The road that leads to the dirt trail. Really pretty houses here along Winding Way.
On the walk to the trail.
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. From the parking lot the trailhead is a one mile walk up the paved road. 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 upper tier is 150 feet tall with a deep pool at its base.
First waterfall.
Stream that criss-crosses the path throughout the trail.
Second tier of the waterfall- a little tricky to get to, involves climbing over some large rocks.
You have to use these ropes to help you climb up to the third tier of the waterfall- it’s a little tricky and slippery. Only for the brave! I fell, so be very careful. Many just go to the first waterfall (which is still totally worth it).
Third part of the waterfall is the most beautiful!
VERY top of the waterfall!
27200 Winding Way
Malibu, CA 90265
Directions: The parking lot is on Winding Way East at Pacific Coast Highway. Park cars here and walk north along Winding Way East (private road) for a mile to the dirt trail that starts at the end of the paved road.
