Escondido Falls Hike
In This Guide |
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Total Distance (?) | 3.7 miles (6 km) |
Hike Time | 1.5-2.5 Hours (Total) |
Difficulty (?) | Easy |
Total Ascent (?) | 600 feet (183m) |
Highest Elevation | 350 feet (107m) |
Fees & Permits | Fee for Parking Lot |
Dogs Allowed | Leashed |
Alerts & Closures (?) | Escondido Canyon Park |
Park Phone | 323-221-9944 |
Weather & Forecast | Latest Conditions |
Stay Safe | Copy this webpage link to the clipobard and share with a friend before you hike. Let them know when to expect you back. |
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The Escondido Falls hike is an easy way to see one of the most unique and spectacular waterfalls in Southern California. Unlike most falls, Escondido Falls is covered in moss, giving the waterfall a “bearded” look. Overall the trail is easy to follow and is a great beginner and family-friendly hike.
The upper falls, the highest in the Santa Monica Mountains, are now closed and on private property. This guide will get you to the safe and accessible lower falls.
Where is Escondido Falls?
This hike is a little different than most. You’ll park at the official start and then walk along a paved road (on the dirt sidewalk) until you reach the “trail trail” at about 0.8 miles in. Use this trailhead address:
27751 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265





Gear For the Hike

There’s nothing too tricky about this hike and you can do it in fitness clothes or light hiking gear. It can be hot here, so bring at least 1L of water with you.
Escondido Falls Trail Maps
Explore Map on CalTopoView a Printable PDF Hike MapDownload the Hike GPX File
Elevation Profile

3D Map

Hike Brief

- The upper falls, the highest in the Santa Monica Mountains at 150 feet, used to be accessible via a dangerous scramble, but now it is closed. Before it was closed, it was the busiest area for the local search and rescue teams. Know that if you break the rules and go to the upper falls, you will be trespassing, financially responsible for any rescue, and potentially fined by rangers. Just enjoy the lower falls, they’re pretty great.
- Escondido means “hidden.”
- Escondido Falls are often dry. The best time to go is after rain or in the winter.
Escondido Falls Hike Directions
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Video Directions
Turn by Turn Directions









Edward Albert was an actor, Oxford attendee, godson of Laurence Oliver, and local champion of the outdoors, the environment, and Native American rights. The trail is named in his honor.











From here, just turn around and head back the way you came!
The upper falls are located on private property and are not open to the public. Hikers are asked not to climb to the upper falls to preserve the fragile habitat and to avoid the risk of serious fall injuries.Escondido Canyon Park
This guide last updated on March 11, 2022. Did something change on this hike? If so, please contact me and let me know. I'll update the guide.