Escondido Falls

Beautiful Escondido Beach is within easy reach, but it is the steady presence of Escondido Creek and the tallest waterfalls in the Santa Monica Mountains that make this easy hike so memorable. Less than a mile from Pacific Coast Highway, the trail descends into a cool corridor of coastal sage scrub and chaparral; layers of green that give way to coyote brush, laurel sumac and arroyo willow. Look up to witness the mighty branches of ancient oak and sycamore trees arching across the trail or disappearing into the sky. The soothing hum of the creek can be heard from parts of the trail, even in summer, along with the calls of California scrub-jays and other birds. 

The bench is perched just before you reach the trail’s end, an ideal vantage point to enjoy the waterfall cascading over moss-covered rocks and the joyful, if fleeting, intersection of humans and nature.

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Bench coordinates: 34°02'31.4"N 118°46'48.7"W

    • This 3.6-mile out-and-back hike begins in a quiet residential neighborhood and follows a mostly flat dirt trail by a seasonal creek through oak woodland.

    • The trail crosses a seasonal creek; sturdy shoes are recommended even in summer when water levels are low.

    • There is no shade on the first 0.75 mile of the hike between the parking lot and trailhead; a hat, sunscreen, and lots of water are recommended. WiFi and cell service are limited on the falls trail.

    • Poison oak has been spotted close to the trail before it reaches the waterfall; long pants are recommended, even in summer.

    • The upper falls are not open to the public. Heed the warning sign at the base of the lower falls and do not attempt to go beyond it.

    • There is a small parking lot ($12 per car) at Pacific Coast Highway and Winding Way, and free parking along PCH (be sure to park inside the white lines and avoid any designated No Parking zones). There is 1 port-a-potty and a map by the parking lot.

    • Begin hiking on the dirt trail that parallels paved Winding Way and follow it 0.75 mile through a residential development. Be respectful of the neighborhood and stay on the trail by the side of the road.

    • Turn left at the large sign for Edward Albert Escondido Canyon Trail and Waterfalls. The dirt trail descends into a shady corridor of oaks and sycamores and the first of several creek crossings (typically dry or shallow in summer).

    • Turn left at the first trail intersection next to a wood post with a bench symbol.

    • Continue another 0.8 mile to the lower base of the falls. The bench sits just off the path ahead of the waterfall. Do not continue past the lower falls.

    • Follow Pacific Coast Highway north toward Malibu. Approximately 6 miles north of the Malibu Pier, turn right on Winding Way and then turn left into a small parking lot. 

    • From north Malibu, follow PCH south about 1 mile past Kanan Road to Winding Way. Turn left on Winding Way, then left again into the parking lot.

    • The MTA 134 bus line (Santa Monica-Malibu) stops along Pacific Coast Highway half a mile west of the parking lot entrance. For updates and schedules, visit metro.net.