Andrew MacNeil

Kyle Fisher

Stephanie Stott

Jackson M

Solstice Canyon

Paradise Falls

San Antonio Falls Rd

Trail Canyon Falls

Escondido Falls

11 Dog Friendly Waterfall Hikes Near Los Angeles

Known to some as a sprawling concrete jungle, there’s a lot more to Los Angeles than meets the eye. With a little effort and a short (well-timed) drive, outdoor lovers can discover pretty amazing waterfall and swimming hole hikes around the greater Los Angeles area. Here’s our short list of these top excursions for your next adventure.

Accessed from Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) about a mile south of Kanan Road in Malibu, the Edward Albert Trail through Escondido Canyon Natural Area leads hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians 4.2 miles through oak woodland, riparian woodland, and Coastal sage scrub to the spectacular, multi-tiered 150-foot Escondido Falls—the highest in the Santa Monica Mountains. The waterfall is dependent on rainfall, and is minimal or non-existent during dry weather. Be advised in advance that the parking lot at Winding Way costs $12.00 and there are no bathroom facilities beyond the parking lot at PCH. For more information: MRCA.gov

Not far from Escondido Falls you can find its much smaller, quaint waterfall cousin, Solstice Canyon. This is without a doubt a beautiful hike, but trafficked much more for the views of Malibu rolling hills that overlook the ocean rather than the waterfall itself.

Located in the Conejo Valley of Southern California, take the Paradise Falls loop trail out to a beautiful waterfall that fills up a relatively large water hole at the end of North Fork of Arroyo Conejo creek.

Take this moderately challenging, rocky but shaded hike out to the Millard Falls. A head ups that you will need to scramble in a few areas along the trail, so make sure to wear some decent hiking shoes. The falls will be flowing heavier after a good rainfall.

Hikers have a couple different route options to take on their way to Eaton Canyon Falls. There are some parking options in the nearby neighborhood for a short walk into the park. Falls can definitely be limited without recent rainfall.

[Temporarily Closed] - Located along the world-famous Pacific Crest Trail, Aztec Falls and the surrounding areas of Deep Creek are a summertime favorite of locals and tourists alike. The popularity of the creek's swimming holes, most notably at Aztec Falls, has caused a temporary closure due to traffic and parking problems on the narrow Forest Service roads. Make sure to check in with the Forest Service before making the trip out.

[Temporarily Closed] - Known as one of the most popular waterfalls in the entire Angeles National Forest, this falls area is temporarily closed due the Bobcat Fire. Make sure to keep checking back with Aventura and the Forest Service site for updates on reopening.

A quick, easy paved route can be utilized for the majority of the way up to San Antonio Falls. There is a dirt path that handrails the paved trail if you’re looking to watch your knees and feet. Hikers with younger kids tend to love this little trip.

A beautiful, fairly easy but rocky trail out to the Big Falls waterfall area. Considered a safe and fun hike, make sure to stick to the trail and don’t go out past the falls, as the area beyond it considered high risk and has resulted in multiple search and rescue efforts.

This adventurous and moderately challenging out and back trail has some gorgeous mountain views with the occasional incline en route to the falls (which can be dry depending on recent rainfall). About 1/3 of the trail is without any shade, so make sure to bring a hat and sunscreen.

Take the San Gabrielino trail outside Pasadena up this moderately challenging out and back trail up through a gorgeous rocky mountain landscape to the Switzer Falls and water hole. Much like many SoCal falls, Switzer is definitely dependent on recent rainfall, so plan your trip accordingly if you want to see the waterfall flowing.

<span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Karla,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Karla,sans-serif;color:#1155cc;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:underline;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;text-decoration-skip-ink:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">MRCA.gov</span>

<span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Karla,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Karla,sans-serif;color:#1155cc;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:underline;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;text-decoration-skip-ink:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">Forest Service</span>

Hi everyone, my name is Jackson and I'm a 7 year old fox red english lab based out of San Francisco and Lake Tahoe. My page is dedicated to helping pup owners find the best dog-friendly places across the world. 