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 Reporter |
Summary: This hike takes you to one of the gems in the Santa Monica Mountains. The hike starts out on the pavement along Winding Way. After about a mile, an obvious trail takes you down into the lovely Escondido Canyon, criss-crossing creek 4 or 5 times. As you approach the base of the lower falls, you can see the water dropping over the lip of the 150 ft upper falls in the distance. The lower falls are about 50 foot high and trickle over a moss covered wall into a lovely shallow pool. This is the turn around point for those not comfortable with a bit of rock scrambling. To get to the upper falls, take the trail to the right of the lower falls up an obvious gully. At the top of the gully, go left and follow the stream over some small cascades and boulders to the base of the upper falls. This is an amazing site, with water tumbling over 3 or 4 tiers, finally falling into a deep pool. Attempts to climb beyond the base of the upper falls could result in serious injury! Trailhead: From Kanan Road, drive south a mile or so on Pacific Coast Highway (1) to East Winding Way and turn left. The signed parking lot is on the left side of Winding Way. The trail actually follows the paved Winding Way for about a mile, after which you will see an obvious trail to the left. Follow the trail until it hits the stream, then just follow the trail upstream until you come to the lower falls. (Lat:34.0258 Lon:-118.78376) Trail Guides for Escondido Falls: California Hiking by Tom Stienstra & Ann Marie Brown (Foghorn Press) Day Hikes Around Los Angeles by Robert Stone (Day Hike Books, Inc.) Afoot & Afield In Los Angeles by Jerry Schad (Wilderness Press) Best Seasons: Spring, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy - (310) 589-3200 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jim Zuber, who has posted 104 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 16 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by AK on 2/8/2010 OK hike, got my backpack with my camera in it stolen when going on a side trail to relieve myself! streams are all dry though almost year round.the waterfall was much of a "fall", more like a slow stream down some steep rocks.The trail used to be better but this last year or so sooooooo many peol go on this trail iits jsut rediculous. I used to be surpriswed to see someone there, now im surprised if i see less than 12 people. Not to mention, its the type of people who throw trash wherever they feel. makes this trail go ruined by sites like this. now, sometimes dumbass kids go spray paint trees and rocks now that the trail is more popular. and with all the extra traffic the life from the ponds and falls has COMPLETELY dissapeared. thanks 
Reviewed by Rachel on 2/3/2010 *****BE WARE OF CAR THIEVES***** The hike was a fairly good one, but when my friend and I returned to the car in the small parking lot off Winding Way, we found my car window smashed in and my purse stolen. Please hide your belongings if you are going to hike this trail. It is .8 miles to the trail head and the parking lot is not monitored!!! 
Reviewed by Marissa on 1/24/2010 Went today for a quick Sunday afternoon hike. There were lots of other people there and it was a pleasant trip. The trail was a bit muddy in some parts but that is probably due to the recent rain. The path to the lower falls is very easy, but the way to the upper falls definitely requires some more strenuous climbing.
Reviewed by Angel E. on 11/11/2009 This was my first hike. A good friend took me to introduce me to hiking and she felt it was easy enough for a novice. Really the hardest part of the trek was from the parking lot. Once into the trail I really enjoyed it. The waterfall was just a trickle at the time we were there. I am hooked, just have to get in better shape for more.
Reviewed by Andrew & Tori on 11/1/2009 Hike was a lot of fun. As others have said...Take a left at the first fork. The farther up you go the more water there is. Very mild hike up until you reach the first waterfall. If you decide to go to the 2nd waterfall(which you should if you already made it this far + it's a beautiful sight) take note of which way you went up. My fiancee and I came down a different, much steeper way. Hope to hike it again when there is more water on the rail. 
Reviewed by MAD on 10/18/2009 Amazing hike. Beautiful. BE CAREFUL on the way back down. Stay to your left. Made the mistake with my boyfriend of going to the right and we slid a good 20 feet and fell about 10 by a cliff. Stay aware and try to remember some markers. Worth the climb to the falls.
Reviewed by CK1 on 10/9/2009 Did this hike early this year with my daughter (6 yo) and a group of friends. The most difficult part of the trail IMO was choosing the right path to the base of the lower falls! Make sure that you go to the left! There are several water crossings, but you will get there. Going up to the upper falls looks dangerous, but if you take your time and use common sense, it is not as treacherous as some posters make it to be. The trek to the top is worth the hassle.
Reviewed by AR on 8/7/2009 WE LIVE NEAR THE WATERFALL, PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CLIMB TO THE TOP !!! YOU CANNOT GET BACK DOWN AND WILL BE STUCK HIKING APPROX. 7 MILES BACK TO YOUR CAR!!!! THAT IS, IF YOU MAKE IT TO THE TOP AND DO NOT HAVE TO HAVE A HELICOPTER RESCUE...IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND THERE ARE NO SIGNS. WE HAVE RESCUED MANY AND THEY WERE VERY LUCKY WE SAW THEM!!! Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Los Angeles County Hiking, Los Angeles County Trails, Los Angeles County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||