Hiking Escondido Falls After the Storm – A Muddy Adventure Worth Every Step
After a night of heavy rain and storms, we made a decision that might sound crazy: let’s go hiking. Sure, we knew the trails would be muddy, but sometimes the best adventures come when you least expect them. And Escondido Falls in Malibu, CA, did not disappoint.
Getting to Escondido Falls
Escondido Falls is located just off the iconic Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. Parking is available at a small lot directly off PCH for $8. Pro tip: do not attempt to drive or park in the surrounding neighborhoods—you will get towed. Trust us, it’s not worth the risk.
Since the parking lot is relatively small, it’s best to get there early, aim for the off-season, or visit on a weekday. We arrived around 11:30 AM on a cold, damp morning and managed to grab a spot. By the time we finished the hike, though, the lot was full, and cars were circling for openings.
The Trail Begins – Through the Neighborhood
The hike starts with a walk through a ritzy Malibu neighborhood, complete with Mercedes and Range Rovers rolling by. Signs remind you to “stay on the trail,” which basically means sticking to the dirt along the side of the road. It’s not the most scenic start, but it gets you to where the real adventure begins.
At the end of the paved road, you’ll see a “private road” sign that’s easy to misinterpret—just keep going a few more feet, and you’ll reach the official trail entrance. That’s where the fun begins.
Mud, Mud, and More Mud
Thanks to the previous night’s storm, the trail was incredibly muddy. The first section is a downhill slope, and within minutes, our boots felt like they each weighed an extra five pounds. Every few steps, we had to stop to scrape off the thick layers of mud. But once we made it to the bottom of the hill, the trail started to dry out, and the hike became much more manageable.
From there, it was a relatively easy walk without too much elevation gain. The trail was peaceful, lined with beautiful wildflowers in full bloom, and even some of the most bizarre, twisting trees we’ve ever seen on a hike.
The Falls – A Reward Worth the Effort
At the end of the trail, we were greeted by the gorgeous Escondido Falls—a refreshing and serene sight after our muddy trek. The lower falls are beautiful on their own, but it’s important to note that climbing to the upper falls is not recommended. They’re located on private property, and the surrounding hillsides are unstable and dangerous.
The Hike Back
By the time we hiked back up, the trail had dried out significantly, making the climb back to the car much easier. What had taken us a bit longer on the way down (thanks to all that mud) was a breeze on the way up. In total, the hike was about 4 miles roundtrip and took us roughly 2.5 hours to complete, with plenty of stops to admire the scenery.
Ending the Day at Malibu Seafood
No day in Malibu is truly complete without a stop at Malibu Seafood—just a short drive south on PCH. We wrapped up our adventure with a well-earned lunch of fresh seafood while enjoying the ocean views. If you haven’t been, you absolutely need to check them out: malibuseafood.com.
Final Thoughts: Hiking Escondido Falls after a storm was a muddy, messy adventure, but it was so worth it. If you’re up for a little extra challenge and want to experience this beautiful trail with fewer crowds, don’t be afraid to embrace the mud. Just make sure you bring sturdy boots and a sense of adventure!
Have you hiked Escondido Falls? Share your experience in the comments—I’d love to hear about your favorite trails and hiking tips!
