Sunday was our first hike in about a month since my husband and I were busy moving most of November. Late Sunday morning we headed up Angeles Crest Highway with a bunch of maps, but no real commitment to any particular trail. As we passed by the entrance to Switzer Camp the overflow parking along the highway didn’t look too busy. We turned in and headed down to see how it was looking. Surprisingly, it wasn’t too packed for a weekend. Some of the oaks were still holding onto their color, so it was a nice treat since we didn’t get to experience much of the fall weather this year. The stroll along the Arroyo Seco was very pleasant, and we crossed the stream a number of times. I think the last time we hiked this all the way to Bear Canyon Trail Camp last March, I counted a total of 50-something crossings round trip. It was a beautiful day. Perfect hiking weather; a little chilly to start, but we warmed up as we kept going. On the cliffs we passed by the ruins of the old Switzer-land chapel and then descended down towards Switzer Falls. We decided to forgo the falls this time and continue on to the Bear Canyon Trail knowing there’d be lots of pretty cascades along the way and a lot less traffic. We hiked in as far as the junction where the two streams intersect, and then continued on a bit farther to where the going becomes less maintained. We stopped about a mile short of the campground this time. It was getting later in the day and we wanted to make sure we got back before the sun started to set. It was a nice way to ease back into the hiking routine again, and we could not have asked for a more perfect day.
Crossing the bridge at the start of the trail.
Following along the Arroyo Seco.
Some colors in the canyon.
Climbing up out of the canyon we start to get some views.
Ruins of the old chapel that was once part of Switzer-land.
We decided to forgo Switzer Falls where most people were heading and take the Bear Canyon Trail.
Lots of little waterfalls along the way.
After this section of trail where the streams intersect, the trail begins to get a little less maintained.
We decided to turn around about a mile short of Bear Canyon Trail Camp to make sure we were back before the sun started to set.
Beautiful combinations of light in the canyon.
It was a lovely day for hiking.
