May 17, 2017 — A couple years ago, I hiked to Bear Canyon Campground with Switzer Falls along the way, and I remembered the canyon being gorgeous, so I was hoping to plan a big loop through this section of the San Gabriel Mountains.
Starting from the Switzer Picnic Area, follow the Gabrielino Trail down a paved or well-traveled route to some great views of the southern mountains of the San Gabriels. After passing Switzer Camp, you get to a junction with the Bear Canyon Trail (left) and the Gabrielino Trail (right). At the time of doing this hike, the Gabrielino Trail past this point was closed and I didn't see the sign since I did Bear Canyon first. Hopefully it reopens because it's a gorgeous trail. Anyway, follow the Bear Canyon Trail, stopping for a quick detour to Switzer Falls, before continuing to Bear Canyon Campground and then onward as the trail begins to deteriorate, but is still fairly easy to follow. I saw a bear in Bear Canyon, so that felt appropriate.
Eventually, you'll ascend to a junction with some other trails at the Mt. Lowe and Brown Mountain saddle. Head west along the ridge on a social trail to the Brown Mountain summit. I had some fog with occasional openings to see the views and it was stunning, even with the fog. From the summit, head down a social trail that turns into a wide and obvious trail that switchbacks to the Gabrielino Trail. It was at this point I learned the Gabrielino Trail was closed, but I didn't really have any other option than to follow it east up the Arroyo Seco. There were definitely some rough patches of overgrowth and fallen trees, but overall it was a great trail and led me back to complete the loop. A skunk was also following the trail and wouldn't leave it, and every time I got close, it would raise its tail and continue along its merry way on the same trail as me.
Please consider helping me out if you find my site useful. I'm not sponsored, so all site fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing these trip reports is unpaid. You can also hire me as a web developer. I really appreciate it!
If you find my site helpful, please help me replace my many broken cameras, fund my website fees (hosting, APIs, security), or just support my countless hours of work. I pay for all expenses myself, and all trip reports I post are unpaid and unsponsored, so any support is really appreciated!
If using PayPal, please select their option for "Sending to a friend" so they don't take out fees, thank you.
My site is free to use, but consider sending me a few bucks to help keep it running. Thanks in advance!