When Escondido Falls is flowing strong, it is flat out one of the finest waterfalls around Los Angeles. The waterfall has an easy-to-reach lower tier that is 50 feet tall and a hard-to-reach upper tier that’s 150 feet tall and stunning in optimum conditions.
The 3.5 mile round trip hike to Lower Escondido Falls begins just off Pacific Coast Highway and begins by traveling uphill for 0.75 miles along Winding Way, a paved road that passes extravagant Malibu residences. Do not let the blacktop deter you. The waterfall is well worth the hike’s unconventional start.
The basic hike directions for Escondido Falls are:
- Leave the parking area just off PCH and start walking up the trail along the left side of Winding Way (0 miles)
- Cross to the right side of Winding Way and stay to the right through 2 road intersections (0.2 miles)
- Say goodbye to the road and turn left onto Escondido Falls Trail, entering Escondido Canyon Park (0.75 miles)
- Border and crisscross Escondido Canyon Creek for one mile to arrive at Escondido Falls (1.75 miles)
You cannot park a vehicle inside Escondido Canyon Park (or ride a bus there). Instead, you must set out from a parking area 3/4 of a mile a way and walk up a roadside trail to reach the park. The parking area is located just off PCH at the bottom of Winding Way (address and directions below).
Begin the outing by walking up dirt trail along the left side of Winding Way. At 0.2 miles the trail, follow the “Please stay on trail” signs and switch to the right side of the road, where the dirt trail (road shoulder) continues. Stay on Winding Way as it passes through two intersections with West Winding Way and Porterdale Drive, both on the left.
After gaining almost 200 feet on the roadside part of the hike, Winding Way heads downhill and arrives at Escondido Canyon Park, a wooded park that is open for everyone to enjoy. Take the dirt trail to the left next to a sign that reads “Edward Albert Escondido Canyon Trail and Waterfall.” The trail descends through a field of fennel and mustard toward a thicket where a small creek flows. Cross Escondido Canyon Creek and make a left turn to head upstream into Escondido Canyon.
The trail widens and remains fairly level as it passes through forest and fields. In the spring, wildflowers bloom in abundance along the trail. A few creek crossings interrupt your progress. When the water is high, they require a bit of fun rock hopping, but otherwise, they are easy to cross.
Over the course of one mile, the trail gradually ascends over 150 feet (from a low point just off Winding Way) to arrive at Lower Escondido Falls. This fifty-foot cascade transports hikers instantly to the tropics. A mild sulfuric smell is the only detractor from this soothing setting. Have a seat next to the fern-lined falls.
Lower Escondido Falls is a fitting destination that most hikers can reach with ease. For those yearning for more and willing to work for it, Upper Escondido Falls is three times as tall and at least three as beautiful.
As of 2024, the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA), which operates Escondido Canon Park states that:
The upper falls are not open to the public. Hikers are asked not to climb to the upper falls to preserve the fragile habitat and to avoid the risk of serious fall injuries.
It would be wisest to turn around at the base of Escondido Falls for a 3.5-mile round trip hike with 210 feet of elevation change.
Path to Upper Escondido Falls (CLOSED)
A route to the right of the lower falls provided a way up the steep limestone wall to the taller upper falls. The path was tricky to get up and even trickier to get down (a slippery endeavor). Perhaps some day a trail can be established that is safe for hikers while preserving the canyon’s habitat.
Root climbing was required to make it up the slope. A stretch of rope might also be available to help with one portion of this steep route, which gains close to 200 feet of elevation over about 0.15 miles. After the climb, the path turns to the left and crosses the creek beneath a cascade above Lower Escondido Falls. Stay on the left bank of the creek from here, passing over roots and boulders to find the impressive upper falls.
Upper Escondido Falls is a true treasure. The water pours over a wall of lush green moss and falls some 150 feet before landing in a calm pool. If Escondido Falls has a good flow of water, it is one of the best waterfalls around (visit during LA’s wet season in the early months of the year). Relax beneath the falls, which feels worlds away from the city life below.
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 could add even more fun to the hike. The view from behind the falls is a treat. Your safety is your responsibility. Attempt at your own risk.
If you like Escondido Falls, check out other waterfalls around Los Angeles and explore additional trails in the Santa Monica Mountains. The hike to Upper Escondido Falls and back is 3.8 miles round trip with 400 feet of elevation change.
Dogs and mountain bikes are welcome in Escondido Canyon Park. No permit is required to hike to the waterfall. A fee of $12 is charged to park at the Winding Way Parking Lot (price as of 2024).
