Escondido Falls Adventure Hike

This hike will take us to the spectacular multi-tiered Escondido Falls -- perhaps the largest waterfall in the Santa Monica Mountains.

A special aspect of this hike is that it has something for both beginner and experienced hiker. The hike starts out on a paved road (Winding Way) lined with multi-million dollar estates with ocean views. After about 3/4 mile we enter lovely Escondido Canyon where we cross a creek 4 or 5 times before coming to the base of the falls. This "standard" Escondido Falls hike is about 3.5 miles including the 3/4 mile on the paved road with about 400' elevation gain. This is probably the best beginner hike in the area.

I'm adding 2 options to the standard hike. The lower falls is about 50' high. With some (optional) rock scrambling you can reach the upper tier where the waterfall is 150' high. This would be Option 1.

Back in the old days Winding Way connected with Latigo Canyon. For option 2 we'll try to find what is left of that road (if anything) and attempt to follow its old path to Latigo. Beginners who would like to return to their car can easily do so from here.

Directions: The parking lot is on Winding Way East at Pacific Coast Highway & Old Road (Winding Way is between Kanan-Dume and Malibu Canyon).

Bring snack or lunch for eating by the waterfall