Scenic Lookouts
Scenic waterfall trails, hidden cascades, and can't-miss nature hikes across LA
Los Angeles isn't just beaches and skyline views — tucked into the San Gabriel Mountains and Santa Monica Mountains are some of Southern California's most rewarding waterfall hikes. Below we've rounded up the 10 best waterfall trails near Los Angeles for 2026, covering everything from easy, family-friendly walks to more rugged canyon scrambles. Eaton Canyon Falls in Pasadena is one of the most popular and accessible options, with a 40-foot cascade at the end of a 3.5-mile round-trip trail. Escondido Falls above Malibu rewards hikers with a multi-tiered waterfall and coastal mountain views, while Sturtevant Falls in the Angeles National Forest winds through oak and sycamore forest to a 50-foot cascade. Add in Switzer Falls, with its blend of 1920s resort history and swimming holes, and this list covers the best of LA hiking with waterfalls at every skill level. Because most of these falls are seasonal, the tips below note when each one flows strongest — generally during and just after the winter rainy season.
Tucked within the serene expanse of Wildwood Regional Park in Thousand Oaks, California, Paradise Falls gracefully plunges 40 feet into a serene pool beside the Arroyo Conejo. Embarking on the Wildwood Canyon Trail, visitors can trace the falls' path, veering towards the enchanting Indian Cave. Shaded by lush greenery, the surrounding area provides an ideal setting for leisurely picnics and contemplative walks. Beyond its natural allure, Paradise Falls boasts a rich cinematic legacy, having served as the backdrop for timeless classics such as "Wuthering Heights," "The Rifleman," "The Grapes of Wrath," "Bonanza," "Wagon Train," "Gunsmoke," "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance," "Shenandoah," and "How the West Was Won," immortalizing its beauty on the silver screen for generations to come.
How long is the Eaton Canyon hike? Amidst the natural splendor of Pasadena, California, the foothills at Eaton Canyon Trail unfolds, inviting adventurers to explore its 3.5-mile expanse with a 500-foot elevation gain. Here, the captivating spectacle of Eaton Canyon Falls awaits, a 40-foot cascade gracefully descending into a tranquil mirror-pool, offering a serene spot for weary travelers to rest or wade into its refreshing waters. Above Eaton Falls, hidden amidst the verdant landscape, lie several secluded waterfalls, adding an air of enchantment to those who venture deeper into the wilderness. Alongside the trail, the tale of Benjamin Eaton and his upper-class bride, Alice, unfolds—a journey to California on the brink of the Civil War, immortalized in the 2006 production "Eaton's Water" by the Altadena Foothills Conservancy and Art Center College of Design Productions, capturing the spirit of an 1800s visionary.
Tucked away in the upper reaches of Arroyo Seco Canyon above Pasadena, Switzer Falls stands as one of L.A.'s cherished destinations for waterfall enthusiasts. The 4.5-mile trek through the Arroyo Seco's chaparral forest offers hikers a shaded pathway alongside a meandering creek, leading into a lush wooded canyon adorned with picturesque cascades, waterfalls, and inviting swimming holes. The highlight of the journey is the majestic 50-foot Switzer Falls, accessible via the Gabrielino Trail's 4.5-mile out-and-back route, which descends 650 feet from the Switzer Picnic Area to the stream below the falls. Transporting visitors back in time, the area's history resonates with the glamour of the 1920s, when the Switzer-Land Resort thrived in the Angeles National Forest. Accessible by horse-drawn carriages up the mountain and mules along the Arroyo Seco River, this 20-room retreat, established in 1884 by Commodore Perry Switzer, drew movie stars and socialites seeking respite amidst nature's splendor.
Nestled within the serene trails of Temescal Gateway Park, Temescal Canyon Falls offers a delightful escape into nature, especially during the rainy season when the waterfall comes alive. This hidden gem is accessible via a moderate hike along the Temescal Canyon Loop, which weaves through lush vegetation, shady oak trees, and rugged canyon terrain. The sound of cascading water is a reward for hikers reaching this picturesque spot, making it an ideal place for photography or simply enjoying the peaceful ambiance. While the falls are seasonal and dependent on rainfall, the journey to reach them is scenic year-round, with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Mountains along the way. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or a casual hiker, Temescal Canyon Falls provides a refreshing experience that connects you to the beauty of the Palisades.
