Scenic Lookouts
Last Updated on Mar 26, 2025
For those looking to chase waterfalls, Los Angeles has some incredible hikes to explore. Eaton Canyon Falls in Pasadena is a popular, easy hike leading to a picturesque 40-foot waterfall. Escondido Falls in Malibu is the tallest in the Santa Monica Mountains, best visited after rainfall. Sturtevant Falls in the Angeles National Forest offers a scenic 3.3-mile round-trip hike through lush canyons. Paradise Falls in Thousand Oaks features a stunning 40-foot cascade surrounded by rock formations. Switzer Falls, located off the Angeles Crest Highway, is a beautiful hike through shaded forest areas. Millard Falls near Altadena is a short yet rewarding trail to a hidden waterfall. Hermit Falls, near Sturtevant Falls, offers pools for cliff jumping in warmer months. Santa Ynez Falls in Topanga State Park is a less-traveled trail leading to a serene waterfall. Cooper Canyon Falls in the San Gabriel Mountains is a remote and rewarding hike with a beautiful cascade. Trail Canyon Falls, located near Tujunga, provides a moderate hike leading to a dramatic waterfall drop.
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.