Los Angeles Waterfalls
There are quite a few waterfalls to hike to around Los Angeles. Most are best in early spring when rainstorms and runoff from snow provide the fullest flows. Some waterfalls dry out completely in the fall, so timing is important. Below is a subjective list of LA’s waterfalls ranked by the beauty of the falls and the trails to their waters. Check them out for yourself and pick your own favorite.
Highlights of Los Angeles Waterfalls
Los Angeles Waterfalls Hikes
Escondido Falls comes in as LA’s #1 waterfall hike, but each trail is worth visiting. Enjoy!
 | Escondido Falls This 3.8-mile out and back visits a 200 foot waterfall that is split into two tiers. The upper tier is 150 feet tall and stunning after a rainstorm. |
 | Sturtevant Falls This 3.25-mile hike visits a 60-foot waterfall and a lush cottage-lined canyon. |
 | Millard Falls This one mile hike visits a 50-foot waterfall up one of the most scenic canyons in the range. |
 | Fish Canyon Falls This 4-mile hike starts at a rock quarry with restricted access and ends up at a multi-tiered 80-foot waterfall. |
 | Trail Canyon Falls This 4-mile hike visits a 40-foot beauty on the east side of the San Gabriel Mountains. |
 | Hermit Falls This 2.5-mile heads down canyon away from Sturtevant Falls toward a 30-foot waterfall. The lush canyon and the babbling creek are quite calming. |
 | Switzer Falls This 4.5-mile hike starts from the Switzer Picnic Area and descends Bear Vally to a spot below the 50-foot waterfall. |
 | Cooper Canyon Falls This 3-mile hike leaves from Buckhorn Campground and visits a short waterfall in an enchanting glen of tall pines. |
 | Santa Ynez Falls This 2.5-mile follows a shaded creek to a gorge containing a short waterfall. |
 | Eaton Falls This 3-mile hike visits a 40-footer at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. |
 | Paradise Falls This 40-foot waterfall is located within Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks and is reachable via several trails. |
 | La Jolla Canyon Falls This 1.5-mile hike visits a short seasonal waterfall in Point Mugu State Park on the west end of the Santa Monica Mountains. |
 | Rubio Canyon Trail This 1.3-mile round trip hike ventures into a rustic canyon to a double waterfall. |
 | San Antonio Falls This 1.4-mile hike visits a multi-tier waterfall along the trail to Mount Baldy. |
 | Solstice Canyon This easy and level 2.6-mile out and back hike visits the ruins of a burned down ranch and a small waterfall. |
View Los Angeles Hikes in a larger map
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Awesome site, Seth! I’m heading out to Malibu next week for some hiking/camping with a friend from out of town, and your site is the best resource for great hikes.
I live out in Yucaipa – was wondering if you planned a section on the San Bernardino NF and Mt San Jacinto areas. I just moved out to CA, and I’ve found some great hiking & gorgeous views out this way – e.g., Forest Falls [off 38], Humber Park [Idyllwild] – but I’m always looking for more places to explore.
Again, thanks for the great site,
Charlie
Thanks Charlie! Have a great time in Malibu. Hikespeak will indeed be expanding in to the San Bernardino Mtns and other areas of SoCal soon. Glad you enjoy the site.
hello, how can i get to the waterfalls?
By hiking! Click on the waterfall that interests you. Each trail report comes with its own directions to each waterfall. Have a great time.