If you’ve been itching to hike to a waterfall, does hopping in the car and heading out to explore the best waterfall hikes and waterfalls in southern California sound like a great day to you? If so, this scenic waterfall loop road trip will be the best part of your weekend. It will take you to some of the most fabulous outdoor destinations in SoCal. The trip covers 180 miles and you’ll visit five unique waterfalls. This fun-filled adventure is a blast for the whole family. It’s impossible to see all five of these waterfalls in a single day, but this SoCal outing is a great option for a weekend, or a longer adventure. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore some of the most scenic parts of southern California by car and on foot. Ready for some fun on hiking trails with waterfalls? Here are the details:

Editor’s Note: Please be aware, Monrovia Canyon Park is closed indefinitely due to flooding issues. You can learn more at the Monrovia Canyon Parks website. 

Looking for a fun SoCal adventure the whole family will love? Check out this map and head out on a delightful waterfall adventure that will be the highlight of your year. You can find the full route right here.
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It's customizable, so feel free to take out or add stops as you please.
1. Escondido Falls: Escondido Canyon Trail, Malibu, CA 90265
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This is one of the best waterfall hikes in southern California, and you can find it tucked away inside the Santa Monica Mountains. The fall is right along the coast of Malibu, and you can find it by following an easy trail. Head out on a four-mile trail and you'll hit pure paradise.
Escondido Canyon Trail, Malibu, CA 90265, USA
tripadvisor/jessica
Although the trail is a fairly easy one even for novice hikers, you will want to wear sturdy shoes and bring lots of water. It can get pretty hot out there! This is one of the best hiking trails with waterfalls in southern California.
2. Paradise Falls: 928 West Avenida De Los Arboles, Wildwood Regional Park, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
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The aptly-named Paradise Falls is hiding away inside of Wildwood Park. This is one of the biggest and best waterfalls in southern California. It's got an impressive 40-foot plunge. You will need to hike to see some of the beautiful natural scenery of Paradise Falls, so come prepared for a little bit of a workout!
Wildwood Regional Park, 928 W Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360, USA
googlemaps/jack gadzilla
The hike itself is fairly easy, but be aware that the temperatures can get scorching hot. If you visit in the summer, especially, you'll want to leave early and plan on packing tons of water. This is such a great waterfall hiking trail!
3. Trail Canyon Falls: Tujunga, CA 91042
alltrails/zytlaly zymora
This pristine waterfall has a bit of a longer hiking trail to reach it than some of the others on this list. It's located in Tujunga Canyon and requires a moderately difficult five to six-mile hike to access the fall.
Trail Canyon Trailhead, 19600 N Trail Canyon Rd, Tujunga, CA 91042, USA
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This hike is worth the effort, though. You'll trek along a winding path with lush canyon views. It may not be the easiest hiking trail with waterfalls in southern California, but it's definitely worth the adventure to get there.
4. Eaton Canyon Falls: 1750 N. Altadena Drive, Pasadena, CA 91001
all trails/dis girll
This one's located inside the beautiful Eaton Canyon Natural Area Park. The 198-acre park is near Pasadena and is a stunning place to explore. This 3.5-mile trail will lead you to a beautiful waterfall.
Eaton Canyon Falls Trail, Altadena, CA, USA
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You'll be wowed by the lush natural scenery along the trail, but it's the massive and magnificent waterfall at the end that is sure to make your jaw drop. It's a good option for a kid-friendly hike in southern California if you have older kids that want to see waterfalls!
5. Monrovia Falls in Monrovia Canyon Park: 1200 N Canyon Blvd, Monrovia, CA 91016
googlemaps/manish mishra
Editor's Note: Please note that Monrovia Canyon Park is temporarily closed due to flooding.

To reach the falls once they reopen, you'll want to head to the Monrovia Canyon Park Nature Center. From there, it's a fairy easy hike into the forest. The route will take you straight to this delightful 30-foot waterfall.
Monrovia Canyon, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA
all trails/gerardo hertado
This is a gorgeous waterfall and you'll want to see it once it reopens! For more information about reopening dates, you can visit the Monrovia Canyon Park website.

Which of these beautiful waterfalls in southern California have you visited? We think this loop of waterfall hikes is pretty much the best way to spend a weekend outdoors. There is so much gorgeous scenery to enjoy in SoCal!

Have you visited any of these hiking trails with waterfalls? Do you have a favorite?

If you’re seeking more outdoor outings to experience in SoCal, here are 9 Gorgeous Lakes in Southern California and 6 Easy Waterfall Hikes that you’ll want to add to your warm-weather adventures.

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