Escondido Falls-- Malibu 4 miles easy hike

A change of pace for TOaks hikers. Let's kick back and bring the dog on this easy hike. Dogs on leashes allowed. We've got to start early so we can get the parking spots. This is a very popular spring hike, so don't expect solitude. It's beautiful though. IMHO

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/e/1/b/6/600_352077782.jpeg

Accessed from Pacific Coast Highway about a mile south of Kanan Road in Malibu, the trail through Escondido Canyon Natural Area leads hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians 4.2 miles through oak woodland, riparian woodland, and Coastal sage scrub to the spectacular, multi-tiered 150-foot Escondido Falls—the highest in the Santa Monica Mountains. Allow yourself at least two hours to enjoy this trail and spectacular waterfall.

http://www.lamountains.com/maps/escondido.pdf

From the parking, follow the trail along the paved road about a mile. At the Escondido Canyon Trailhead sign, head to the left, walking upstream. The trail criss-crosses the creek several times and then opens onto grassy flats. A mile into the trail you will reach the base of the waterfall. This is the lower tier of the huge limestone fall. The public parkland ends here. The upper falls are located on private property.

Directions: The parking lot is on Winding Way East at Pacific Coast Highway. Park cars here and walk north on the trail along Winding Way East (private road) to the dirt trail that starts at the end of the paved road. The parking lot fills up early, so carpooling is recommended.

I am a volunteer (i.e. not liable for the group). Safety is a priority for everyone in the group. Think of this as hiking with a group of friends.

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DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY: Outdoor sports and other events we plan are inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Thousand Oaks Hikers Group and it's organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. If you choose to sign up for any The TOaks Hikers Group events, you are releasing the TOaks Hikers Group and it's organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgement and experience.

Responsibility: I am not responsible for you. You are responsible for you. You should be self-sufficient and be able to find your way to safety in the event you find yourself on your own. I will not lead you back to the trailhead if you decide to turn back.

Disclaimer: The organizer, assistant organizers, and event hosts take no responsibility and will not be held responsible for any injuries or accidents that may occur during this hiking event. Hiking can be inherently dangerous and accidents will happen. By participating in this hike posted on this meetup web page you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being.

Address: 27200 Winding Way, Malibu