Trail

Bear Canyon Trail is a single track path that connects the Gabrielino National Recreation Trail near Switzer Falls to the Mt. Lowe Fire Road near Mt. Lowe. Most people access the trail from Switzer Picnic Area which is 10 miles from La Canada on Angeles Crest Highway. From the picnic area, hike down the canyon passing the waterfall. At 1.4 miles there is a signed junction. The left fork is the start of the Bear Canyon Trail.

The most popular portion of the trail is the half mile down to the bottom of the Arroyo Seco. Many hikers take this route down to the canyon bottom then follow up stream to reach the base of the falls. The trail goes downstream following the Arroyo Seco passing several deep pools (now silted in due to the Station Fire) then turns east and enters Bear Canyon proper.

The trail stays in the bottom of Bear Canyon for 2 miles reaching the trail camp mid way. There are 3 stoves and 3 tables available on a first come, first serve basis. It is a popular spot for scouts and small groups. Above the camp the trail becomes rougher and may be difficult to find in places. It then climbs a mile out of the canyon to Tom Sloan Saddle and the junction with the Tom Sloan Trail which drops down into Millard Canyon and Dawn Mine.

The last mile continues up the ridge from the saddle climbing steeply to the heliport and the Mt. Lowe Fire Road. From there it is about 1.5 miles up the dirt road to Eaton Saddle and the parking area along the Mt. Wilson Road.

CAUTION: Poison oak is commonly found along the entire trail except the section from the Gabrielino Trail to the Arroyo Seco.

Current condition (as of 1/7/18):

• Gabrielino Trail to trail camp is in good shape with a few rough spots.
• Trail in canyon bottom above camp is in fair to poor condition with many trees and narrow tread.
• Trail from canyon bottom to Tom Sloan Trail is much better and only a few brushy areas to clear.
• Tom Sloan Saddle to Mt. Lowe Fire Road is good but needs brushing and tread work.