Sunday January 30, 2010
Malibu, CA
Another Glorious Day
Tara, who used to be my personal trainer, and I reconnected via Facebook and when she realized I came back from Japan, she invited me to go hiking with her. Tara has a huge heart and is one of the most positive people I know. Spending an afternoon with her hiking the beautiful trail to Escondido falls was a perfect thing to do on a perfect Sunday.
Escondido Falls is an 150ft waterfall that is just a trickle most of the year but turns into a beautiful and tranquil waterfall after the rains. Yesterday, I took the Backbone trail and got a birds eye view of the waterfall. Today we went hiking directly to the waterfall.
The entrance to the hike is located about 1/2mile from where I live. The parking lot is empty but for some reason it was jammed packed today. Both Tara and I were surprised but because a big group was leaving when we arrived, we were able to find a parking spot. But even if we couldn't find a spot, no problem, because Tara knows of a secret entrance to the trail.
But we walked up Winding Hill Road which is the "published" route from the parking lot to the trail head.
But instead of following the trail to the waterfall, we took a detour so Tara could first show me the "secret" entrance. It was a nice way to begin the hike because we were the only ones on the path and the path was wild with overgrown plants.
And then after about 20 minutes of walking, we ended up in someone's driveway. Well although it looks like a private driveway it is actually a public road. Most people will naturally assume it is a private driveway so would not dare try this route.
Tara pointing out the path we took.
We then walked back on the same path toward the trail head. We then followed the trail with many other people to the falls. However we did stop to enjoy the wildflowers along the trail.
And made several creek crossings. This path is supposedly treacherous during pouring rains were the water crossings can be dangerous. But it was pretty easy as the rains stopped 2 weeks ago.
And about an hour into the hike, we ended up at Escondido Falls.
Where even the dogs were having lots of fun.
After taking a few photos, we walked back and while leaving the trail, a resident of the area, wished us a safe trip home.
The Escondido Falls hike is a pretty easy hike and will take about 2 leisurely hours. It is also a dog friendly trail but the dogs must be on leash and do be careful of rattlesnakes, although sightings are rare. More information can be found here.
You are a superb photo journalist!!!