Los Angeles waterfalls have a kind of magic about them. They’ve often hidden away, cascading off cliff edges or bursting through fissures, creating a natural oasis below. Sure, the quest to reach them can sometimes involve an arduous journey of blood (the knee graze), sweat (the California sun), and tears (additional water supply). But as soon as you hear the rushing waterfall in the distance, the excitement takes over and makes the trek just as rewarding as eventually cooling off underneath the water.
Check out our list below of the perfect places to grab a sight of these natural flowing waterfalls in Los Angeles, and remember to hike responsibly and safely. Come prepared, always be respectful of the trails, and leave no trace.
1. Escondido Falls
Escondido Falls, is one of the best hidden but well-known waterfalls in Los Angeles. Tucked away in Malibu’s scenic hills, this natural wonder offers a serene escape from the city buzz, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Prepare for a moderate trek, traversing through lush landscapes and crossing streams before reaching the breathtaking cascade, providing a refreshing retreat amid the urban landscape of Los Angeles.
How to get there: head to the trailhead located off Winding Way in Malibu. The hike begins with a leisurely stroll through shaded canopies and alongside a creek, gradually leading to the majestic waterfall.
📍 Location: Escondido Canyon Trail, Malibu, CA 90265
🚶♀️ Trail distance: 3.6 miles
🟢 Difficulty: Easy
⛰️ Elevation: 351 ft
🐶 Dogs: Yes, on leash
2. Paradise Falls
Paradise Falls, one of the most tranquil waterfalls in Los Angeles, offers a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Nestled in Wildwood Regional Park in Thousand Oaks, this hidden gem provides a refreshing retreat just a short drive from downtown LA, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts seeking a peaceful getaway.
How to get there: begin your journey at the trailhead within Wildwood Regional Park, conveniently located near Los Angeles. Embark on a leisurely hike through the park’s lush landscapes, meandering along shaded paths and crossing charming bridges, before arriving at the captivating waterfall.
📍 Location: 928 West Avenida De Los Arboles, Wildwood Regional Park, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
🚶♀️ Trail distance: 1.5 miles
🟢 Difficulty: Easy-moderate.
⛰️ Elevation: 300 ft
🐶 Dogs: Yes, on leash
3. Trail Canyon Falls
Located in the Angeles National Forest, this hidden gem is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore nature’s beauty and discover cascading waters. With its peaceful atmosphere and stunning natural scenery, this one of the best waterfalls in Los Angeles provides the perfect opportunity to unwind and reconnect with the great outdoors.
How to get there: begin your journey at the trailhead within Angeles National Forest, conveniently situated near downtown LA. The hike meanders through the forest, offering scenic trails and gentle streams to cross, ultimately leading you to the breathtaking Trail Canyon Falls.
📍 Location: Tujunga, CA 91042
🚶♀️ Trail distance: 2 miles
🟠 Difficulty: Moderate
⛰️ Elevation: 700 ft
🐶 Dogs: Yes, on leash
4. Black Star Canyon
This place is perfect for a challenging day hike with stunning scenery. The Black Star Canyon Trail is like a choose-your-own-adventure book. Start on a chill, flat path and then choose to level up by scrambling along a rocky streambed to a hidden waterfall.
How to get there: head south from L.A on the I-5 until you hit the 91 Freeway east. Take the 91 until the Santiago Canyon Road exit, then turn left. Cruise down Silverado Canyon Road and take another left onto Black Star Canyon Road. Follow it all the way to the end for parking and the trailhead.
⚠️ (There’s poison oak, so proceed with caution.)
📍 Location: 13333 Black Star Canyon Rd, Silverado, CA 92676
🚶♀️ Trail distance: 3.3 miles
🟠 Difficulty: Moderate-hard
⛰️ Elevation: 820 ft
🐶 Dogs: Yes, on leash
5. The Grotto
Scenic escape with a hidden gem alert! This hike is perfect for an adventurous day trip with a mix of relaxation and challenge. The trail starts with wide, easy paths, but for those seeking a bit more thrill, there’s the option to conquer some rocky scrambles along a creek that lead to a secret waterfall nestled in a cave.
