Escondido Falls Trail

With a short overall distance and incredibly scenic Malibu views, the Escondido Falls Trail has all the makings of an extremely popular trail. Be sure to arrive early in order to secure parking at the trailhead and enjoy the magic of the falls before the crowds show up. Additionally, there is a $12 fee to park at the trailhead, so keep that in mind or plan to park elsewhere. Lastly, hikers should not attempt to climb to the upper tiers of the falls, as it is quite dangerous and can damage the delicate ecosystem found in the area.

It kind of makes sense that the Escondido Falls Trail will almost certainly be packed with visitors, as it is one of the most beautiful and popular adventures in Malibu. Gorgeous waterfall views and a relatively easy to traverse trail make this a great hike that is suitable for all ages and skill levels. If you find yourself in the area, this is an easy hike that you definitely won’t want to miss out on!

Setting out from your vehicle, you will make your way east through the parking lot for a short distance until you meet up with the edge of Windy Way. From here, you will turn left and follow the road as it leads northeast through a residential area for the next 0.8mi.

At the fork in the road, you will find a footpath branching off to the left. Take this and follow it north towards the trees, making sure to keep left at the first junction. From this point on there are few intersecting trails, so keep straight along the trail in order to traverse the serene landscape of the Escondido Canyon.

After roughly 1.0mi of hiking along the footpath, the terrain will become slightly more rugged as you make the approach to the falls. Continue on to the northeast for another 0.1mi and you will quickly arrive at the site of Escondido Falls.

Take some time here to relax and appreciate the stunning views of the majestic falls. If you are able to time your hike for the spring when the water levels are a bit higher, you will be met with an even more spectacular view.

Once you have finished exploring the area around the falls, simply turn back along the trail and retrace your steps to return to the trailhead where you began your adventure along the Escondido Falls Trail.

Trail Highlights

Escondido Falls

Located in Malibu, California, Escondido Falls is a beautifully scenic waterfall that attracts visitors from all over. The three tiered waterfall features an easily accessible lower level that is 50ft tall and a difficult to reach upper tier that is 150 ft tall. When the water level is high, the falls have a strong cascade that makes them one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the Los Angeles area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Escondido Falls Trail a hard hike?

Overall, the hike to Escondido Falls is a fairly easy adventure, at least to reach the first tier of the waterfall. Two other tiers are accessible, but must be approached with caution.

Can I bring my dog to Escondido Falls?

Yes, dogs are permitted on the Escondido Falls Trail, although they must be kept on a leash at all times.