Escondido Canyon Park: Malibu's Natural Oasis
Discover Malibu's natural beauty at Escondido Canyon Park: hike to the stunning Escondido Falls and explore diverse landscapes.
Escondido Canyon Park, nestled in the Malibu hills, offers a refreshing escape into nature. The park's highlight is Escondido Falls, a multi-tiered waterfall cascading down 150 feet, the tallest in the Santa Monica Mountains. Note that the waterfall's flow is seasonal, with minimal or no water during dry periods. The Edward Albert Trail, a 4.2-mile route through the Escondido Canyon Natural Area, welcomes hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. The trail meanders through oak woodland, riparian woodland, and coastal sage scrub, showcasing diverse plant life. The hike is considered easy to moderate, suitable for various skill levels, though it begins with an uphill walk on a paved road. The trail crosses Escondido Creek several times, so be prepared for potentially wet feet, especially after rain. Beyond hiking, Escondido Canyon Park is ideal for picnicking, bird watching, and wildlife viewing. The park's serene environment provides a habitat for various bird species, squirrels, lizards, and other small animals. Remember that there are no restroom facilities beyond the parking lot at Pacific Coast Highway.
Local tips
- Arrive early, especially on weekends and during peak season, as the parking lot fills up quickly.
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes and be prepared to cross Escondido Creek, which may involve walking through water.
- Bring plenty of water, as there are no water sources within the park.
- Check the waterfall's flow before visiting, especially during the dry season, as it can be minimal or non-existent.
A brief summary to Escondido Canyon Park
- 27200 Winding Way, Malibu, Central Malibu, California, 90265, US
- +1310-589-3200
- Visit website
- Monday 7 am-4:30 pm
- Tuesday 7 am-4:30 pm
- Wednesday 7 am-4:30 pm
- Thursday 7 am-4:30 pm
- Friday 7 am-4:30 pm
- Saturday 7 am-4:30 pm
- Sunday 7 am-4:30 pm
Getting There
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Driving
From Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in Malibu, turn onto Winding Way. The parking lot for Escondido Canyon Park is immediately on the left. Parking costs $12. If the lot is full, carefully park along PCH, observing 'no parking' signs. Exercise caution when walking from PCH to the trailhead.
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Public Transport
Take the Metro Bus Line 534 towards Malibu. Get off at PCH/Paradise Cove Rd. Walk 0.5 miles east on PCH to Winding Way East, then 0.7 miles north on Winding Way East to the trailhead. A single fare on the Metro Bus is $1.75 [N/A].
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Walking
From the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and Winding Way in Malibu, proceed up Winding Way. Follow the trail along the paved road for about a mile. Stay on the trail, as the road has blind curves. At the Edward Albert Escondido Canyon Trailhead sign, descend into the canyon to reach Escondido Falls.
