Escondido Falls | Malibu

hiking california los angeles hikespeak national park

Escondido Falls
in the Santa Monica Mountains

Los Angeles | Trails Add Comments | Trail Rating: Forgetable

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Escondido Falls Malibu

When Escondido Falls is flowing strong, it is flat out one of the finest waterfalls around Los Angeles.

This four-mile round-trip hike begins with one mile uphill over pavement along a residential street named Winding Way. Do not let this blacktop deter you as the waterfall is well worth the unconventional start. After passing several extravagant homes, you will arrive at a park that is there for everyone to enjoy.

Take the dirt path to the left, which descends through a field of fennel toward a thicket where a small creek flows. Continue on the path as it turns uphill to the left. The trail widens and remains fairly level as it passes through forest and fields. In the spring, an abundance of wildflowers bloom along the trail. There are a few creek crossings along the way. When the water is high, they require a bit of fun rock hopping, but otherwise, they are quite easy.

Lower Escondido Falls

After nearly a mile, the trail arrives at Lower Escondido Falls. This fifty-foot cascade will transport you instantly to the tropics. A sulfuric smell is the only detractor from this serene setting. For many hikers, this is a fitting destination that can be reached with ease.

For those yearning for more and willing to work for it, Upper Escondido Falls is three times as tall and beautiful. A route to the right of the lower falls provides a way up the steep limestone wall. The path can be tricky, and coming down is a slippery endeavor. Wear proper footwear and dig in for the great adventure that the upper falls delivers.

Upper Escondido Falls

Use the roots for support and make your way to the top of the slope. From there, the pat turns to the left and crosses over the creek. Stay on the trail as it passes over roots and boulders until it leads inevitably to the impressive upper falls.

Upper Escondido is a true treasure. The water pours over a wall of lust green moss and falls some 150 feet before landing in a calm pool. If there is a good flow over the falls, this is no doubt one of the best waterfalls around.

You might see a few hikers climbing up to a small landing behind the falls. If you are prepared to get wet, this somewhat precarious venture adds even more fun to the hike. The view from behind the falls is a treat and so is the fresh mint that grows there.

Before returning back down the trail, relax beneath the falls and you are sure to feel worlds away from city life. If you live in LA and enjoy waterfalls, you owe it to yourself to visit this two-tier 200 footer. The early part of the year is the best time to visit, when the falls are at their fullest. No fee or permit is required, so get out and enjoy!

To get to the trailhead: Take the PCH to Malibu. Winding Way is a minor street between Kanan Dune Road and Malibu Canyon Road (by Pepperdine University). The parking lot for the trailhead is at the bottom of Winding Way at its intersection with the PCH.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

View Los Angeles Hikes in a larger map

	Solstice Canyon This two-mile out and back is easy and level, and visits the ruins of a burned down ranch and a small waterfall.
	Corral Canyon This 2.5-mile loop offers ocean and canyon views from a unspoiled section of the Santa Monica Mountains in Malibu.
	Malibu Creek Traverse This adventure hike explores the C-shaped gorge between Rock Pool and Century Lake in Malibu Creek State Park.
	Zuma Canyon Trail This 2.8-mile hike leaves a coastal Malibu neighborhood to explore rustic Zuma Canyon.
	More trails in the Santa Monica Mountains Explore other destinations in the range.

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