Escondido Canyon Park: Malibu's Natural Escape
Discover Malibu's natural beauty: hike through diverse landscapes to the stunning Escondido Falls in Escondido Canyon Park.
Escondido Canyon Park, nestled in Malibu, California, offers a scenic retreat with hiking trails leading to the multi-tiered Escondido Falls, the highest in the Santa Monica Mountains. The park features diverse landscapes, including oak woodland and riparian areas, providing a tranquil escape for nature enthusiasts.
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
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, where you might get your feet wet.
- Bring plenty of water, as there are no water facilities available on the trail.
- Check the waterfall's flow before visiting, as it can be minimal or nonexistent during dry weather.
- Stay on designated trails and respect closures, especially around the upper falls area, to protect the fragile habitat and avoid injuries.
Getting There
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Driving
From Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in Malibu, turn onto Winding Way. The park entrance and parking lot are located at the bottom of Winding Way. Parking costs $12. If the lot is full, carefully park along PCH, observing 'no parking' restrictions. Be cautious when crossing PCH.
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Walking
From a nearby location on PCH, walk to Winding Way. Follow Winding Way to the park entrance. Be aware that you will be walking along a paved road for about 0.75 miles to reach the Escondido Canyon Park Trailhead. Use the footpath on the side of the road.
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Public Transport
From central Malibu, take the Metro bus route 134 towards Santa Monica. Alight at the Civic Center / Stuart Ranch stop. From there, walk along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) to Winding Way. Follow Winding Way to the park entrance. Bus fare is approximately $1.75.
Discover more about Escondido Canyon Park
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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The Living Room
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