Name: Escondido Falls, Malibu
Start: 2012-07-07T07:30:00-07:00
End: 2012-07-07T10:30:00-07:00

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The only track marks we’ll see this week will be our footsteps in the trail behind us. But if you have someone you’d like to push a habit on, bring ‘em along this week and they’ll be hooked, and crown you forevermore as their Curtis Mayfield of crack hiking.

Nestled in a canyon hidden behind some stunning Malibu mansions, Escondido (“hidden”in Spanish) Canyon Park (http://www.lamountains.com/parks.asp?parkid=12) offers a just about perfect formula for mid-summer hiking happiness: a largely-shaded trail with stream crossings throughout, leading to a moss-covered, double-tiered waterfalls at the end. Plus you’ll be back in time to try out another trail in the ‘hood or get in some quality time at the beach

While the falls won’t be exactly crashing down at this time of year, Escondido offers plenty of other visual treats, starting with the ocean views along the one mile walk up (~ 200 ft. gain) Winding Way to the trailhead. Once we’ve entered the park, the trail follows sun-dappled path until arriving at the base of the 50-ft. high lower falls. This will be the rest/turnaround point for anyone not comfortable with the steeper route to the 150-ft. high upper falls. That involves rock scrambling, and some use of tree roots and ropes to pull yourself up, and it’s an ascent that should only be attempted by experienced climbers with strong upper body strength.

Thanks to member Angelique for recommending this hike!

Rain Saturday morning cancels; check this site before you leave if you’re unsure.

STATS

Level:Advanced Beginner (lower falls)/Moderate (upper falls)

Gain: 400 feet

Distance: 4.2 miles

Time: 2-1/2 to 3 hours

Type: Paved road, fire road, single track and rock scrambling; out and back

Dogs: Permitted on leash

Water: Not available at trailhead

Restrooms: Available at our carpool meetup location at Malibu Bluffs Park

Parking: The lot on site is small with a limited number of spaces, so we’ll carpool from Malibu Bluffs Park, 24250 Pacific Coast Highway (http://goo.gl/maps/J9XL.) in Malibu.Meet at the lot by 7:30 am and we'll depart for the trailhead at 7:45 (about 5 miles away) so we can start by 8 am. The lot is open from sunrise and parking is free; here’s a link to the park’s site (http://www.malibucity.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/detailgroup/navid/174/cid/3826/), which contains a map indicating the parking lot.

Bring: Hat, sunscreen, water, snacks to share.

DIRECTIONS

From the 101 North, exit Las Virgenes and drive South to PCH (it turns into Malibu Canyon Road along the way). Cross PCH and drive into the entrance of Malibu Bluffs Park; the lot will be on your right.

From the South, take the 10 West to PCH and continue north to Malibu Canyon Road and turn left into the parking lot (about 13 miles from Santa Monica).

Carpool drivers: it looks like there may be no left turn out of Malibu Bluffs Park, so you’ll need to turn right onto PCH and drive .7 miles to Webb Way, do a U turn, then head north to East Winding Way.

Turn right/north on PCH and drive about 5 miles to the Escondido Canyon parking lot at 27200 Winding Way (http://goo.gl/maps/ESzU). Turn right on East Winding Way and left into the lot (there’s no light at the intersection, the last major road before the turn is Latigo Canyon, and if you get to Kanan Dume Road, you’ve gone too far).

Shawn’s mobile: 213/308-7372

The Organizer, Assistant Organizers and event hosts in this group are not professional guides. The function of the organizer is only to organize the trip. Each person who signs up for a trip/meetup/ or outing is responsible for his or her own safety and the safety of his or her guests. By signing up for a hike, or any other event organized by this group, you are acknowledging that you are aware and have made your guests aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with any outdoor activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge the Organizer, Assistant Organizers and event hosts of this Meetup Group from and against any and all liability arising from your and your guest's participation in the group activities.

Shawn

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Escondido Falls, Malibu

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Escondido Falls, Malibu

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