Given the geographical proximity between the two are quite often mixed up and this article should help you distinguish between the two making it easier for you to choose one hike over the other. Located in Malibu these two hike are exceptionally pleasant to drive to on the PCH. Here are the exact addresses for each.
Escondido Falls
27807 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265
Solstice Canyon
Solstice Canyon Hiking Trail Parking, Malibu, CA 90265
Unfortunately Escondido Falls hike is not as popular as Solstice and here’s why…
A hike that starts as a walk in a park will turn into a practically vertical climb by the end of the scent, although very well worth the efforts. This hike is definitely not for parents with toddlers and smaller kids. I’d say that kids age 10 and up would have an easier time navigating the vertical climb to the falls.
Conversely, Solstice Canyon is a much easier on an inclination with minimal descend to the old ruins and the micro waterfall. Stable terrain provides for an easygoing experience for parents with younger kids. In fact you can bring your stroller to this hike.
Hikes’ Waterfall features
Escondido Falls is probably one of the best waterfall hikes you can find near LA if not one of the most impressive. It makes it to the top of five tallest hikes around Los Angeles. Obviously not as impressive as the Yosemite falls up near the San Francisco Bay area, although just as gratifying once you’ve reached the destination point.
Apparently 200 ft high drop is the tallest in the Santa Monica mountain Range and really is a spectacular site. The plateau at the very top is ideal for a picnics. This is definitely one of our favorite hikes and we’ll be back after the next rain. – We’ve hiked this one before we had a child, so use your own discretion when it comes to safety – we’d definitely rate is slightly above average due to a bit of climbing involved.
The Solstice canyon can’t really boast with tall waterfalls although you do get to climb cascading series of wild appearing falls if you decide to go up the stream. Highly recommended for teens and up (no little kids). There’s actually a path you can take back after you’ve climbed the cascades.
This is a really great hike, which we’ve done at least a dozen time. In fact this is the one that got me hooked when my friends took me hiking in LA for the first time. There are several paths to explore. Our favorite one is to go up to the ruins of old mansion and then to the waterfalls.
Los Angeles waterfalls after the rain
Also keep in mind that even though the waterfall will appear the most spectacular following the rainfall – the hike to the destination might also provide to be slightly challenging due to all the fresh dirt. Keep this constrain in mind if you’re hiking with little kids or dogs.
More details on the features for comparison between Solstice Canyon falls and the Escondido falls
Solstice Canyon falls
- Trail head: Solstice Canyon Hiking Trail Parking, Malibu, CA 90265
- Parking: Free on parking lot in the park, and along the Corral Canyon rd
- Length: 1.5 miles (30 min) to waterfall and ruins
Escondido falls
- Trailhead: 27807 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265
- Parking: Free on PCH (Pacific coast highway)
- Length: 3.0 miles (60-70 min) to waterfall
Bonus (hiking in Malibu with dogs):
We’ve seen people with dogs at every hike so you’re four legged friends should have a great time here as well.
Wow this looks like a great hike! Thanks for sharing your experience!
The best time to go is in the spring of course or a few days after a copious rainfall.