tip: Make noise in brushy areas and watch where you step.

Water, Shade & Seasonal Conditions

Water Availability

• Creek access exists—but not always conveniently
• Some stretches have no water for 8+ miles

Shade vs Exposure

• Early sections: shaded and pleasant
• Ridge sections: exposed, hot, and relentless

Best Time to Go

• Spring: wildflowers + flowing waterfalls
• Fall/Winter: cooler temps, safer conditions
• Summer: not recommended unless highly experienced

History & Origins

Switzer Falls

The falls are named after Switzer’s Camp, a historic early-1900s mountain resort that once hosted visitors escaping the Los Angeles heat. The area was part of a network of rustic alpine retreats before modern roads made the mountains more accessible.

Ken Burton Trail

The Ken Burton Trail is named after a U.S. Forest Service figure associated with trail development in the San Gabriel Mountains. Like many trails in the region, it reflects early conservation and recreation efforts in Southern California’s expanding wilderness system.

Indigenous Roots

The broader trail network follows routes historically used by the Gabrielino (Tongva) people, who lived throughout the Los Angeles Basin and San Gabriel Mountains—particularly along water sources like Arroyo Seco.

Local Lore

While not heavily steeped in formal legend, this area has its share of hiker folklore:

• Stories of hikers getting disoriented in overgrown sections
• Frequent search-and-rescue activity due to underestimation of the terrain (mentioned in community discussions)
• A general reputation as a “deceptively dangerous” trail

There’s a quiet respect among locals: this is a place that demands humility.

 

The Highlights

Despite its challenges, this loop delivers:

• Switzer Falls – a refreshing waterfall oasis
• Tom Sloan Saddle – a popular backcountry camping spot
• Ridgeline views – sweeping vistas of the San Gabriels
• Solitude – far fewer crowds than the shorter waterfall hike

Final Thoughts: Should You Do It?

This hike isn’t for everyone.

You should go if:

• You want a serious backcountry challenge
• You’re comfortable navigating imperfect trails
• You enjoy solitude and rugged terrain

You should skip it if:

• You’re expecting a clearly marked trail
• You’re new to long-distance hiking
• You’re not prepared for route-finding or potential hazards

Bottom Line

The Switzer Falls & Ken Burton Loop is a rare kind of hike—one that blends beauty with unpredictability. It’s not polished. It’s not easy. But for those who come prepared, it offers something increasingly hard to find near a major city: real wilderness.