Escondido Canyon Trail

Treat your pup to a hike up Escondido Canyon. After a fairly easy hike, your pal can enjoy the puptacular Escondido Falls. They’ll also just love hanging out by your side in this lovely SoCal canyon.

A small parking lot is available where Winding Way meets the Pacific Coast Highway. Follow Winding Way for about a mile to the actual trailhead. If the lot is full, which it often is, find a spot along the PCH. Just be careful as you cross traffic. As you make your way toward the trailhead, admire all the beautiful homes on the Malibu hillside.

Once you get to the trailhead, leave the pavement behind and head down the dirt path. A variety of trees and shrubs line the trail, so there is ample shade. Escondido Creek runs near the trail and you and your doggo have to cross the stream in a couple spots. Hop across the boulders to keep your feet dry. After about a mile, the trail arrives at Lower Escondido Falls, a beautiful falls that cascades over moss covered cliffs. Paws for a water break and chill out by the falls for a bit before heading back down to the car.

There is a trail that leads to the larger more impressive Upper Escondido Falls. Although it is on private property and people are asked not to hike this section of the trail, you’ll probably see several hikers making the steep trek. If you opt to go to the Upper Falls, do so you at your own risk.

Restrooms are available at the parking lot, but drinking water is not. Since temperatures can be warm, bring plenty of water along so your pup doesn’t get thirsty. Also, pack some clean up bags and pick up after your pup. No doubt about it, this trail will make your dog one happy hound!