Los Angeles might be famous for the Hollywood Sign hike, but did you know it also has some amazing hikes with waterfalls that look like they came from a fairy tale?
After so many hikes, I’ve learned that hiking to a waterfall is really special. When you reach the bottom of a waterfall, it’s a perfect place to relax, eat a snack, and enjoy the view. It’s a refreshing break from the city’s busy traffic, and the sound of rushing water makes it feel like you’re in a whole new world that most people don’t know about.
These waterfall hikes in Los Angeles offer just that: a peaceful escape into nature with the soothing sound of flowing water. Some hikes are a bit challenging, while others are pretty easy, but they all have one thing in common—a beautiful waterfall at the end that any waterfall fan will love.
Ready to explore? Here are five of the best hikes with waterfalls in Los Angeles:
1. Escondido Falls, Malibu
Escondido Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in Southern California, with a two-level, 150-foot cascade that tumbles down limestone rocks covered in bright green moss. To get there, you’ll start on Winding Way East, a private road in the Malibu hills. As you walk uphill, you’ll pass by houses with amazing ocean views. After about half a mile, the road will go downhill, and you’ll see a marked path to the left. This is the Escondido Canyon Trail, a fun path that crosses streams, so be ready for some rock-hopping!
After about a mile, you’ll reach the Lower Escondido Falls. These falls are 50 feet tall and are beautiful on their own, making this a great spot to rest. If you’re not feeling up for more of a challenge, you can stop here and enjoy the view. But if you’re ready to keep going, follow the path to the right of the falls.
This part of the trail is steep and a bit tricky, but there’s a guide rope to help you. The path will take you under part of the lower waterfall and over some rocks until you reach the Upper Escondido Falls. This stunning waterfall flows over moss-covered rocks, and it’s truly worth the effort.
On a hot day, there’s nothing better than cooling off in the pool at the base of the falls. You might even see some dogs splashing around! You can also stand behind the waterfall and feel the cool mist on your skin.
Address: 27200 Winding Way
Pets: Dogs allowed on leashes
Length: 3.8 miles
Time: 2-3 hours
2. Eaton Canyon Falls, Altadena
Eaton Canyon Falls is a popular hiking spot, perfect for families, especially if you have kids over five years old. Just don’t be put off by the nearby area called “Moist Canyon”—it’s worth the visit!
This easy, under-three-mile hike has several stream crossings, so make sure everyone has shoes that can handle getting a bit wet. Depending on the season, you might cross the stream about nine times along the way.
Start your hike at the Nature Center parking lot and follow the main Park Road Trail for 1.5 miles. The trail gently inclines through a wooded, rocky area. When you reach the 50-foot waterfall, which plunges into a beautiful rock pool, you can enjoy wading in the shallow water. Just be careful not to climb up to the trail above the falls—it’s dangerous and not allowed.
If you’re up for a challenge, the trail continues and connects to the Mt. Wilson Toll Road, leading to the Mt. Wilson Observatory, which is an eight-mile hike. But if you’re just here for the waterfall, you can turn back the way you came. And if you decide to explore Moist Canyon, listen for any noises from the nearby firing range—but don’t worry, it’s safe!
Address: 1750 N Altadena Dr
Pets: Dogs allowed on leashes
Length: 3 miles
Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
3. Paradise Falls in Wildwood Park, Thousand Oaks
Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks has so many great trails that it might be hard to pick just one! If you’re up for a sunny walk, start on the Moonridge Trail, which winds through scrub plains that might look familiar if you’ve ever seen old Disney Westerns like “Davy Crockett” from the 1950s and ’60s.
After about a mile, you’ll come to an intersection with the Tepee Trail. Turn left here, and you’ll soon spot a recreated tepee and get a great view of the Arroyo Conejo canyon.
From there, it’s only a quarter mile to Paradise Falls, a stunning 40-foot waterfall that looks impressive even when the weather is dry. Though it might be tempting, avoid swimming in the water here—it’s not very clean. Instead, enjoy your lunch nearby and then head back using the Wildwood Canyon Trail.
On your way back, you can explore the Indian Cave Trail, which is just a short half-mile detour. At the end of this path, you’ll find a cave—a tunnel through the rocks that’s big enough to walk through. It’s believed that the Chumash Indians once used this cave. The final stretch of your hike will be on the Indian Creek Trail, which is perfect for spotting birds, especially during migration season.
Address: 928 W Avenida de los Arboles
Pets: Dogs allowed on leashes
Length: 2.2 miles
Time: 1 hour
4. Solstice Canyon, Malibu
Solstice Canyon in Malibu offers a unique hiking experience where you can explore the ruins of two old properties on your way to a 30-foot waterfall. The waterfall may not be the tallest, but it makes up for it with natural pools that are perfect for a little exploration.
Start your hike from the park entrance on Corral Canyon Road and take the gentle, shaded Solstice Canyon Trail. The first landmark you’ll encounter is the Keller House, a stone hunting cabin built by the original owners of the canyon lands.
About half a mile further, you’ll reach the ruins of the Roberts Ranch House. This home was designed by famous architect Paul Williams, who also designed the iconic Theme Building at LAX. The house was built as a retirement retreat for Fred Roberts, a grocery store owner, and his wife Florence.
Although the house was destroyed by a fire in 1982, you can still see what’s left—a rusty stove, a bathtub, and some crumbling walls, all giving a glimpse into the past. This spot is great for a picnic, and it’s easy to imagine turning it into a picture-perfect moment.
To complete your hike, take the Rising Sun Trail back to the starting point. This part of the trail is a bit more challenging, but the view of the Pacific Ocean through the canyon is worth the climb.
Address: 3998 Solstice Canyon Rd
Pets: Dogs allowed on leashes
Length: 2.5 miles
Time: 1 hour
5. Millard Canyon Falls Trail
If you’re looking for a short, sweet, and scenic hike, Millard Canyon Falls Trail is a great choice! Located in the Angeles National Forest, this dog-friendly trail is open all year and easy to follow.
While the trail can get busy on weekends, the beautiful views make it worth the trip. The hike starts with a small stone wall that you’ll need to climb over, but don’t worry—that’s the most challenging part!
As you follow the signs to the falls, you’ll come across some creek crossings that can be slippery, so make sure to wear shoes with good grip that you don’t mind getting wet.
As you walk along the trail, you might hear the falls before you see them, especially depending on the season. Millard Falls is about 50 feet tall and is fed by rain, so it’s at its best during the wetter months. But even if there’s not a lot of water flowing, the falls are always a peaceful and beautiful sight.
Location: Angeles National Forest in Altadena
Length: 1.2 miles
Pets: Dogs allowed On leash
Time: 45 minutes
