When summer arrives in Southern California, is there any better place to be than outdoors? We’ve got the best scenery, and the best weather, and are just the all-around best place. From spectacular hikes to refreshing waterfalls, SoCal truly has it all. If you love exploring waterfalls, but the idea of a long hike is not on the agenda, that’s okay. You’ll find these six easy-access hikes in southern California to be just what you’re looking for. Lace up your tennis shoes, load up the car, and hit the road. Get ready for a fun adventure in southern California, by checking out these six beautiful waterfalls in Southern California. 

1. Escondido Falls: Escondido Canyon Trail, Malibu, CA 90265

Escondido Canyon Trail, Malibu, CA 90265, USA
flickr/kenneth moore
Escondido Falls should be at the top of everyone's bucket list for waterfalls in southern California. With its easy two-mile hike and its stunning natural scenery along the trail, this glorious waterfall is always one for the books. It's a dog-friendly, easy trail that just about everyone can enjoy. This is one of the best hikes in southern California.

2. Millard Falls: Altadena, CA 91001

Millard Falls, Altadena, CA 91001, USA
googlemaps/abdulaziz A
Millard Falls is located inside the Angeles National Forest. You won't have to head out on a long hike to experience this beautiful sight for yourself. The trail to access the falls is less than two miles long round trip. You may actually have enough energy to visit another waterfall on this list all in the same day! What a fun SoCal hike this is!

3. Heart Rock Falls: 250 CA-138, Crestline, CA 92325

250 CA-138, Crestline, CA 92325, USA
flickr/logan brumm
Once you reach Heart Rock Falls in the town of Crestline, it's easy to see how this beautiful place got its name. The waterfall flows near a heart-shaped rock, making this the most romantic waterfall on the list. Plus, the trail to reach Heart Rock Falls is quite short. It's only a little under two miles to reach the falls, so the trail can be enjoyed by just about everyone. This is the most unique waterfall in southern California.

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4. Bonita Falls: Lytle Creek, CA 92358

Lytle Creek, CA 92358, USA
alltrails/lucia rodriguez
Bonita Falls Trail is a fairly easy 1.5-mile hike. Although this is a rather short hike, it is a bit more challenging than you might expect. There are many rocks to navigate along the way and a few areas where scrambling is necessary. As long as you show up with sturdy shoes and a spirit of adventure, this waterfall trail will become your new favorite destination. The beautiful falls are definitely an added bonus.

5. Darwin Falls in Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park, United States
alltrails/jess basham
Death Valley National Park is one of the most beautiful places in southern California, but it's also one of the most desolate and terrifying. However, it's home to this simple waterfall hike that is appropriate even for novices. Darwin Falls is one of the most impressive waterfalls in SoCal. It's 80 feet in height and is visible year-round. You'll want to experience it in the early morning hours when the temperatures are at their lowest. This dreamy waterfall is easy to access and impressive to experience. It belongs on any waterfall bucket list.

6. Eaton Canyon Falls: 1750 N Altadena Dr, Altadena, CA 91001

1750 N Altadena Dr, Altadena, CA 91001, USA
wikimedia commons/scott medling
Just a short two-mile hike each way will let you experience one of the most beautiful waterfalls in southern California. Eaton Canyon Falls, located in Pasadena, is a popular destination and it's easy to see why. If you time your visit early in the day, you just may get this stunning sight all to yourself. It's a great kid-friendly hike that will let the whole family experience nature.

What do you think of these six waterfalls in Southern California? What a gorgeous and refreshing way to spend a summer day! Looking for more outdoor activities to make your summer in SoCal complete? Make sure to also check out this heavenly outdoor oasis in Southern California that’s packed with over 12 miles of trails. And check out our ultimate hiking essentials list before you go!

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More to Explore

Waterfalls Near Me In Southern California

Lisa Sammons | March 07, 2022

What are some kid-friendly hikes in southern California?

Some kid-friendly hikes in Southern California include:

  • Mount Rubidoux Trail
  • Echo Mountain via Sam Merrill Trail
  • Laval Tube Trial
  • Torrey Pines Beach Trail Loop

 

Of course, if you worry they're a bit too long or the weather's too hot, you can always just do a portion of the trail.

Are there any other hiking trails with waterfalls in southern California?

There are some great waterfalls in southern California. Check out this list for some of our favorite waterfall hikes in the region:

  • Eaton Canyon Falls
  • Cedar Creek Falls
  • Millard Falls
  • Three Sisters Falls
  • Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve

 

 

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