How to get there: head west on the PCH until you near the end of Malibu. Look out for Neptune’s Net Restaurant and turn north onto Yerba Buena Road. Follow this road for about 5.5 miles until you see the Circle X Ranch Ranger Station on your right. Park there and follow the signs to the trailhead.
📍 Location: 12896 Yerba Buena Rd, Malibu, CA 90265
🚶♀️ Trail distance: 1 mile
🟢 Difficulty: Easy
⛰️ Elevation: 500 ft
🐶 Dogs: Yes, on leash
6. Heart Rock Falls
This easy hike offers one of the best waterfalls in Los Angeles with amazing scenic views and a refreshing waterfall at the end. It’s an easy stroll suitable for most fitness levels, making it a great option for families with kids and dogs.
Hot to get there: Head north on the 405 freeway from LA until you reach the Burbank Boulevard exit. Turn right onto Burbank Boulevard and follow it for about 4 miles until you see signs for Wildwood Canyon Park. Turn left into the park and follow the signs for the Heart Rock Waterfall Trail. Parking can be limited, so try to go early or during the week for the best experience.
📍 Location: 250 CA-138, Crestline, CA 92325
🚶♀️ Trail distance: 0.5 mile
🟢 Difficulty: Easy
⛰️ Elevation: 100 ft
🐶 Dogs: Yes, on leash
7. Cooper Canyon Falls
Fans of waterfalls in Los Angeles, rejoice! This moderate hike provides a challenge that’s perfect for an adventurous day trip. The Cooper Canyon Falls Trail winds through scenic canyons and lush greenery, culminating in a breathtaking waterfall.
Hot to get there: head north on the I-5 freeway from LA until you reach the exit for California 14 North. Take the 14 North for about 27 miles and then turn right onto Spunky Canyon Road. Follow Spunky Canyon Road for 4.5 miles until you see the trailhead on your right. Parking is available, but it can fill up on weekends, so plan accordingly!
📍 Location: Pacific Crest Nat’l Scenic Trl, Pearblossom, CA 93553
🚶♀️ Trail distance: 2.5 miles
🟠Difficulty: Moderate
⛰️ Elevation: 745 ft
🐶 Dogs: Yes, on leash. Be aware of potential loose rocks and uneven terrain on the trail.
8. Eaton Canyon Falls
Eaton Canyon has a popular and fairly easy waterfall hike near L.A. that always draws crowds after a good rain. This hike starts out flat and wide, perfect for a leisurely stroll. As you progress, the trail transforms into a more adventurous single-track path leading to a stunning 40-foot waterfall.
Hot to get there: Headnorth on Altadena Drive (CA-110) until you reach the exit for Eaton Canyon Natural Area. Follow the signs for the park and look for parking near the nature center.
📍 Location: 1750 N Altadena Dr, Altadena, CA 91001
🚶♀️ Trail distance: 2 miles
🟢 Difficulty: Easy
⛰️ Elevation: 550 ft
🐶 Dogs: Yes, on leash. Swimming in the pool at the base of the falls is not allowed for dogs. Humans only!
9. Switzer Falls
It would be challenging to locate a Southern California hike spanning less than four miles, that rivals the multitude of attractions found on the timeless Switzer Falls trail in the Angeles National Forest. The spot is perfect for an adventurous day trip, but It’s a bit of a workout. Still, the stunning scenery and the cool finale make it absolutely worth the effort.
Hot to get there: Head northeast on the I-210 freeway until you reach the Arroyo Seco Parkway exit. Follow the parkway for a few miles and then turn right onto Mount Lowe Drive. Continue on Mount Lowe Drive until you see signs for the Switzer Picnic Area. Park there and follow the well-marked trail to the waterfall.
📍 Location: 701 Angeles Crest Scenic Bywy, Tujunga, CA 91042.
