Escondido Falls

I went hiking on New Year's Day up in Malibu - Escondido Falls.  I searched for the trail on the web before we set out, because my boyfriend and I wanted to take Bella (his dog) on her first dog friendly hiking trail.  The trailhead began a few miles north of Pepperdine.  The day was beautiful!  The first mile or two of the hike was mostly just walking, but after a couple of wrong turns and detours (poorly marked trails), we discovered a small waterfall and pool.  It was gorgeous!  There were a few other people in the pool, and a family splashing around, so my boyfriend and I decided to continue up a trail to the right.  This is where the climbing began... It is a pretty decent climb and it was hilarious to see Bella the 60+ pound pit bull/labrador mix whine in fear about climbing at certain points.  Finally we made it to something we were not expecting at all - a very secluded much larger pool and much larger waterfall that was absolutely breathtaking.  I'll try to upload more pictures later of the falls... my connection is a bit slow at the moment :(

The way down was slightly rough because climbing down is always a bit sketchier than climbing up.  Bella had to be carried by my boyfriend twice because she was too frightened...I have never seen a more funny sight!  

Truly an amazing start to 2009...I would recommend this trail to anyone who enjoys climbing as part of their hiking regimen and is the owner of a brave dog :)