Southern California is known for its sunny beaches and busy cities, but hidden among the urban landscape are incredible natural wonders. In this post, we’ll take a look at 5 of the best waterfall hikes in Southern California that anyone could enjoy. Be aware that you may need to download offline maps in order to reach some of the parking trailheads. Please visit Google for more information on offline maps.
TRAIL CANYON FALLS, ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST
Parking: On Big Tujunga Canyon Rd
Trailhead: Clearly marked on intersection of Big Tujunga Canyon Rd and Trail Canyon Road
Pets: Allowed on leashes
Length: 4.5 miles
Elevation: 1000ft
Time: 2.5 hours
Water Crossings: about 8 crossings, mostly ankle high
An adventure pass is required. Information about where to purchase passes can be found here:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/r5/passes-permits/recreation/?cid=STELPRDB5181410&width=full
One of the best waterfalls hikes of Southern California is Trail Canyon Falls. It is a popular trail on the west side of the Angeles National Forest. At the very end of this 4.5 mile round trip hike you will find a beautiful 40 foot waterfall. This hike is dog-friendly, but has multiple stream crossings and a bit of rock scrambling towards the end. It also has a decent amount of elevation gain. To get there click on the link Trail Canyon Falls or check it out below. You will follow the directions until you reach the trail head. Parking is all alongside Big Tujunga Canyon Rd.
As mentioned, this hike gets a bit steep as you approach the falls so having proper footwear is important. There are ropes towards the end where you will have to descend. We recommend using these ropes for safety. The views of the waterfall are amazing. Pictures don’t do it justice. If you intend on taking children, please be mindful of the steep descent towards the end of the trial and near the falls. It can be a bit dangerous.
This trail can get busy, so plan accordingly. To see the falls in its fullness, try and do this hike right after some rains. Wear leggings to protect your legs from all the plants you will traverse through during this hike, or wear shorts and end up looking like a cat attacked you and scratched your legs. That’s how I ended up after this hike.
Eaton Canyon Falls, Altadena
Parking: Park at the Nature Center
Trailhead: Clearly marked from parking lot
Pets: Allowed on leashes
Length: 3.5 mile out-and-back
Elevation: 440ft
Time: 1.5-2.5 hrs. to complete
Water Crossings: about 10 crossings, ankle high
Located near Pasadena, CA, Eaton Canyon Falls offers an amazing hike through a serene canyon landscape that concludes with a 40-foot waterfall. This trail is perfect for families and pet owners. Be prepared to get your feet wet, there are about 10 water crossings. Make sure to bring your favorite water shoes.
This trail is considered moderately challenging with an elevation gain slightly over 400ft. This hike features a 3.5-mile out-and-back route that takes an average of 1.5 to 2.5 hours to complete. This depends on your pace and how much time you spend at the waterfall. Parking at Eaton Canyon Nature Center requires a day-use parking pass, which we purchased on-site. This hike is quite popular, especially on weekends and holidays. Arrive early in the day or visit on weekdays to avoid crowds. We finished this hike early morning on a Tuesday and saw a good amount of people back at the parking lot.
There’s a lot of parking available with restrooms on-site. Eaton Canyon Falls is accessible year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring months when wildflowers are in bloom, and the waterfall flow is most robust. In the summer months, the canyon can become quite warm, so make sure to plan accordingly.
Escondido Falls, Malibu
Parking: Visitor Parking for Escondido Falls
Trailhead: Park at the lot on Winding Way East off Pacific Coast Highway. Take the clearly marked path.
Pets: Allowed on leashes
Length: 3.5 mile out-and-back
Elevation: 475ft
Time: 1.5-2.5 hrs. to complete
Water Crossings: 5 crossings, ankle high
Escondido Falls is located in Malibu, CA. The 150-foot cascade is one of the biggest waterfalls in SoCal. This is a very popular area for hiking, mountain biking, and running, so you’ll likely encounter other people here. If you complete the entire hike, you will find an awe-inspiring sight of a two-tiered waterfall. Although generally considered a moderately challenging route, it is a great trail with easy crossings. We did see poison oak, so you should be mindful during the hike.