Located in the Santa Monica Mountains above Malibu, Escondido Falls is one of the most scenic waterfall hikes near Los Angeles. The trail follows Escondido Creek through a shaded canyon before reaching the lower falls, where water tumbles down a series of rocky ledges surrounded by lush vegetation. The hike is especially beautiful following winter rains, when the creek and waterfall are at their strongest. The route offers a refreshing contrast to the dry chaparral landscape found throughout much of the Santa Monica Mountains, while views of the surrounding hills add to the experience. Water flow is seasonal, so the falls are most impressive during and shortly after the rainy season.
Tucked inside Big Santa Anita Canyon in the San Gabriel Mountains, Sturtevant Falls is one of the classic waterfall hikes near Los Angeles. The trail winds through a peaceful forest of oak, sycamore, and alder trees while following Big Santa Anita Creek toward the approximately 50-foot waterfall. Along the way, hikers pass historic cabins and remnants of the canyon's early mountain resorts, adding a fascinating sense of history to the journey. The waterfall is at its most impressive after winter and spring rainfall, when the creek carries abundant mountain runoff. The shaded canyon also makes the hike particularly appealing during warmer months, although conditions and access can vary throughout the year.
Millard Canyon Falls offers a peaceful creekside adventure in the San Gabriel Mountains just above Altadena. The trail follows Millard Creek through a narrow, shaded canyon surrounded by oak, sycamore, and maple trees before reaching the approximately 50-foot waterfall. Hikers cross the creek several times along the route, adding an adventurous element to an otherwise relatively gentle canyon walk. The falls can become particularly impressive after winter storms, when the creek is flowing strongly. With its combination of forested scenery, flowing water, and proximity to Pasadena and Los Angeles, Millard Canyon is a popular choice for hikers looking for a waterfall adventure without traveling far from the city.
Monrovia Canyon Falls is a relatively short and accessible waterfall hike in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. Located within Monrovia Canyon Park, the trail follows a shaded canyon beneath towering oak and sycamore trees before reaching the approximately 30-foot waterfall. Small cascades and seasonal creek crossings add interest along the route, while the surrounding forest provides a welcome escape from the urban landscape below. The falls are most attractive after periods of rainfall, when water flows through the canyon and over the rocky ledges. Its shorter distance makes Monrovia Canyon Falls a good option for hikers looking for a less strenuous waterfall outing near Los Angeles.
Trail Canyon Falls provides a more adventurous waterfall experience in the San Gabriel Mountains north of Los Angeles. The trail climbs through a rugged canyon surrounded by chaparral, oak woodland, and steep mountain slopes before reaching a rocky gorge containing the approximately 30-foot waterfall. The final portion of the hike is more challenging, with steep and uneven terrain requiring careful footing. After periods of significant rainfall, water pours over the rock face and creates a dramatic scene within the canyon. Spring is generally one of the best times to visit, when the waterfall has stronger flow and the surrounding hills can be covered with seasonal wildflowers.
Santa Ynez Falls is a peaceful seasonal waterfall tucked into Santa Ynez Canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains near Pacific Palisades. The hike follows a shaded creek through a lush canyon surrounded by live oaks, sycamores, sandstone formations, and dense vegetation. After winter and spring rains, water flows over the approximately 18-foot falls, creating a refreshing destination within the otherwise dry Southern California landscape. The route is relatively short but becomes more rugged near the waterfall, where hikers encounter rocky terrain and creek crossings. Because the falls depend heavily on rainfall, visitors will find the strongest flow during and shortly after the wet season.
Most LA-area waterfalls are seasonal and flow strongest during and shortly after the winter and spring rainy season, roughly December through April. Flow can be minimal or absent during the dry summer and fall months.
Eaton Canyon Falls in Pasadena and Monrovia Canyon Falls are both well-marked, moderate hikes with shorter distances, making them good choices for beginners or families compared to longer routes like Switzer or Sturtevant Falls.
Yes — trails such as Eaton Canyon, Sturtevant Falls, and Switzer Falls are generally open all year, though the waterfalls themselves will have much lower flow outside the rainy season.