Although Angelenos have access to a beautiful network of walks with a viewpoint, we frequently find ourselves overheated, with the ocean in sight but out of reach. Is there a way to revitalise yourself in the midst of a walk or a camping trip? Using the spray from a waterfall.
Here are five Los Angeles hiking paths that terminate at some of the region’s most breathtaking waterfalls, perfect for cooling off after a day in the sun.
Waterfall-filled hikes in the L.A. area? We can’t think of a better way to spend the short rainy season (they’re technically still there in the summer, but the flow is much lower).
Warning: Waterfalls are at their most powerful after heavy rains or when the winter snow in the mountains finally melts. We wouldn’t advise attempting these trails right after it has rained; especially if you’re a beginner hiker, it’s best to wait a few of nights to be safe.
1. Malibu’s Escondido Falls
This is one of the largest waterfalls in Southern California, with a drop of 150 feet over a succession of moss-covered limestone boulders.
Winding Way East is an exclusive path through the Malibu hills which provides a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean as it winds its way upward. The road will begin to descend after approximately half a mile, and a path will branch off to the left.
Its Escondido Valley Trail is a challenging walk that traverses multiple streams, so bring your rock-hopping skills.
The Lesser Escondido Falls are located about a mile in and are beautiful on their own. With a drop of 50 feet, they are on par with any of the remaining falls in this list.
This is a great area to rest your weary feet, or to call it a day if you’re feeling very confident in your footing. Everyone else ought to continue climbing to the right with the falls (we recommend taking the official route; the alternative is quite risky) and reach the top of Escondido Waterfall.
Use the rope as a handhold, but tread carefully on the wet, rocky ground. The major attraction is a beautiful tiered cascading that fans across moss-grown outcroppings, and this route will take your underneath part of this bottom waterfall while climbing more stones to get there.
On a hot day, there’s nothing better than cooling down in the pool (where you’ll likely find a few dogs already paddling around) or standing in the spray of the waterfall.
Also read: A Man Was Shot By Masked Assailants In A New York City Housing Complex
Two, Altadena’s Eaton Canyon Falls
Even though the similarly-named Moist Canyon may be found within the Eaton Valley Natural Area, you shouldn’t let that deter you from going there.
The sluggish pace of life caused by so many families? It’s a good deterrent, unless you happen to have a few kids of your own; in that case, you and your kids aged five and above will have a blast on this walk.
The short, less than three-mile hike requires multiple stream crossings, so make sure everyone has waterproof footwear. We counted nine, although this number may change depending on the time of year.
The main Park Avenue Trail is about 1.5 miles long and leads hikers through a forested, rocky area with a moderate ascent from the Environmental Center parking lot.
You can enjoy splashing in the becomes shorter once you reach the tumbling 50-foot cascade that drops into a stunning punchbowl of rock, but you shouldn’t risk your life by ascending the razorback route above the falls.
The Mt. Wallace Toll Road, which is an eight-mile trek to the top of Mt. Wilson Observatory, can be reached by continuing on the trail. If that isn’t the case, simply go back to where you arrived.
Moist Canyon is bordered by the Pasadena Police Department’s firing range, but officers assure residents that it is completely safe for visitors to explore.
Also read: Victim’s Mother Calls For Arrest Warrants In Drug-Related Killings At New York City Nightclubs
Thousand Oaks, California’s Paradise Falls (Wildwood Park)
Four trails radiate out from the Camino de los Arboles entrance, making Wildwood Park’s trail network almost overwhelming in its variety. If you’re looking for a sunny stroll over scrub plains which might look recognisable from ’50s and ’60s Disney Westerns (such as the classic Davy Crockett), then the Moonridge Trail is the way to go.
After about a mile, Moonridge Path meets the Tepee Trail; turning left here will lead you to a replica tepee and a lookout over the Arroyo Conejo ravine.
The stunning Paradise Falls, a 40-foot cascade that is breathtaking even in the summertime, is only a quarter mile away from there. The water isn’t very clean, so skip the swim and enjoy a picnic before returning by the Wildwood Canyon Trail. In a half mile, you’ll reach the Indian Cave Trail, where you can finally quench your wanderlust.
This short diversion leads to a cave, a large enough opening in the rock for human passage. It was likely used by Chumash Indians, according to park officials. Follow Indian Creek Trail for the final leg of your trip; it’s a great place to see migrating birds.
Also read: Almost 900 Pounds Of Fentanyl Was Intercepted At The Border Thanks To The New Operation Blue Lotus.
Four, Malibu’s Solstice Canyon
This beautiful Malibu trail takes you past the remains of two properties and to a waterfall that, while just 30 feet high, makes up its lack of modest with a succession of natural ponds that beg to be explored.
Take the easy, tree-lined Solstice Canyon Trail from the park’s entrance on Corral Canyon Road. The first structure we’ll see is the Keller Residence, a stone hunting hut constructed by the original canyon landowners.
About a half-mile up the trail are the ruins of the Roberts Farm House, a retirement home for grocery store billionaire Fred Roberts with his wife Florence constructed by renowned architect Paul Williams (who also created the themed Building at LAX).
The house, which had been featured in Architectural Digest, burned down in 1982. All that’s left is a three-dimensional plan of the house: A rusting tub, a crumbling stove and the foundations of many walls are all that remain.
It would be a rather frightening image if it weren’t for the joyful showering of your fellow trekkers. Instead, it’s the ideal setting for a picnic; spread out a patterned blanket, and serve your food in Mason jars for instant Instagram fame.
You can make a loop by returning along the Rising Sun Trail. It’s a steep ascent, but the view towards the Pacific Ocean stretching through the canyon at the top is well worth the effort.
Also read: A 5-Year-Old Autistic Boy Who Vanished Without A Trace Is Every Mother’s Worst Nightmare.
Angeles National Forest’s Sturtevant Falls, No. 5
Due to the Bobcat Fire in 2020, the path is still off-limits. In the meantime, you could hike the 2.5 miles round trip to Millard Accidental falls, a similarly tall but somewhat fewer dramatic cascade located on the northern outskirts of Altadena.
This was California as it appeared to the early explorers and gold seekers: A canyon cloaked in greenery and shrouded by a network of rivers and streams.
There are still remnants of the early days in the Angeles National Forest, such as a robust pack-mule business and a few scattered cabins in the woods. Start out on the San Gabrielino Way from the parking area at Chantry Flat.
During the legendary Great Hiking Period (1890s-1930s), when John Muir, Jr. was a folk hero when the National Park Service of America was formed, Big Santa Anita Creek was an important stop for hikers.
The little huts you see at Roberts’ Camp, where the trail branches off towards Sturtevant Falls, were each constructed before World War II and were once part of a trail resort.
They are still privately owned, connected by a crank phone system stretching six miles, and reachable only by pack horse or on foot.
Sturtevant Falls is a spectacular waterfall that drops 50 feet into an oval pool surrounded by massive rocks.
You’ll know you’re coming close to this falls when you have to cross streams to reach to the viewing area. A somewhat steep, unshaded ascent out of the gorge before returning to the car park is required as this is a “in-and-out” trip.
Also read: Younger Artists Are Writing Odes To The City That Is Rapidly Disappearing Through Their Work.
Conclusion
Eaton Canyon Falls is a famous hiking spot in the California National Forest, which is not far from Pasadena. The climb to the waterfalls is around four miles round way, however many visitors take a break for lunch or a rest at the waterfalls before making the return journey. Weekends are notorious for difficult parking.