The trailhead is located off Winding Way in Malibu. The hike begins at the end of the road, where a sign marks the start of the hiking route. It’s very well-maintained with lots of shade. Be sure to go early and avoid crowds, or visit during the week, or you can run into a long line of people waiting to take pictures at the falls. This pet friendly trail is also suitable for children, but parents be careful since the waterfall area can be slippery, especially after a heavy rainfall.
Escondido Falls is accessible year-round, but the best time to visit is during the late winter and spring months when rainfall is abundant, ensuring a good amount of flow at the waterfall. Parking at the lot on Winding Way requires paying the parking fee on-site. If you find no parking here, there is plenty of parking on Pacific Coast Highway for free. We saw many people parking here as we were leaving the parking lot.
Switzer Falls, Angeles National Forest
Parking: Switzer Falls Trail Parking
Trailhead: Clearly marked from parking lot
Pets: Allowed on leashes
Length: 3.7 miles
Elevation: 700ft
Time: 1.5 hours to complete
Water Crossings: About 14 crossings, some knee high
An adventure pass is required. Information about where to purchase passes can be found here:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/r5/passes-permits/recreation/?cid=STELPRDB5181410&width=full
Switzer falls is a relatively easy hike located in the Angeles National Forest. This is a very popular hike known for its natural beauty. Along the hike you’ll encounter towering pine and oak trees. The highlight of the hike is the magnificent Switzer Falls, where crystal-clear water cascades over rocky cliffs into a tranquil pool below.
Switzer Falls trailhead is located off the Angeles Crest Highway (Highway 2), approximately 10 miles north of La Cañada Flintridge, CA. Ample parking is available at the trailhead, but it can fill up quickly on weekends and holidays, so we recommend you arrive early. Restrooms and picnic areas are also available at the trailhead. This is a family-friendly hike suitable for children and adolescents but parents should be mindful of the waterfall area.
Switzer Falls is accessible year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring. Due to its convenient location, Switzer Falls trail can be popular, especially on weekends and holidays. Please try to arrive early to avoid crowds or visit during the week.
Devil’s Gulch, Angeles National Forest
Parking: East Fork Day Use Trailhead Parking Lot
Trailhead: This waterfall is off the Bridge to Nowhere Trail, trailhead is clearly marked from parking lot
Pets: Allowed on leashes
Length: Roughly 10 miles
Elevation: 866ft
Time: 5-8 hours to complete
Water Crossings: Over 5 crossings, can sometimes be waist high
An adventure pass is required. Information about where to purchase passes can be found here:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/r5/passes-permits/recreation/?cid=STELPRDB5181410&width=full
Devils Gulch Falls is one of the most impressive of the waterfalls in Southern California. It is located near the very popular Bridge to Nowhere trail. Although Bridge to Nowhere is probably the most popular hike in SoCal, very few people know about this waterfall. This is probably because its difficult to locate and access. This waterfall isn’t too far from the Bridge to Nowhere itself, but the hike to the bridge is already an all-day long activity. Parking is located at the East Fork Day Use Trailhead Parking Lot.
Accessing Devils Gulch Falls requires a bit of a rough detour that requires crossings through the river a few more times as well as a rough scramble within the Devils Gulch itself. Reaching the falls on the same day as reaching Bridge to Nowhere is possible, but you must start early morning, preferably by sunrise, or risk running out of daylight. Ensure to have snacks and water, along with proper gear.
Although kids and pets are allowed on the Bridge to Nowhere Trail, we do not recommend taking children or pets on this particular adventure. You’ll want to be here not long after some rains have passed in order to see the waterfall fully. However, that also means that the San Gabriel River will be in high flow, and that’s where the hike can be treacherous, especially if you’re not prepared.
These are just 5 of the best waterfall Hikes in Southern California
Southern California has so much to offer. From the stunning cliffs of Malibu to the peaceful trees of the San Gabriel Mountains, Southern California has some seriously cool hiking trails. You can find an awesome adventure with waterfalls and breathtaking views along the way. Feel free to check out some of our other blog posts for more trails.