Escondido Falls
in the Santa Monica Mountains
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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 private homes, you will arrive at a wooded park that is there for everyone to enjoy, Escondido Canyon Park.
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 easy to cross.
Lower Escondido Falls
After nearly a mile on the trail, ascending 175 feet, you will arrive at Lower Escondido Falls. This fifty-foot cascade transport hikers instantly to the tropics. A sulfuric smell is the only detractor from this serene setting. For many hikers, this is a fitting destination, which 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 path turns to the left and crosses the creek above the lower falls. Stay on trail, passing over roots and boulders to reach 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, it is one of the best around.
You might see a few hikers climbing up to a small landing behind the falls. If you are prepared to get wet, this 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, which feels worlds away from the city life below. 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 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 PCH.
Use the map below to create your own directions:
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Nearby Trails
 | 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. |
Similar Trails
 | Fish Canyon Falls in the San Gabriel Mountains This 4-mile hike starts at a rock quarry with restricted access and ends up at a multi-tiered 80-foot waterfall. |
 | Santa Ynez Falls This 2.5-mile follows a shaded creek to a gorge containing a short waterfall. |
 | Eaton Falls in the San Gabriel Mountains This 3-mile hike visits a 40-footer. |
 | Rose Valley Falls in the Los Padres National Forest This 1-mile round trip trail leads to the lower tier of this two-tier 300 foot waterfall. From there one can scramble off trail to the much taller upper tier. |
 | Tangerine Falls in the Los Padres National Forest This 2.5-mile hike visits a beautiful waterfall on the edge of Santa Barbara. |
 | McWay Falls in Big Sur This 0.6-mile hike looks out on a stunning waterfall that pours 80 feet right on to the beach. |
 | More waterfalls around Los Angeles Explore other waterfalls in the Santa Monica and San Gabriel Mountains. |
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Nice pics – I’ll have to check out the upper tier up close sometime!
i loved it!
Highly overrated. Crowded, noisy, whimpy, no ocean views except from the pavement. So many more beautiful hikes in Malibu.
worth the trip, very nice hike. Unfortunately due to private ranches and private villas no parking is allowed nowhere all along the uphill road. BTW, the next waterfall, the path is steep missing space and slippery, they added a rope for support, but good hiking shoes are a must. If you like to experience nature a bit wilder, cross to the other side of the first falls and take the path on the right down the creek where it requires some hopping and jumping challenges.