High temperatures make shade a priority when planning a summer hike. The potential for running water makes a trail extra appealing.
Malibu's Escondido Canyon Park checks both boxes - plus it puts you in position for a post-hike lunch at the beach.
The hike begins at a Pacific Coast Highway parking lot that requires a $12 fee. Trust me when I say it's worth paying. The first mile or so follows Winding Way, a residential street. Hiking pavement is not exactly a wilderness experience, but it gives you a chance to ogle expensive real estate before the Edward Albert Trail toward the waterfall begins.
As we descended into the canyon, we heard roosters crowing in the distance - not unexpected given the rural feel of the surrounding homes. But an unusual bird caught my eye in a sycamore tree by the creek. It was a parrot, and as I looked closer, I saw more than a dozen of them in the branches. I guess it shouldn't have been surprising, since they're known to hang out in nearby Solstice Canyon, a short flight away.
We continued on the wide, smooth trail, which crosses gurgling Escondido Creek several times. A breeze ruffled the leaves of the oak and sycamore canopy, and a few clouds dappled the otherwise blue sky.
We passed a few other groups of hikers, which is to be expected on a trail that delivers a waterfall with only two miles of walking.
The falls are described as the highest in the Santa Monica Mountains, and they are definitely worth visiting. The water slides down the smooth rock face more than it cascades glinting in the sun, and it is accented by feathery green streaks of moss. To the right, a tenacious sycamore clings to the wall, stretching two limbs over the pool. With other sycamores shading the pool at the base, the area is temperate enough to host green ferns.
Although it's not a taxing hike, why not take advantage of a large rock that invites you to sit, shuck your shoes and soak your feet in the cool water?
After lounging a bit, we retraced our steps to the parking lot. There, we found a ranger writing parking tickets for cars that skipped paying the fee. When I asked, he said he wasn't sure that the price of the citation was. Now, that $12 fee seemed like a bargain.
We headed south on Pacific Coast Highway for lunch at Malibu Farm on the pier. We snagged an outside table, giving us a view of the pier and waves. April ordered the taco trio. You can choose from steak, chicken or vegetarian or get one of each. I opted for the lobster roll. Both entrees were good, but dessert was exceptional.
The coco canella lattes combine two shots of espresso with condensed coconut milk, steamed pistachio milk and cinnamon. They were as rich and indulgent as you imagine they would be.
After lunch, we wandered down the pier and ducked into Ranch at the Pier, a gift shop that epitomizes bougie. They have one-of-a-kind items, but the prices meant I was browsing and not buying. Think $85 t-shirts and $165 beanies.
But I didn't mind, since the trip to Malibu yielded everything that I had come for - a shady trail, a beautiful waterfall and a tasty lunch.
Eric Harnish lives in Castaic, which would benefit from more options for indulgent lattes.

Let's Go
Escondido Canyon Park
insidescv.com/escondidocanyon
Malibu Farm at the Pier
malibu-farm.com/malibu-pier