Escondido Falls - Malibu

This beautiful hike is full of foliage and wildflowers and depending on the year ends with a flowing waterfall or a sprinkling of water from two waterfalls. Reach the upper waterfall and you'll be greeted by the beautiful, towering 150 foot falls.

Escondido Falls

Length: 3.8 miles

Elevation: 626 feet

Location : 27807 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265 Trailhead coordinates: 34.0261, -118.78 (34° 01′ 33.95″N 118° 46′ 48″W)

Parking: Turn right onto Winding Road and make an immediately left into the small parking lot on the corner. Make sure to pay the parking fee or you will be ticketed.

The hike begins as you make your way heading down Winding Way Road. It is an asphalt paved road with a narrow dirt trail on the shoulder. Follow the road .25 mile. You will pass dozens of million dollar mansions, don’t let this fool you. Make sure to take a quick peak behind you for a beautiful view of the ocean.

Eventually, the road will curve at the top and you will make your way to the “Edward Albert Escondido Canyon Trail and Waterfalls” trailhead marker.

Head down the dirt path at the trailhead marker. This is a beautiful, easy hike that heads down a hard packed dirt path that gently ascends and descends into the canyon. When I went in late March, the path was flanked by tall, green foliage and a large swaths of yellow wildflowers. Much of it is shaded, but there are some patches of sun.

The trail crosses the small creek several times. There is typically not much water flowing through the creek, so don’t get confused and head into the riverbed. Continue across each time and follow the path.

You will reach the base of the first waterfall at about the 1.5 mile mark. If you make the trek shortly after a recent rain, take some time and enjoy the sprinkling from the 50 foot waterfall. It’s a nice spot to stop and rest, but if you want to see the second waterfall, continue on.

To reach the second waterfall, back track just a little. Off to the right of the first waterfall is a small dirt trail that heads up the hill. A broken, folded fence marks the beginning of the trail to the second waterfall. This part of the hike is difficult. It is roughly 0.3 of a mile to the next waterfall, but the path runs at a steep incline gaining roughly 200 feet in that short distance. The trail is full of soft, loose dirt and rocks, so it can be easy to lose your footing. Make sure to wear sturdy shoes with good grip. It is easy to misstep and slide. Take care and take your time.

When I hiked this trail, there were ropes tied along the path to help make the steep climb, but they were put there by another hiker and are not part of an official trail. So if the ropes are there when you go, you’re in luck.There was another pair of hikers who were making their way down as I headed up. They had opted to turn around before reaching the top because this part of the hike was a bit too difficult and they spent most of their climb falling on their butts. It can get a bit dicey.

If you continue on, you will be rewarded to find yourself at the base of a towering 150 foot waterfall. This large waterfall has more water coming down from the top than the first. Try to plan your hike for the day after rain for the best sprinkling. If you are physically able, you can climb along the left or right sides of the waterfall. Get a boost from a friend or scramble up the rocks to spend some time in the small cave underneath the falls or the landing on the left. I opted for the landing to the left, which is easier to access and puts you right under the falls.

Spend time handing out at the waterfall or exploring the area around the upper falls before making your way back down the trail you came up.

As you head back down, be careful. The dirt and rocks are loose and it is easy to slip. I did fall once and slid for a few feet on my behind. Once you get back to the first waterfall, the hike back out is simple, flat and scenic. In total you will do just under 4 miles roundtrip and you will be rewarded with picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean as you make your way out onto Winding Way Road to head home.

This hike can be done year-round, but is best suited for a spring or winter day, especially after LA has gotten some much needed rain. You can also plan to make the hike first thing in the morning, it will take you about 2 hours, then head down Pacific Coast Highway for a beautiful beach day.

As always, leave no trace. What you pack in, make sure to pack out.

Text, photography and videos copyright 2022 by According to Tita, all rights reserved. Readers, hike at your own risk. Hiking on and off trails presents some possible dangers and risks. Use your best judgement.