Are you looking for the best waterfalls near Los Angeles? Here are our top picks!
If you’re on the search for the best waterfalls near Los Angeles, then this list of our favorite beautiful waterfalls near Los Angeles should give you loads of inspiration!
So, whether you’re planning an epic road trip to discover some of the best waterfalls near Los Angeles, or whether you’re just looking for a great day trip – hopefully you’ll find the ideal location here.
So let’ get into it!
Here are our favorite waterfalls near Los Angeles!
Santa Ynez Falls
First on our list of the best waterfalls near Los Angeles, it’s Santa Ynez Falls. Los Angeles is a city full of things to do, but if you’re looking for a beautiful escape from that hustle and bustle, then we highly recommend heading to Santa Ynez Falls.
This waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls near Los Angeles, and it only takes a 2.5-mile hike from Topanga State Park to reach.
Though the waterfall Is stunning, the hike can be slightly treacherous at times. It’s perfectly safe of course but be prepared for a bit of light parkour across boulders!
The waterfall here is nestled among quite high rocks, so keep a good eye out! It’s one of the top waterfalls near Los Angeles!
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Waterfalls near Los Angeles: Paradise Falls
Paradise Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls near Los Angeles and is Paradise Falls in Wildwood Park. What we love about this waterfall is the fact that it can be reached by many different routes!
So, if you happen to have seen the falls before but want a second look, you can have a whole new experience. This waterfall plunges 40 feet into a large pool, and the rocky surroundings are nothing to scoff at either!
Unfortunately, swimming and climbing near this waterfall is off limits, so you’ll have to appreciate its gorgeousness from afar.
Escondido Falls
Next on our list of waterfalls near Los Angeles, it’s Escondido Falls. This may just be our favorite pick for the most beautiful waterfall near Los Angeles. Why is that? Well, this natural waterfall has one of the best lead-up trails that we’ve ever seen!
Featuring woodland trees, flowers, and even local wildlife, the hike to Escondido Falls is almost as beautiful as the waterfall itself.
We also love how unique the rock formations are here. This is one of the most beautiful waterfalls near Los Angeles.
Most waterfalls are surrounded by plain rocky structures, but the rocks here are covered in green moss which we feel just adds to the magic. Trust us, this isn’t a waterfall near Los Angeles that you want to miss.
Monrovia Falls
Another beautiful choice for waterfalls near Los Angeles that has a great hike attached is Monrovia Falls. If you happen to be visiting during the winter months, you’ll be pleased to know that this waterfall should still be flowing strongly!
Be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife here – if you’re lucky, you might even spot a bear! If you’re travelling with kids to Monrovia Falls, you should be okay as the hike to the falls is only a 2.4-mile round-trip.
Just be sure to bring some decent shoes and a couple of snack packs! This is a great pick for beautiful waterfalls near Los Angeles.
Hermit Falls
Next on our list of waterfalls near Los Angeles, it’s Hermit Falls.
If you’re looking for beautiful waterfalls near Los Angeles that allow for some cheeky swimming, then Hermit Falls is your best bet. We recommend heading down here early, as it does tend to pack out slightly later in the day.
Oh, and thrill seekers? You’re in luck! The giant boulders here are perfect for climbing on. The rock pool at Hermit Falls is substantial too, so there should be plenty of room to have a good dip.
This is a great choice for waterfalls near Los Angeles, you’ll love it there!
Sturtevant Falls
Sturtevant Falls is next on our list of the best waterfalls near Los Angeles. This beautiful waterfall near Los Angeles is like something out of a fairytale.
You’ll need to head on a 1.5-hour trek to reach Sturtevant Falls, but it’s an enjoyable walk that will fly by – so don’t stress!
There are two different paths you can take to reach the falls; one is a via paved roads, and the other is a mountain dirt trail that follows the creek.
Both will get you there, so it’s totally up to you to pick the scenery! While you’re at it, why not take a gander round the Angeles National Forest? A top choice for waterfalls near Los Angeles!
Waterfalls near Los Angeles: Trail Canyon Falls
Another wonderful choice for waterfalls near Los Angeles, is Trail Canyon Falls. We love this beautiful waterfall near Los Angeles, as it’s one of the more peaceful ones that you can visit.
Plenty of visitors pass through Trail Canyon Falls, but there’s enough space here to ensure that all guests get a great experience.
As the rock pool here is small, you’re free to step in and get a great photograph of the falls from below. The only downside? It’s a hefty 4.8-mile round-trip trek to get to the falls.
This shouldn’t be an issue for most people, as the trek itself isn’t challenging. However, we do recommend that you pack your best hiking boots! It’s a great pick for waterfalls near Los Angeles.
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Black Star Canyon
Black Star Canyon Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls near Los Angeles, but boy is it tricky to reach! Before you get put off, it’s not out of the question for most tourists – just a bit rocky!
If we had to rank the difficulty level of this hike compared to others on the list, we’d say it was high on the scale. If you can navigate the slightly treacherous boulders on your trek, you’ll be rewarded with the most stunning natural waterfall!
It isn’t the world’s most gushing waterfall, but it has a distinctive charm that we think makes it well worth a visit to this waterfall near Los Angeles.
Heart Rock Falls
Another beautiful choice for waterfalls near Los Angeles, is Heart Rock Falls. This isn’t the most spectacular waterfall on our list of beautiful waterfalls near Los Angeles, but it’s certainly a natural marvel!
To get to this waterfall, you just need to head on a short hike through the San Bernandino National Forest.
Now, be aware that the waterfall isn’t much of a gusher (it’s more of a trickle really), but the fact that there’s a heart carved into the rock formation here makes for one of the best photo opportunities that we know of.
So, if you’re in Los Angeles with your significant other, be sure to pose for a special romantic photo! Don’t worry too much about crowds here – even at peak times the traffic is manageable. A great option for waterfalls near Los Angeles.
Switzer Falls
Switzer Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls near Los Angeles, and it’s easy to see why! This cascading waterfall has three main drops, and if you’re short on time, you can choose how much of it you want to see!
To explore the 40-foot waterfall section, you only need to invest enough time to cover the 3.6-mile trek to get there. If you’ve got time to spare, be sure to check out all 3 waterfalls here!
It’s only another 1.4 miles, after all. The biggest waterfall at Switzer Falls is the middle section, which comes in at an impressive 70 feet!
So, what are you waiting for? Get trekking! Do you think you’ll add this to your list of waterfalls near Los Angeles to visit?
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We hope that this guide to the most beautiful waterfalls near Los Angeles has been useful in planning your next trip to the city!
As you can see, there are plenty of natural wonders near this usually bustling city.
So, what are you waiting for?
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