Escondido Canyon Park sits just off Pacific Coast Highway about a mile south of Kanan Road in Malibu, and it’s one of those places where the drive alone doesn’t prepare you for what’s actually there. The main draw is the 4.2-mile trail that leads to Escondido Falls, a impressive multi-tiered waterfall that drops 150 feet—it’s genuinely worth the hike, especially in winter and spring when water flow is strong.

The trail itself moves through oak woodland, riparian woodland, and Coastal sage scrub, so the scenery changes as you go. It’s a moderate hike without being brutal, and the path is well-maintained. You’ll see native plants and get a real sense of what this part of Malibu’s interior actually looks like, which is different enough from the coast to feel like a real change of scenery.

Dogs on leash are welcome here, which opens things up nicely if you want to bring your dog along. The trail isn’t overly crowded even on weekends, though it can get busy in season, so going early helps. The terrain is manageable for most dogs in decent shape—it’s not rocky or technical, just a steady climb with good footing.

One thing worth knowing: parking is at a small lot near the trailhead, and it fills up on nice weekend days. The waterfall is the obvious destination, but you don’t have to do the whole 4.2 miles if you’re not feeling it; you can turn around whenever you want. Bring water for both you and your dog, since there’s no water at the trailhead and the trail doesn’t have reliable water sources along the way. The park’s official website at mrca.ca.gov has current trail conditions and any temporary closures, which is worth checking before you head out.