One of Southern California's largest waterfalls, this 150-foot cascade has two levels and is composed of limestone rocks coated in vivid green moss. The road will begin to descend after approximately a half-mile, and there will be a well defined route to the left. Be prepared for some major rock-hopping since this is the Escondido Canyon Trail, an extreme trek that spans streams.

The Lower Escondido Falls, one of the best Hiking Trails In L.A. With Waterfalls, are stunning on their own and at 50 feet. Everyone else should continue onward through a clear path to the right of the falls (they advise you to choose the official way; the alternative is undoubtedly risky! ), which will lead you to the Upper Escondido Falls after a long ascent. You can drag yourself along with the aid of a guiding rope, but be careful since the rocks are slick. Until you reach the main attraction, a spectacular tiered cascade that sweeps over moss-covered outcroppings, this route will lead you under a portion of the lower waterfall and over further stones. Wading into the pool on a hot day is the best reward—you'll probably see a few dogs already swimming about or simply let the cold spray of the waterfall on your skin while standing behind it.

Address: 27200 Winding Way
Trailhead: Park at the lot on Winding Way East a Pacific Coast Highway. The trailhead starts on Winding Way Road, take the clearly marked path.
Pets? Dogs allowed on leashes
Length: ~3.8 miles
Time: 2 hrs

With four separate trails branching out from the Avenida de los Arboles gate, the trail network in Wildwood Park is so rich it nearly causes shame. Choose the Moonridge Trail for a sunny stroll across scrub plains that may appear familiar if you enjoyed Disney Westerns from the 1950s and 1960s, such as the classic Davy Crockett.

After about a mile, the Moonridge Trail and the Tepee Trail converge; turn left here, and a little while later you'll reach a replica tepee with a vista of the Arroyo Conejo canyon. Paradise Falls, Hiking Trails In L.A. With Waterfalls, is a magnificent 40-foot cascade that is remarkable even in the dry season, is only a quarter mile from there. The water isn't very clean, so resist the impulse to swim here. Instead, eat lunch and take the Wildwood Canyon Trail back to the entrance. A cave—a passageway through the rocks that is big enough to walk in—lies at the end of this little diversion. According to park officials, Chumash Indians utilized it. Your final leg of the trip will take you down Indian Creek Trail, a great place to observe birds, especially during migration.

Address: 928 W Avenida de los Arboles

Trailhead: Clearly marked, just west of the parking lot on Avenida de los Arboles. Trail maps are available here.

Pets? Dogs allowed on leashes

Length: ~2.2 miles

Time: 1 hr

Don’t let the fact that the Eaton Canyon Natural Area is also home to the dubiously named Moist Canyon keep you from visiting this popular spot. The abundance of slow-moving families? It’s a legitimate deterrent, unless, of course, you are in possession of a few children yourself, in which case this is the perfect hike for you and your over-five-year-olds. They counted nine stream crossings throughout the short, under-three-mile hike, but it varies depending on the season. Make sure everyone is wearing shoes that can withstand getting a little wet.

Take the main Park Road Trail about 1.5 miles through a forested, rocky region that gradually slopes, starting at the Nature Center parking lot. Enjoy wading in the shallows once you get at the 50-foot waterfall that plunges into a stunning granite punchbowl, but stay away from ascending the razorback route above the falls—a lot of people have perished trying precisely that.

If you want a challenge, continue on until the route reaches the Mt. Wilson Toll Road, where you may begin an eight-mile trek to the Mt. Wilson Observatory. If not, simply go back the way you came. The Pasadena Police Department's firing range is adjacent to Moist Canyon, so if you decide to make the detour, be sure to keep an ear out for gunshots.

Address: 1750 N Altadena Dr

Trailhead: Park at the Nature Center and cross the wash to the clearly marked trailhead.

Pets? Dogs allowed on leashes

Length: ~3 miles

Time: 1 hr 30 min

On this gorgeous Malibu trail, which winds past the ruins of two houses on the way to a 30-foot waterfall that makes up for its modesty with a succession of natural pools that beg investigation, it's simple to picture oneself in a post-apocalyptic paradise.

Take the easy, shady Solstice Canyon Trail from the park's entrance off Corral Canyon Road. The Keller House, a stone hunting cottage constructed by the original proprietors of the canyon lands, comes first. The Roberts Ranch House was built by renowned architect Paul Williams (who created the Theme Building at LAX) as a retirement getaway for grocery store tycoon Fred Roberts and his wife Florence. Its remnants may be found about half a mile up the route. Fire damaged the Polynesian-style house in 1982, which had previously been featured in Architectural Digest. What's left is basically a three-dimensional design of the building: There are various wall remnants, a rusted bathtub, and a stove that is falling apart. The entire scenario might seem unsettling if not for the joyful splashing of your fellow hikers. Instead, it's the ideal location for a picnic; simply add a patterned tablecloth and some food served in a Mason jar, and presto—Instagram magic. Take the Rising Sun Trail back to complete the loop. A view of the Pacific through the canyon will be your reward for the trek.

Address: 3998 Solstice Canyon Rd

Trailhead: Turn onto Solstice Canyon Road from Corral Canyon Road. The trailhead is clearly marked from the main parking lot.

Pets? Dogs allowed on leashes

Length: ~2.5 miles

Time: 1 hr

As initially observed by settlers and prospectors, California is a luxuriant canyon surrounded by a forest canopy and split in half by rivers. The Angeles National Forest, which has one of the best hiking in L.A. with waterfalls, still has some of the charms of those early days, with a sprinkling of outlying cottages and a bustling pack-mule business. Start on the Gabrielino Trail after parking at the Chantry Flat lot.

During the famous Great Hiking Era (1890s–1930s), when John Muir was a well-liked hero and the National Park Service was founded, you will descend into Big Santa Anita Canyon, which was a popular destination. The little cabins you see were all constructed before World War II at Roberts' Camp, where the route will turn towards Sturtevant Falls. They continue to be privately held, are connected by a six-mile crank phone system, and can only be reached on foot or by pack mules.

The first stream crossings indicate that you are coming near to the Sturtevant Falls, one of the best Hiking Trails In L.A. With Waterfalls, are majestic and 50 feet tall and fall into a circular pool surrounded by enormous boulders. Keep in mind that since this is an in-and-out trip, you'll have to climb out of the canyon in the sun before returning to the parking area.

Address: Santa Anita Ave to Chantry Flat Rd

Trailhead: Enter the lower Chantry Flat parking lot at the end of the road, the trailhead is clearly marked from the lower lot.

Pets? Dogs allowed on leashes

Length: ~3.7 miles

Time: 2 hrs