Accessed from Pacific Coast Highway about a mile south of Kanan Road in Malibu, the trail through Escondido Canyon Natural Area leads hikers (dogs on leash are welcome), mountain bikers, and equestrians 4.2 miles through oak woodland, riparian woodland, and Coastal sage scrub to a view of 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.

From the parking, follow the trail along the paved road about a mile. Please stay on the trail for your safety along this winding road with multiple blind curves. At the Escondido Canyon Trailhead sign at the top of a meadow to your left, head down into the canyon. You will cross Escondido Creek (dry seasonally) and head to the left to reach the waterfall. The trail criss-crosses the creek several times. A mile into the trail you will reach the base of the waterfall. This is the lower tier of the huge limestone fall. The public parkland ends here. The upper falls are located on private property and are not open to the public. Hikers should NOT attempt to climb to the upper falls at the risk of serious fall injuries.