Top Waterfall Hikes In Southern California
Escondido Falls
27200 Winding Way, Malibu – 60 mins
Hike to one of the biggest waterfalls in Southern California, limestone rocks covered in a curtain of water. Start the hike out on a private road that weaves through ocean-view estates. reaching the lower part of Escondido Falls about 1 mile in; this is a great place to rest . There is a guide rope that follows the path to the upper Escondido Falls where you can refresh and wade in the waterfall pool.
Trailhead: Park at the lot on Winding Way East a Pacific Coast Highway. The trailhead starts on Winding Way Road, take the marked path.
Time: 120 mins
Length: 3.8 miles
Paradise Falls – Wildwood Park
928 W Avenida de los Arboles – 50 mins
Love hiking and can’t make up your mind? Wildwood Park offers four different paths that you can choose from. There is the Moonridge Trail, Tepee Trail, Cave Trail and Indian Creek Trail. Tepee Trail leads to Paradise Falls, there you can see a 40 foot waterfall and stop for a snack. Wildwood Canyon Trail leads back to the entrance and provides a great spot for bird watching.
Trailhead: Clearly marked, just west of the parking lot on Avenida de los Arboles.
Time: 60 mins
Length: 2.2 miles
Eaton Canyon Falls – Altadena
1750 N Altadena Dr – 35 mins
Eaton Canyon is a good trail for the whole family. There are many stream crossings through out the hike that kids can play in. Start at the Nature Center parking lot and take the Park Road Trail for 1.5 miles to the 50 foot waterfall. Here you can wade, rest and picnic before you head back to the beginning of the trail.
Trailhead: Park at the Nature Center and cross the wash to the marked trailhead.
Time: 90 mins
Length: 3 miles
Solstice Canyon – Malibu
3998 Solstice Canyon Rd – 50 mins
Explore 2 property ruins along this hike. The Solstice Canyon Trail leads to the Keller House, a haunted cabin made of stone that dates back to the original canyon lands. Half a mile up the trail there is the Roberts Ranch House built by Paul Williams. This house was destroyed by a fire in 1982 but blue prints and a 30 foot waterfall continue to bring visitors back. Loop back to the beginning on the Rising Sun Trail and enjoy the view of the Pacific Ocean through the Canyon.
Trailhead: Turn onto Solstice Canyon Road from Corral Canyon Road. The trailhead is marked from the main parking lot.
Time: 60 mins
Length: 2.5 miles
Sturtevant Falls – Angeles National Forest
Santa Anita Ave to Chantry Flat Rd – 50 mins
Start on the Gabrielino Trail into the Big Santa Anita Canyon. There are cabins along the trail that were built before WWII and are now privately owned. The 50 foot Sturtevant Falls follow the stream crossings towards the end up the hike down. The path out is steep and unshaded so be sure to bring lots of snacks and water.
Trailhead: Enter the lower Chantry Flat parking lot at the end of the road, the trailhead is clearly marked from the lower lot.
Time: 120 mins
Length: 3.7 miles