The Best Waterfalls Near Los Angeles

11 Fotospots

Sure, Hawaii's great, but why fly all the way to the islands when you can find amazing waterfalls within driving distance from downtown L.A.? Check out our curated list of Hawaii-style waterfalls near L.A.

Eaton Canyon Falls

1750 North Altadena Dr, Pasadena, CA

Saves: 1052

Check-ins: 52

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 ...

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Switzer Falls

5840 Angeles Crest Hwy, La Cañada...

5840 Angeles Crest Hwy, La Cañada Flintridge, CA

Saves: 570

Check-ins: 8

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 s...

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Sturtevant Falls

2219 Santa Anita Ave, Sierra Madr...

2219 Santa Anita Ave, Sierra Madre, CA

Saves: 1094

Check-ins: 11

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 ...

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Hermit Falls

Chantry Flats Rd, Arcadia, CA

Saves: 216

Check-ins: 8

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 mile...

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Solstice Canyon Falls & Ruins

26044 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA

Saves: 450

Check-ins: 10

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 centur...

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Escondido Falls

27822 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA

Saves: 374

Check-ins: 28

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...

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San Antonio Falls

7930 Mt Baldy Rd, Mt Baldy, CA

Saves: 465

Check-ins: 5

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, t...

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Paradise Falls

930 Bright Star St, Thousand Oaks...

930 Bright Star St, Thousand Oaks, CA

Saves: 739

Check-ins: 40

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...

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Bonita Falls

Lytle Creek Rd, Lytle Creek, CA

Saves: 252

Check-ins: 26

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 park...

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Heart Rock Falls

CA-138, Crestline, CA

Saves: 1120

Check-ins: 42

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 ...

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Ortega Falls

32806 Ortega Hwy, Lake Elsinore, CA

Saves: 309

Check-ins: 20

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 wi...

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The Best Waterfalls Near Los Angeles

Eaton Canyon Falls

Switzer Falls

Sturtevant Falls

Hermit Falls

Solstice Canyon Falls & Ruins

Escondido Falls

San Antonio Falls

Paradise Falls

Bonita Falls

Heart Rock Falls

Ortega Falls

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Tourist Attractions by U.S. State

Tourist Attractions by U.S. State