To get to the trailhead: Take PCH to Winding Way in Malibu. Winding Way is a minor street, 4.5 miles west of Malibu Canyon Road (by Pepperdine University) and 1.4 miles east of Kanan Dune Road on the north side of PCH. Turn up Winding Way and into a parking lot for the trail on the left at the bottom of Winding Way. Overflow parking is along PCH (though after paring, you may not feel safe walking on PCH due the passing motorists).
Trailhead address: 27807 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265
Trailhead coordinates: 34.0261, -118.78 (34° 01′ 33.95″N 118° 46′ 48″W)
You may also view a regional map of surrounding Los Angeles trails and campgrounds.
 | Point Dume Natural Preserve This one-mile hike explores overlooks on a scenic headland jutting into the Pacific at the northwest end of Santa Monica Bay in Malibu. |
 | 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. |
 | 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. |
 | Fish Canyon Falls in the San Gabriel Mountains This 4.8-mile round trip hike leaves from an active rock quarry and progresses up a beautiful canyon to a mesmerizing multi-tiered waterfall. |
 | Santa Ynez Falls in the Santa Monica Mountains This 2.5-mile follows a shaded creek to a gorge containing a short waterfall. |
 | Eaton Canyon Falls in the San Gabriel Moutains This 3.5-mile hike goes up Eaton Wash to a narrow stretch of Eaton Canyon containing a pleasant 40-foot waterfall. |
 | Rose Valley Falls in the Los Padres National Forest This 1-mile round trip trail leads to the lower tier of a lovely two-tier 300-foot waterfall. |
 | 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. |
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.
Hi Tema,
I would love to know what trails you’d recommend in the area. My sister and brother-in-law are coming for a visit the first week of July and I’d like to take them on a nice, two-hour round trip hike with some elevation gain. What do you think of the section of the Backbone Trail up around Saddle Peak Lodge, for example?
I really agree with you Tema – too many other great trails around
Agree, many people got parking ticket too! And the sign u can no see it, is on the left side (also need exactly change)
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.
[…] hike at Runyon Canyon (…along with 200 or so of our closest LA friends) and a perfect day at Escondido Falls in Malibu (pics!). When we’re unable to explore we drag ourselves to the beach and run there […]
Went on this hike 20 years ago, and went again recently thanks to Hikespeak. Not challenging enough for me. A good family stroll to the first falls. Very crowded, and the falls are a bit underwhelming. Went to second set of falls too… at least that’s a little more challenging and a little more impressive.
I’ve been going to this waterfall for the past few weeks (with diff friends) its nice and peaceful. I usually go early morning and we are usually the only ppl around. We have gone up to the second tier and decided to climb all the way to the top. It challenging but worth it. We even decided to find the source of the water. It was a long walk through grass, water and trees; up, down and even crawling. We eventually found a small hole in the wall (cave like) with a small waterfall above it. You can go under and sit inside. Really nice. If you keep walking N. after enjoying the little cave, you will find a small pond/pool. Its very refreshing. It can fit at least 6 ppl and its waist high. The water is really cold but feels good in the hot weather. Eventually while continuing our hike further into the canyon, we hit a fence that says “no trespassing”. We did not trespass. It was a fun journey indeed. It was def worth exploring till the end. Total time 4.5 hrs (round trip with minimal rest time) Have fun and enjoy. Be safe and be prepared!!!
I got a small group of ppl I’m training & I’m planning an un4getable experience 4 them so I’m taking them to here & hope they love it as I will…
[…] 1) Escondido Canyon Park- Edward Albert Escondido Canyon Trail and Waterfall- My favorite of the hiking trails because I just can’t resist a good waterfall. There is just something about finding a waterfall in Los Angeles that just seems odd and all so happy and right at the same time. Located in the hills of Malibu this hike starts off unconventionally but makes up for it and more. Be sure to go in the Winter to see the falls in their full glory. […]
I hiked this trail a few years ago, and it’s really nice. However, this trail is DEFINITELY not bikeable. I don’t know why they say this is a good bike trail; there is one point where you have to grab hold of a rope and ascend a 60 degree incline for like 50 feet. There were parts that were almost impossible to scale just on two feet. I can’t imagine how someone would carry there bike up those parts.
That said, you might be able to lock your bike to a tree somewhere and ascend the remainder of the trail by foot.
