Santa Ynez Falls
Los Angeles County, California
Your visit at a glance
- Waterfall height
- Not recorded
- Location
- Los Angeles County, California
- Access status
- Partial guide: route description predates the Palisades Fire; post-fire trail condition unverified
- The walk
- About 1.25 miles each way; 2.5 miles round trip
- Ground & access
- Mostly level with many creek crossings, rock-hopping and some scrambling near the falls. Poison oak is common. Ropes above the falls are not part of this route. Post-fire trail condition was not confirmed.
From the gate on Vereda de la Montura, follow the single-track trail up Santa Ynez Canyon with several creek crossings. At a junction 0.6 miles in, the trail to the left goes to Trippet Ranch; go right, cross the creek and turn left upstream. The canyon narrows; rock-hop and climb a few hundred feet to the falls. Return the same way. Hikespeak describes the route before the January 2025 Palisades Fire.
Plan your visit
Vereda de la Montura trailhead in Pacific Palisades up Santa Ynez Canyon to Santa Ynez Falls
Hikespeak gives a 2.5-mile round trip with about 250 feet of elevation change. The one-way figure is half of that.
Mostly level with many creek crossings, rock-hopping and some scrambling near the falls. Poison oak is common. Ropes above the falls are not part of this route. Post-fire trail condition was not confirmed.
Where to start
Street parking in permitted areas on Vereda de la Montura, off Palisades Drive about 2.4 to 2.5 miles from Sunset Boulevard. The trailhead is on the east side of the Camino de Yatasto intersection.
Timing & water
The State Parks closure order effective June 12, 2026 reopened Topanga State Park backcountry trails except a listed set; Santa Ynez Canyon is not on that list. The falls are small outside the rainy season.
Before you go
Hikespeak says no fee or permit is required at this street trailhead. Dogs are not allowed in Topanga State Park.
Visitor informationVisit sources
More waterfalls nearby
Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.
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