Hikes to Los Angeles Waterfalls
There are quite a few waterfalls to hike to around Los Angeles. Most LA waterfalls are at their best in the early spring when rainstorms and runoff from snow provide the fullest flows. Some waterfalls dry out completely in the fall, so timing is important.
Highlights of Los Angeles Waterfalls
Hikes to Los Angeles Waterfalls
This list ranks LA’s waterfalls based on the beauty of the falls and the quality of the trail to the tumbling waters. Escondido Falls comes in as the #1 waterfall hike around Los Angeles, but each trail is worth visiting. Check them out for yourself and pick your own favorite. The list also features the average trail rating of each waterfall as decided by the visitors of hikespeak.com. After you’ve completed one of these waterfall hikes, come back and give it a star rating. Enjoy!
 | Escondido Falls     Loading ... 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 Loading ... This 3.25-mile hike visits a 60-foot waterfall and a lush cottage-lined canyon. |
 | Fish Canyon Falls Loading ... This 4-mile hike starts at a rock quarry with restricted access and ends up at a multi-tiered 80-foot waterfall. |
 | Millard Falls Loading ... Closed. This one-mile hike visits a 50-foot waterfall up one of the most scenic canyons in the range. |
 | Monrovia Falls Loading ... This 1.6-mile to 3-mile hike in Monrovia Canyon Park follows an enchanting canyon up to the base of the 30-foot waterfall. |
 | Trail Canyon Falls Loading ... Damaged. This 4-mile hike visits a 40-foot beauty on the east side of the San Gabriel Mountains. |
 | Hermit Falls Loading ... 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 Loading ... 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 Loading ... This 3-mile hike leaves from Buckhorn Campground and visits a short waterfall in an enchanting glen of tall pines. |
 | Eaton Canyon Falls Loading ... This 3-mile hike crosses a level park into a canyon containing a lovely 40 footer. |
 | Santa Ynez Falls Loading ... This 2.5-mile follows a shaded creek to a gorge containing a short often small seasonal waterfall. |
 | Paradise Falls Loading ... This 40-foot waterfall is located within Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks and is reachable via several trails. |
 | La Jolla Canyon Falls Loading ... 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 Loading ... This 1.3-mile round trip hike ventures into a rustic canyon to a double waterfall. |
 | San Antonio Falls Loading ... This 1.4-mile hike visits a multi-tier waterfall along the trail to Mount Baldy. |
 | Solstice Canyon Loading ... This easy and level 2.6-mile out and back hike visits the ruins of a burned down ranch and a small waterfall. |
 | Los Pinetos Waterfall Loading ... This 5.33-mile round trip hike in Placerita Canyon Natural Area follows Canyon Trail to the ruins of Walker Ranch and Waterfall Trail to an elusive falls in a sylvan canyon. |
 | Temescal Canyon Loop Loading ... This 2.6-mile loop passes a short season cascade that park maps describe as a waterfall. |
hikespeak
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.
What is the name of the waterfall located in downtown Los Angeles that has been closed for decades? The structure is located past Broadway Street. It has a stamp on it that says “Port Morse.”
Can you tell me if lower Millard Canyons hike is open? And what are the hours?
Unfortunately, last time I checked with a ranger (which was recently) I was told that Millard Canyon is still closed and recovering from the Station Fire.