L.A. is known for its glamour and perfect weather: with fancy shopping malls, big film studios, and up and coming eateries. But not too far away, there are awesome natural sights for you to explore. The scenically beautiful waterfall hikes near Los Angeles are completely opposite of the shining metropolitan city, and these waterfall hikes will be absolutely amazing if you dare to hike a bit.
Waterfalls are relaxing and can make for a great insta post (if that's your thing!), and if you aim for March or April, you may catch them with a lot of water due to the snow melting in the mountains! Be ready, pack up your hiking backpack, tighten up your hiking boots and get yourself a water bottle.
- Escondido Falls (Malibu - Featured image: Lower Escondido Falls): Escondido Falls is one of the best hikes along the coast of Malibu, specially when it is flowing strong. The hike is a relatively easy 3.8 miles round trip, but it leads you to one of the best waterfalls in Southern California. The waterfall has three tiers: One that is easy to access and that is 50 feet tall, and two more that should only be attempted with caution, since Upper Escondido Fall is 150 feet tall. Up there, you will be at one of the coolest spots in Southern California.
- Millard Falls (Altadena): Milliard Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls you will find across town, with a short trailing path. This stunning 50 feet waterfall catches the eye of everyone. If you want to have a short but fun hike, this is the one to go for. Just be aware that the trail is not as easy to go through. It has a 1.5-mile hike filled with succulents and wildflowers. Once you've made it to the end, you will definitely be getting your jaw dropped, seeing the sheer beauty of the waterfall. Reconnect yourself with nature as you take a short, yet adventurous walk through a complete natural wonder.
- Coal Canyon (Yorba Linda): Want a more adventurous and thrilling hike? After a 6-mile hike, right along the Big Mo Trail, you will find the 20 foot high Coal Canyon waterfalls. However, you may not find the cascade to be as beautiful as the Milliard Falls.
- Escondido Falls (Malibu): About 18 miles away from Santa Monica, the Escondido Falls make it worth going the long distance. It's a 4.3-mile trail, not a hard one, yet extremely beautiful when it has rained, and the entire track is wet and gives a stunning look. It is one of the tallest waterfalls in the Santa Monica Mountains.
- Santa Ynez Falls (Malibu): Not far from Escondido Falls but with a different trailhead, this hike is just over a mile long and enjoyable by the whole family. Like the other waterfalls, the amount of water depends on the season.
- Eaton Canyon Falls (Altadena): The 3.5-mile hike of Eaton Canyon Falls Hike is one of the best among the waterfall hikes near Los Angeles as the 30 feet falls feature a pool of crisp and clear water you'll love to take a dip in. This hike will be a fun adventure, with a comfortable bath on cold and calm water on the pool.
- Switzer Falls (Tujunga): Switzer falls is a traveler's favorite. As one of the most popular waterfall hikes near Los Angeles, the 4.5-mile hike ends with a beautiful, 50 feet cascade. It also is one of the most crowded falls because of its popularity.
- Sturtevant Falls (Monrovia): This hike is just less than 4 miles and one of the most popular day hikes in the Los Angeles area. Being a very popular one, the Sturtevant falls, features a 4-mile hike with a gorgeous cascade.
- Big Falls (San Bernardino): The Big Falls hiking features only a 0.8-mile trail hiking, but a compact and fun experience overall. The hike is not easy and can give you a taste of hiking if you just want to go and relax.
- Trabuco Falls (Trabuco Canyon): The Trabuco Falls are hard to find, hence they are not very popular among the waterfall hikes near Los Angeles. However, the 1.2-mile hike featuring waterfalls will give you a short, yet beautiful experience in a less crowded serenity.