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Escondido Falls
4.5 ★★★★★ 936 Google reviews · Running trail in Malibu, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Escondido Falls' own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
A popular hiking trail that crosses creeks leads to this waterfall with upper & lower sections.
What runners say about Escondido Falls
“There are beautiful views of the beach (from the parking lot to the beginning of the trail).”
Very nice trail! I crossed 5 small streams to get to the lower park of the waterfall. There are beautiful views of the beach (from the parking lot to the beginning of the trail). If you are driving, you can park at 27751 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu CA 90265.
Amazing hike, I went by myself, is about 3.5 miles (both ways), kids friendly, perfect for a family. Expect to get wet right now due to heavy rain, but you won’t regret this spot, take extra shoes for after the hike, make sure you go to the 2nd waterfall, is not that hard, is about 10 minutes away from the 1st one.
This has actually reopened. We went there yesterday, July 2025. Gorgeous hike with a great mix of canyon and ocean views. You’ll feel like you’re walking through a peaceful little forest—there’s plenty of shade thanks to the trees.
What a hike! We went to the falls after a rainy day and boy was it muddy. We were so unprepared we decided to do the entire hike barefoot, which turned out to be a great idea. We had to pass 5/6 streams of water before getting to the waterfall, and it was worth it.
Trail conditions & character
“A wonderful place, from the parking lot to the waterfall itself you need to walk about 40-55 minutes.”
“There’s a small parking lot with a $12 fee, but you can also try parking on PCH just before or after the trailhead (if you’re lucky).”
“But a sharp climb if you want to get to the upper waterfall😅”
“Then there will be a point: three car roads and one dirt path to the left.”
“Honestly not the most accessible trail especially after rain, would only recommend it on drier conditions.”
Plan your run at Escondido Falls
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitemrca.ca.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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