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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 Grace C on 3/9/2010 Went on March 7th. Loved how green and woodsy the whole hike was. Saw 2 more waterfalls as I ascended through the somewhat steep, windy, trail. Loved the waterfalls. On the way, it was a little confusing as to which way to go when we came to a 3 way fork. Good thing there were other people on the trail to follow. Our hiking poles definitely helped us with leverage and saved our knees. Please be careful on this hike. Good thing to know that if you were injured you can get help. We passed 11 rescuers (Paramedic, Sherriff, Firemen, and Ranges plus 2 stretchers plus 1 ATV) on our hike back for 1 injured hiker on a SUNDAY!
Reviewed by D.Glez on 3/4/2010 Hiked to the upper falls this past Monday, March 2nd. Absolutely amazing! Made it to the upper falls. I'm a big guy and made it! Also, climbed further up the side of the upper falls on the right side. Made 2/3 of the way up before turning back. Don't recommend going up that side. Very unstable, lots of loose gravel and decomposing rock.
Reviewed by Amos on 3/1/2010 We hiked it on 2-28-10, a day after a raining day and it was beautiful. Sometimes the path was slippery. The directions were accurate, and there were many people so we could always find the path. The upper fall exceed my expectations by far. it was simply amazing. 
Reviewed by JLG on 2/21/2010 Hiked the falls this weekend. Great day hike and well worth it to the top. Definitely more careful footing needed as there is loose dirt and sliding is inevitable in some areas. Also, FYI POISON OAK everywhere up to second climb. Be aware!
Reviewed by HY on 2/20/2010 hiking on 2/22/10, it was beautiful. I love it....
Reviewed by SS on 2/10/2010 Hiked it February 7th 2010, and the waterfall was awesome due to the rain the day before and weeks prior. CHECK YOURSELF FOR TICKS! Got my first one ever. Gross. 
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 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!!! 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||