[…] Escondido Falls: I’ve always heard that this is one of the best hiking trails in Malibu that offers waterfalls along the way to dip in and out of. The best part about this hidden hiking trail? It’s free! […]
I had the chance to see this waterfall with actual water, and i mean STRONG FLOWING WATER and it was such an AMAZING PIECE. Even without water, this trail can offer a great amount of hike. MUST GO!
someone told me that the waterfall is dry at this time of the year, can someone please confirm. I don’t want to do the drive for nothing.
will I be able to take a swim? or is that not allowed?
Are the falls dry this time of year and how crowded is it this time of the year. I want to come with like 6-7 people and it’s always a good time when other people aren’t around.
Great review. I live on Escondido Creek above the falls. Right now the creek is bone dry except for a few springs. Do not attempt to access the falls from the top, and walk down. The creek is overgrown and filled with poison oak. Have seen many dejected
hikers return to their cars.
There was no water at the waterfall. It’s all dried up. Also, there was too many people. But it WAS Saturday afternoon so IDK.
Hi, I’m planning to hike here sunday morning and was wondering if the trail is stroller friendly? thanks!
Most of the trail to the lower falls is wide and stroller friendly, but there are a couple spots where you have to cross streams that could be tricky.
This hike is over rated. Crowded to start. Littered with trash. Horse poop all over the trail. No water coming from the fall. Stench sent from stagnant water pool below the falls. And the upper next two falls are on private property, not park land. Mainly there were just way to many people for me to enjoy it. So many voices not enough sounds of nature. Why is this hike so sought out for? I don’t get it. I’ve been on way better hikes in Malibu. At least I can check this one off the list.
Hello I love waterfalls
Specially down falls bottom part
And live in Los Angeles area could u tell us couple of really nice falls
[…] we drove to Malibu and went hiking at Escondito Falls. There are supposed to be waterfalls but with the recent drought California is going through, they […]
Not sure why this is so popular and crowded. There are no views and these pictures of the water fall must have been taken on the last day of rain on an El Nino year. Way too many people, dogs and their waste, the water fall is a damp stinky rock. Parking on PCH is scary. In fact, there was a hit and run last week when a 21 year old woman died. Solstice Canyon is far better and built to accommodate crowds.
What are the hours for the Escondido Falls trail? Thx!
There is no water on the falls and hasn’t been for years. Pictures are totally false. Dangerous and very little parking, have to walk through neighborhood, no views from trail. So many better hikes in Malibu.
I hiked in with a friend on May 3 2015. There was water running in the creek, but very little at the so-called falls. The photographs are grossly misleading.
[…] Escondido Falls | Malibu […]
[…] you’re interested in doing the Escondido Falls hike, you can find a great guide and map here. I also recommend the book 101 Hikes In Southern California – I discovered a lot of great […]
There are definitely waterfalls just not during 2015/2014 due to the drought. I’ve had some of the best times of my life here swinging on a rope above the water back n forth to the water falling to the trees on the opposite side. TIP: You need to go after it’s been raining for a while to get waterfalls with water in them. It was popular cause of what I wrote above. Fun hike w/ 3 waterfalls & a swing above the pond/waterfall at the top. Just go after the rain season since we’re in a drought
how’s the waterfalls recently??
Are the waterfalls still flowing or are they dried out in the summer?
Just hiked this with a couple girlfriends yesterday. I knew after the recent rain it would be extra beautiful and it did not disappoint. The waterfalls were flowing strong! We went on Sat late afternoon and it wasn’t crowded at all. For all the people saying it was crowded/stinky/littered I think you are going at the wrong time of year. The main attraction here is the FALLS! I wasn’t looking for a super challenging hike, I came specifically to witness the falls. Like another commenter said…there’s something so odd feeling about there being waterfalls in our bustling city..it just makes it feel so magical and special! You’ll jump across creeks and climb rocks making you feel like a little kid again
Definitely make the hike to the second fall!! We took some time to rest and take photos and we were back to the car in 2.5 hours. My out of town girlfriend just loved this hike too. Don’t listen to all the negative comments here..definitely go at least once and decide for yourself. I think you will really enjoy it!!
Thanks Andrea!
Glad you enjoyed the hike. Escondido Falls is great in conditions like you were able to experience.
Went on 2/18/17. It has been raining plenty recently, w a record storm the last couple days. The 5 creek crossings were knee high w very fast water. The lower falls were a raging torrent of brown water. There was a strong wind coming off the base of the falls due to the flow of water. Lots of muddy sections of the trail, but since we were walking through swollen creeks, all the mud washed off our shoes. Will see if I can post pictures on this or another website.
