We wanted to go see these magnificant falls after a hardy winter but instead we opted to head out at the driest time of the year. I'd highly recommend it in late winter early spring.
Even still some of the climbing to the upper falls was a bit sketchy at times. Thankfully there were a few tools of the trade along the way to help us move on up.
We planted this cache on a spur trail that starts up a different road. Since we had to be walking because of all the NO PARKING signs anyway, we thought we would try to find some sort of way to add a loop like feature to the walk.
Lower Escondido Falls
![Lower Escondido Falls]()
Within a mile on the trail, gradually ascending 150 feet or so, you will arrive at Lower Escondido Falls. This fifty-foot cascade transport hikers instantly to the tropics. A mild sulfuric smell is the only detractor from this serene setting.
Have a seat next to the fern-line falls. For many hikers, this is a fitting destination that can be reached with ease. For those yearning for more and willing to work for it, Upper Escondido Falls is three times as tall and ten times as beautiful.
Upper Escondido Falls
While the trail itself is pretty easy, with nothing more challenging than rock-hopping at a few creek crossings, getting to the larger, more impressive upper tier of falls requires some boulder scrambling.
To get to the upper falls, take the trail to the right of the lower falls up an obvious gully. At the top of the gully, go left and follow the stream over some small cascades and boulders to the base of the upper falls. This is an amazing site, with water tumbling over 3 or 4 tiers, finally falling into a deep pool. **Seasonal**