How to get to Escondido Falls, California

How to get to Escondido Falls, California

A Guide to Reaching Escondido Falls in Malibu

We are off for another chasing waterfalls adventure. This time around we're driving to the famous Malibu area in search of a well-known waterfall. The Escondido Falls are considered the highest waterfalls in the Santa Monica Mountains. Let's go!


"This site contains Affiliate links and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases of a product/service at no added cost to you." ^_^

Travel Tips
  • For flights, Skyscanner is excellent for comparing the best airline deals.
  • For accommodations, our family trusts Booking.com for reasonable prices.


How to get there:

Location: Escondido Canyon Trail, Malibu, CA 90265
Entrance fee: Free
Parking: Two options 1.Free street parking along PCH 1 near the park entrance with a sign that says "Winding Way Trail to Escondido Falls" or 2. drive through the sign and park inside for 8 USD.

Route: via Edward Albert Escondido Canyon Trail and Waterfall
Distance: 3.8 miles (back and forth)
Duration: 3 - 4 hours (back and forth, depending on pace)
Elevation: 626 feet
Highlights: 
  • First-tier or Lower Escondido Falls: 50-foot tall waterfall
  • Second Tier or Upper Escondido Falls: 150-foot tall waterfall 

How to get to Escondido Falls, California

Look for the signs

This is the sign that leads to the trail. Stay on the side as cars pass by here once in a while and it's a winding road too.


How to get to Escondido Falls, California
It's a residential area so expect a few big houses, a farm, and some fancy cars.


How to get to Escondido Falls, California
This is where the trail starts. 


How to get to Escondido Falls, California
Hiking the Escondido Canyon Trail to Lower Escondido Falls.


How to get to Escondido Falls, California
Do not follow the river instead walk through the river. 


How to get to Escondido Falls, California
If you find his small sign after passing through the river then you're on track.


How to get to Escondido Falls, California
Another river along the trail with a very entertaining tree.


How to get to Escondido Falls, California
We have all day long to play and besides this is our first hike of the year together.


How to get to Escondido Falls, California
My husband and I share a love of the outdoors. I'm lucky to find someone who has the same energy and enthusiasm for hiking.


How to get to Escondido Falls, California
A big tree after passing through the river.


How to get to Escondido Falls, California
Releasing the inner monkey in me, ahahaa. After hanging around in this tree we kept following the dirt road that leads to the waterfalls.


How to get to Escondido Falls, California
The water wasn't that strong that day plus it didn't rain that week.


How to get to Escondido Falls, California

First tier of the Lower Escondido Falls

This is the first tier of the Lower Escondido Falls that features the 50-foot tall waterfall. If you're interested in heading to the second Tier or Upper Escondido Falls to see the 150-foot tall waterfall then continue hiking, you'll see an uphill path that leads to the second tier around here. Make sure to wear proper footing as it gets slippery going uphill.


How to get to Escondido Falls, California
Heading back was easy and breezy. Just follow the same trails.


How to get to Escondido Falls, California
We felt adventurous and decided to take a different trail heading back,  as we were told all trails lead back to the park exit.


How to get to Escondido Falls, California
It's a short hike and that's a good thing as we planned to do our grocery right after the hike. Make sure to hydrate and bring some snacks. Don't leave any trash behind and always clean up your mess.


How to get to Escondido Falls, California
I'm glad we did another path as we found another gigantic tree along the way.


How to get to Escondido Falls, California
Just another of pure fun and jumping around. 


How to get to Escondido Falls, California
I love this hike. It's a dirt road with not much elevation so great for beginners. The great thing about it is that it's not that far from us from the Valley of Los Angeles and it's always a pleasure driving in PCH 1 or the Pacific Coast Highway. 


How to get to Escondido Falls, California
Cross all the rivers and find your way back to civilization.


How to get to Escondido Falls, California

Have fun and be safe ^__^


No comments

Post a Comment