We did this hike first thing in the morning. Which was perfect. We try the upper part of the falls but you have to be trained and patient for it. We got up to the rope and it was too dangerous with loose dirt and the incline is 45°. We kept falling on our butts, so if you get to the upper part be careful.
[…] Escondido Falls, Malibu: This is definitely my favorite hike in Malibu. It is a 3.8 mile loop to the upper waterfall. There are actually two waterfalls and it is a bit challenging, but I like it that way! Click this link for more info: https://www.hikespeak.com/trails/escondido-falls-santa-monica-mountains/ […]
Great looking waterfall (if you make the effort and see both upper and lower). Still has plenty water (6/4/17). SAT was crowded @7am but SUN @6am was empty. Hike is little challenging but plenty of beautiful scenery to enjoy along the way.
After so many years of drought, finally we had some rain last season and the waterfall became a popular hike for a short few weeks. The brown water smelled like sewage and due to lack of maintenance of the trail, it was hard to avoid the dirty water while hiking there. I literally discarded my sneaker when I got home, I wasn’t going to wash that sewage off. So many more nice and clean hikes around Santa Monica mountains, this one gets an c- from me.
I ride this trail in horseback at least once a week an I can say that I am never bored! It is always so beautiful and on weekends I always meet new people!
Anyone been up there recently? We are staying at Leo Carrillo beach… gonna try this hike tomorrow and hopefully there will be water?? Are there any other mild to moderate hikes that are beautiful and take less than 3-5 hrs for slow going look at everything people?? In the Malibu Leo Carrillo beach area??
Hi there, are the waterfalls flowing per chance? Coming for thanksgiving and looking for a 2-3 hour hike.
No one will be allowed at this moment, not that there are rangers stopping you but we tried to get past the the first trail just to get some workout in (I drove down from Long Beach) and all along the way residents kept advising we should go back because it was closed due to the recent fires and rain, an older man approached us and claimed it is private property and we shouldn’t be there. He basically harassed us the entire way back to our car, thankfully we know to ignore those types of attitudes, besides that I’ve been twice before and it’s a great hike, fun, and easy not challenging at all.
You’re lucky you didn’t get a $173 dollar ticket. There were Rangers when we went, and all the cars in the parking lot got tickets. We ignored the signs and got barked at by the locals. Turns out it is private property, a local said she had called the police and rangers to come site all of us who decided to forgo the warnings and enter the closed park, we should have listened, because they came. We got sighted both for trespassing on the closed trail and parking in the parking lot that we didn’t realize had been closed because other hikers moved the cones and broke down the tape blocking it off. We didn’t make it to the falls;( and came home with fines:(
Hi, I would like to know if Escondido Falls is still closed and will remain closed past Friday (18th of January, 2019).
Thanks!
Still closed as of 1/15 due to hazardous conditions.
Hi there we planned on going today but is it still closed??
Escondido Canyon Park reopened on 1/30!
I would like to visit this place tomorrow is it currently open?
I am planning on going soon, is Escondido Falls open still?
It should be open. Enjoy your hike.
HI! We are planning to go there tomorrow, is it currently open? Are the falls flowing?
Did you end up going? We’re the falls open / flowing? Thinking of taking my wife here this weekend.
We hiked on 1/19/2020, getting to lower falls was a pleasant walk, getting to upper falls was quite tricky. Lots of loose rolling rocks on steep slippery rocks and dirt. But fun and worth it! Falls were flowing at about half of what photos show.
[…] here for more hiking details to the Escondido […]
How wide are the trails? Is it safe for social distancing?
Came with my two kids. It was packed. No one was wearing masks. There’s no true trail for the first half. Then it narrows so you are basically single file like a line at Disney world. Deff skip. The water fall wasn’t a waterfall. All those pics must be after a heavy rain fall. There’s no waterfalls like that in SoCal. We live in a desert. What a waste of time.
Western Black Legged Ticks infestation at Escondido Canyon Park.
I wanted to alert hikers that while enjoying an evening stroll at Escondido Canyon Park I was walking along the path and bent down to pick up a rock on the trail and noticed my legs had ticks all over them, 10+ all sizes. These were Western Black Legged Ticks, the ticks that are testing positive for Lyme Disease in Malibu. I looked closer at the blades of grass that bent over the trail and saw the entire area is infested, ticks all over them, horrifying! It is life threatening to contract Lyme Disease (ticks carry multiple pathogens). Do a quick google search “Malibu Lyme Disease”.