A dog-friendly hike to Switzer Falls requiring an Adventure Pass; gate hours vary seasonally (8am–6pm summer / 8am–4pm winter), and unleashed dogs face $150 fines.
Adventure Pass required ($5/day or $30/year)
Switzer Falls near La Cañada welcomes leashed dogs, making it a great option for hikers traveling with pets. An Adventure Pass ($5/day or $30/year) is required. Gate hours vary by season: 8am–6pm in summer and 8am–4pm in winter.
Keep your dog on a leash at all times. Unleashed dogs result in a $150 fine. Plan your visit around gate hours, especially in winter when the area closes earlier in the day.
Spring and fall offer the most pleasant hiking temperatures in this Angeles National Forest location.
Year-round, with spring and fall offering the most comfortable temperatures.
Adventure Pass required ($5/day or $30/year)
The managing agency's page (linked below) has the current trailhead and route details — round-trip distance wasn't published when we checked.
Yes, per the managing agency's own page — but check current leash rules before you go.
We track 5 waterfalls in Southern California Mountains.
There are 2 other waterfalls we track in Los Angeles County. All Southern California Mountains waterfalls →
fs.usda.gov
USFS Angeles National Forest 'Switzer Picnic Site' page, checked Aug 2026. Coordinates are for the picnic site/trailhead. Leashed dogs required ($150 fine for unleashed, per 36 CFR 261.8(d)). Gate hours 8am–6pm summer / 8am–4pm winter. USFS page did not give an official trail length or height for the falls, so left null.
Checked August 2026.