🚶♀️ Trail distance: 1.6 miles
🟠 Difficulty: Moderate
⛰️ Elevation: 690 ft
🐶 Dogs: Yes, on leash.
10. Brown Mountain Dam
This place is literally less than 30 minutes by car from DTLA. The Brown Mountain Dam Trail winds through shaded canyons and past old ruins, culminating at an 81-foot dam with a seasonal waterfall cascading down its face. It’s a moderate hike with a touch of history and a refreshing reward, perfect for a day trip off the beaten path.
How to get there: Take the I-210 freeway east until you reach the exit for Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2). Follow the Angeles Crest Highway for a while, enjoying the scenic mountain views. Look out for the turnoff for Arroyo Seco Road and follow it for about 3 miles. You’ll eventually see signs for the Brown Mountain Trailhead. Parking is limited.
📍 Location: Seco, Arroyo, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
🚶♀️ Trail distance: 1.2 miles
🔴 Difficulty: Hard
⛰️ Elevation: 600 ft
🐶 Dogs: Yes, on leash
11. Millard Canyon Falls
Another must-visit on this list of waterfalls in Los Angeles is Millard Canyon Falls. This easy hike offers a picturesque escape with a cascading 50-foot waterfall just outside the city. The Millard Canyon Falls Trail leads you through a pleasant canyon with a babbling creek, culminating at the scenic waterfall. It’s a short and manageable walk with a beautiful payoff, ideal for all ages.
How to get there: Head north on I-210 from LA until you reach the Lake Avenue exit. Go north on Lake Avenue until Loma Alta Drive and turn left. Follow Loma Alta Drive until you see signs for the Millard Campground. The trailhead is located just beyond the campground. Parking is available but it can get crowded on weekends.
📍 Location: Brown Mountain Fire Rd, Altadena, CA 91001
🚶♀️ Trail distance: 1.2 miles
🟠 Difficulty: Moderate
⛰️ Elevation: 570 ft
🐶 Dogs: Yes, on leash
12. Placerita Canyon Waterfall Trail
This moderate hike offers a scenic escape with a seasonal waterfall just outside of Los Angeles. The trail winds through shady oak woodlands and past vibrant wildflowers, eventually leading to a 15-foot waterfall (when flowing). It’s a challenging but rewarding hike perfect for a day trip surrounded by nature.
How to get there: take the I-5 north from LA, exit at Newhall Pass Road, turn right and follow it for 2.6 miles, take exit 3 for Placerita Canyon Road, turn left and follow for 1.5 miles to the park entrance.
📍 Location: 19152 Placerita Canyon Rd, Newhall, CA 91321
🚶♀️ Trail distance:Easy 2.3 miles
🟢 Difficulty: Easy
⛰️ Elevation: 570 ft
🐶 Dogs: Yes, on leash
13. Tenaja Falls
Tenaja Falls, just a hop away from LA, is a total gem for hiking. It’s seriously worth the effort, trust me. The falls themselves are stunning, and being out in nature like that, away from the city noise.
How to get there: Head out from LA on the I-15 South toward Temecula, then take the Clinton Keith Road exit and go west. After about 6 miles, hang a right onto Tenaja Road and keep cruising for another mile and a half until you hit the trailhead parking on your left. From there, just follow the trail markers.
📍 Location: Forest Rte 7S02, Murrieta, CA 92562
🚶♀️ Trail distance: 1 mile
🟢 Difficulty: Easy
⛰️ Elevation: 311 ft
🐶 Dogs: Yes, on leash
14. Tahquitz Falls
Starting from the Visitor’s Center, expect an ascent of 350 feet to reach the falls. The trail is rugged and steep, featuring numerous rock steps that require good balance and the ability to navigate steps as tall as 12-15 inches. The canyon offers minimal shade and lacks restroom facilities or water fountains.
How to get there: Drive east on I-10 for approximately 107 miles. Exit onto CA-111 North towards Palm Springs and continue for about 15 miles. Follow signs for Tahquitz Canyon, then turn right onto South Palm Canyon Drive, where the trailhead parking is located.
