Walk through a creek canyon to a 150-ft tiered waterfall; the final scramble to the upper falls is steep and loose.
Escondido Falls is a tiered waterfall in the Santa Monica Mountains above Malibu, Los Angeles County, California, reached by a creek canyon trail within Escondido Canyon Park and the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. The trailhead is on Winding Way near Pacific Coast Hwy, in Malibu. Access is by car or rideshare, with roadside parking on Winding Way that fills on weekends; no permit or fee is required. The hike to the upper falls is about 3.8 miles (6.1 km) round trip with roughly 700 feet (210 m) of elevation gain, taking 2 to 3 hours. Difficulty is moderate: the first mile is an easy road walk through a residential area, followed by a dirt trail through the canyon with several creek crossings, then a steep, loose scramble to the upper falls. The lower falls are reached with little effort and are a common turn-around point. The tiered falls total about 150 feet (45 m) and flow strongly only after winter rain, so late summer visits may find them reduced to a trickle. Shade is available along the creek, but the road and upper sections are exposed. The final scramble has loose rock and mud, and hikers should take care, as injuries have occurred there. There is no drinking water on the trail and no shelters, so hikers carry their own. Dogs are allowed on leash on the lower trail. Visitors should respect residents on Winding Way, follow posted parking rules and check the National Park Service website for current conditions.
| Distance | About 3.8 miles (6.1 km) round trip to the upper falls |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2-3 hours |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Trailhead | Car or rideshare; roadside parking on Winding Way |
| Best season | January-April, when the falls run |
| Address | Escondido Canyon Park trailhead, Winding Way near Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265 |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Santa Monica Mountains NRA, Malibu
What to bring
- 2 liters of water
- Hiking shoes
- Hat
Location
Escondido Canyon Park trailhead, Winding Way near Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
34.0270, -118.7860 View on map
Highlights
- Tiered waterfall of about 150 feet (45 m) in a Malibu creek canyon
- Lower falls reachable with an easy walk, upper falls with a scramble
- Creek crossings and oak and sycamore shade along the canyon
- Close to Pacific Coast Hwy and Malibu beaches
Tips for visiting
- Visit between January and April, when the falls run strongest.
- Use caution on the steep, loose scramble to the upper falls, or turn around at the lower falls.
- Bring 2 liters of water and wear shoes with good grip for wet rocks.
- Park only where permitted on Winding Way and respect residents.
- Check recent rainfall and National Park Service alerts, as creek crossings may be difficult after storms.
When to visit
January to April after rain gives the strongest waterfall and green canyon. Weekday mornings are the quietest.
Accessibility
The initial road walk is paved, but the canyon trail has creek crossings, uneven dirt and a steep scramble, so it is not wheelchair- or stroller-friendly.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long is the hike to Escondido Falls?
The hike to the upper falls is about 3.8 miles (6.1 km) round trip with roughly 700 feet (210 m) of climbing. It takes 2 to 3 hours.
When does Escondido Falls flow?
The falls run best from about January to April, after winter rain. They can be reduced to a trickle in summer and fall.
Is the scramble to the upper falls dangerous?
The final section is steep and loose, and care is needed. Many hikers turn around at the lower falls instead.
Is there a fee to hike Escondido Falls?
No. The trail is free and needs no permit. Parking on Winding Way is free but limited.