The Best Waterfalls Near LA

Nightclubs, bars, and freeways aren't the only overcrowded places in LA - its waterfalls and nature preserves are also brimming with people. Eaton Canyon Falls is known to be heavily trafficked, perhaps one of the most crowded trails in the city. If you like your nature walks more secluded, this probably isn't the best place for you (unless you don't mind going at the crack of dawn). If being shoulder-to...

Be prepared to ford streams along this hike to get to the waterfalls (of which there are two) but they'll be worth the wet feet. We'd advise novice hikers to stop at the first falls, as climbing further to see the second is more of a challenge.

Many a hiker will tell you that Sturtevant Falls is the most spectacular waterfall in L.A. and well worth the trek out to see them. A partly paved and very shady 3.5 mile roundtrip hike will lead you past a group of quaint cabins (a.k.a. Roberts Camp) and have you rock hopping across a few creeks (an extra pair of socks would be smart), before rewarding you with these stunning 60-foot falls. For a real s...

A popular swimming hole for cliff jumpers, Hermit Falls still provides some exclusivity for people who want to avoid crowds. Spring and summer seem to be the best seasons to go. The trail is an easy 2.5 miles but it can be narrow in some areas so walk with caution. This trail is only open Monday through Friday, closed on weekends, but more restrictions might be in effect. Check the government website for...

Although the waterfall is in full motion in the winter and spring, this canyon has another attraction - the ominous beauty of the stone ruins of an old hunting lodge. The lodge had been standing for a century but the infamous canyon wildfires destroyed it in 2007. Still, the ruins are another piece of eye candy on this canyon hike - another is a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean. To get the full effe...

The 3.7-mile round trip hike to Escondido Falls starts at a small parking lot on the corner of PCH and Winding Way. After parking head up Winding Way for about 0.75 miles (you'll pass a few Malibu residences) and you'll reach the Escondido Canyon Trail on the left. At this point the pavement turns to dirt and you're off to the races. Keep in mind the water dries up in the summer so plan your hike for the...

Like many nature hikes in Southern California, winter is the best time to make your way to this trail. You're assured a stunning view of a flowing waterfall and the temperature is cool. With paved asphalt, the trail leading to the falls is easy on the feet. To get to the falls, take the I-210 towards Mount Baldy and exit Mountain Avenue.

Just a hop and a skip from Los Angeles is a waterfall nestled within the suburbs of Thousand Oaks. This 40-foot-drop is easily accessed by taking the historic 101 Freeway to Lynn Road. If you're going in the height of summer, bring plenty of fresh water to stave off the heat. The best time to visit is in the late winter when the hills are covered in green from the seasonal rains.

This is a multi-tiered waterfall at the end of a 2-mile roundtrip hike. With about 300 feet in elevation and no trail, this is a good trail for more experienced hikers. You'll need an Adventure Pass for parking. The falls are usually flowing year-round, but to get the maximum effect, late winter/early spring is probably the best time to visit. (Submitted by ImeHz)

On the way to Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear is Heart Rock Falls in the Valley of Enchantment. Sounds like the perfect place to take your honey for Valentine's! The actual falls are about a one mile round trip hike, suitable for mostly anyone - and here you will see the heart-shaped pool embedded in the rock created from the force of falling water. In summer, you can even take a dive in the swimming hole be...

A waterfall tumbles over a cliff that has been worn smooth with the passage of time. The hike to get to the falls is short but can be precarious. The rugged path is uneven and possibly slippery so proceed with caution. The best time to go is in the later winter or early spring as the water dries up during the hot California summers. To get there take the 5 to San Juan Capistrano, then take the 74, which ...