📍 Location: Tahquitz Falls, Palm Springs, CA 92264
🚶♀️ Trail distance: 1.8 miles
🟠 Difficulty: Moderate
⛰️ Elevation: 350 ft
🐶 Dogs: Not allowed
15. Bonita Falls
Bonita Falls, a set of waterfalls near Los Angeles in the San Bernardino National Forest, features three tiers and additional cascades in the canyon above, including a 60-foot segmented waterfall and a 25-foot cascade. With its year-round flow, it’s an ideal destination from summer to winter, offering a picturesque and refreshing outdoor experience for hikers and nature enthusiasts alike.
How to get there: Take I-10 East to I-15 North towards Barstow. Exit at Sierra Avenue, head north, then turn left onto Lytle Creek Road. Follow signs for South Fork Road to reach the trailhead. Hike approximately 0.5-0.75 miles to Bonita Falls.
📍 Location: San Bernardino, CA 92358
🚶♀️ Trail distance: 1.5 miles
🟠 Difficulty: Moderate
⛰️ Elevation: 100 ft
🐶 Dogs: Yes, on leash
16. Etiwanda Falls
Bonita Falls, situated in North Etiwanda Preserve in Rancho Cucamonga, is a stunning waterfall with a scenic hike near Los Angeles. Fed by East Etiwanda Creek, the falls are formed by the convergence of two streams, creating a captivating cascade.
The trail to Bonita Falls is moderate and well-marked, offering an accessible and rewarding outdoor experience for those seeking waterfall hikes near Los Angeles. It’s an ideal destination for nature lovers and hikers looking to explore the beauty of Southern California’s landscapes.
How to get there: Take I-10 East to Milliken Avenue in Rancho Cucamonga. Head north on Milliken, turn left onto Victoria Avenue, then right onto Etiwanda Avenue. Follow Etiwanda Avenue to the Etiwanda Preserve parking area.
📍 Location: Etiwanda Ave, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739
🚶♀️ Trail distance: 3.5 miles
🟠 Difficulty: Moderate
⛰️ Elevation: 50 ft
🐶 Dogs: No dogs allowed
17. Monrovia Canyon Falls (temporarily closed)
The hike is a gentle, three-quarter-mile ascent through man-made dams, narrow paths, and beneath ancient trees, leading to the year-round falls at Monrovia Canyon Park in the San Gabriel Mountains. The round-trip distance is just 1.5 miles, and you’ll find convenient amenities provided by the City of Monrovia, including a water fountain, restrooms, and welcoming naturalists at the Canyon Park Nature Center.
📍 Location: Monrovia Canyon Park, Monrovia, CA
🚶♀️ Trail distance: 3.5 miles
🟠 Difficulty: Moderate
⛰️ Elevation: 1,000 ft
🐶 Dogs: Yes, on a leash
18. Santa Ynez Falls
The 2.5-mile round-trip hike on the Santa Ynez Waterfall Trail begins at Topanga State Park (where dogs are not permitted) in the Pacific Palisades. The trail, which runs alongside a lush creek, is shaded and culminates in a scenic gorge rather than a full-fledged waterfall, but it’s beautiful nonetheless.
📍 Location: Topanga State Park, Topanga, CA
🚶♀️ Trail distance: 1.5 miles
🟠 Difficulty: Easy to moderate
⛰️ Elevation: 400 ft
🐶 Dogs: No dogs allowed
19. Solstice Canyon
The 30-foot waterfall in Solstice Canyon is located just 100 yards past the Roberts House (also known as the “Tropical Terrace”), and its flow varies from a gentle trickle to a powerful gush depending on recent rainfall. This 3.5-mile hike in the Santa Monica Mountains culminates in a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean in the distance.
📍 Location: Malibu, CA
🚶♀️ Trail distance: 2.3 miles
🟠 Difficulty: Easy to moderate
⛰️ Elevation: 400 ft
🐶 Dogs: Yes, on a leash
Article originally written by Ashlyn Davies.