Escondido Falls Hike

3.7 miles - Easy Effort
1.5-2.5 Hours (Total)
600 Total Feet of Climbing
Max Elevation of 350 feet
Leashed Dogs Allowed

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.

In this Guide:

Video and Turn-by-Turn Directions to Escondido Falls
Where to Park for the Escondido Falls Hike
Insider Tips & Recommendations

Quick Links:
Park Website - NOAA Weather Report - My Dec 2024 Gear

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

Escondido Falls Hike Directions 3 — The official parking lot is just off of the PCH.

Escondido Falls Hike Directions 4 — This is a popular hike, and the lot can often be full.

Escondido Falls Hike Directions 7 — There's a self-pay kiosk for the parking lot.

Escondido Falls Hike Directions 5 — If the parking lot is full, there is parking along the PCH. Be VERY VERY careful when crossing. The traffic here can be heavy.

Escondido Falls Hike Directions 6 — If you do park on the PCH, make sure you are not in a "no parking" zone.

Gear For the Hike

Escondido Falls Hike Directions 1 — There are some stream crossings on the hike. Usually you can just hop across, but it makes sense to wear shoes that you are okay with getting wet.

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.

Gear That I Love Right Now

Nothing is sponsored or promoted, just the actual gear that I use.

Garmin InReach Mini 2Hit SOS or just tell loved ones that you're running late where your cell phone has no service. Review here.

Topo MTN RacerAggressive and fun with a wide toe box (=no blisters). Get them wet, they dry quickly. Lots of cushion and comfort.

Osprey Hikelite 26Lightweight, carries all your gear, and your back doesn't get sweaty. Oh yea, it's also one of the most inexpensive packs you can get.

Check out the complete list here. ( Updated December 2024)

Escondido Falls Trail Maps

Use This Map:
View in CalTopo | PDF Map | GPX File

How Will You Navigate?

Using the Apple Watch for Hiking

Garmin Fenix 7 & Epix Review For Hikers

How To Read a Topographic Map

Garmin GPSMAP 67i Review

Elevation Profile

Escondido Falls Hike Elevation — Here's the one-way elevation profile. On the road portion of the hike we'll crest a hill, then descend, and then do a very gentle uphill (which seems flat) to the falls.

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

Escondido Falls Hike Directions 10 — In a short while you'll cross over Winding Way.

Escondido Falls Hike Directions 11 — The trail markers on the other side of the street.

Escondido Falls Hike Directions 12 — Keep hiking up the road, avoiding any driveways or roads going off of Winding Way (they're private property).

Escondido Falls Hike Directions 13 — As you pass the fancy homes, you'll start to get nice views of the Pacific Ocean.

Escondido Falls Hike Directions 14 — At the top of the hill, keep hiking down the road.

Escondido Falls Hike Directions 15 — You'll see a sign for the park at the top of the hill, but the trail starts further down the hill.

Escondido Falls Hike Directions 16 — After a few minutes of heading downhill you'll see the trailhead for the Edward Albert Trail to Escondido Falls.

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.

Escondido Falls Hike Directions 17 — Now you're on the trail proper. There's a little downhill before you start up the hidden canyon to the falls.

Escondido Falls Hike Directions 18 — As you go downhill, look off to the left. The lush canyon (Escondido Canyon) is where you'll be hiking.

Escondido Falls Hike Directions 19 — At the bottom of the climb, make the hard left.

Escondido Falls Hike Directions 20 — You'll see a trail sign after you make the hard turn. We'll be heading upstream along Escondido Canyon Creek.

Escondido Falls Hike Directions 22 — The trail is easy to follow as it goes up the canyon.

Escondido Falls Hike Directions 21 — You'll do about 4 easy creek crossings as you hike.

Escondido Falls Hike Directions 23 — There's a small side trail off to the left by this big oak. Keep hiking straight upstream.

Escondido Falls Hike Directions 24 — When the trail comes to a t-junction, make the left.

Escondido Falls Hike Directions 25 — Look up in front of you to the right. If there's water flowing, you can see the upper falls here.

Escondido Falls Hike Directions 26 — And soon you'll come to the shaded area at Escondido Falls.

Escondido Falls Hike Directions 27 — Walk up to the moss and limestone covered falls. If there's water flowing, you can wade in the pool beneath them. The falls are 50 feet tall.

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

Need More Info?

Have a question about the guide? Join my Patreon and ask me a question.
When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.
Do you have an update to this guide? View the Youtube comments for this video. Leave a comment and I will do my best to update the guide.

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This Guide Was Written by Cris Hazzard

Cris Hazzard 4 Mile Trail Yosemite
Hi, I'm Cris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, hiking expert, and author based in Southern California. I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!). You can stay up to date with my new guides by following me on YouTube, Instagram, or by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.