Malibu, located in Southern California, is a hiker’s paradise with its beautiful trails and stunning views.
The city is surrounded by the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, making it an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking in Malibu is an excellent way to explore the natural beauty of the area and get some exercise at the same time.
There are numerous hiking trails in Malibu that cater to all skill levels. From easy, family-friendly hikes to challenging treks that require endurance and experience, there is something for everyone.
Some popular trails include the:
- Escondido Falls Trail
- Santa Monica Mountains Backbone Trail
- and the Mugu Peak Trail
Alltrails.com is a great resource for finding the best hiking trails in Malibu, and it provides detailed information about each trail, including distance, elevation gain, and difficulty level.
Top Hiking Trails in Malibu
Malibu is a hiker’s paradise with its scenic trails, ocean views, and diverse landscapes.
Here are some of the top hiking trails in Malibu that are worth exploring.
Escondido Falls Trail
Escondido Falls Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in Malibu, known for its stunning waterfall and rock pool.
The trail is dog-friendly and suitable for the entire family. It is an out-and-back shady trail with a distance of 3.8 miles and an elevation gain of 200 feet. The parking lot fee is $12, but free street parking is available if you arrive early.
Solstice Canyon Loop Trail
Solstice Canyon Loop Trail is a scenic trail that takes you through a forest, rock pool, and tropical terrace.
The trail is rated as moderate and is suitable for all skill levels. The distance of the trail is 3.2 miles with an elevation gain of 650 feet. The trailhead has free parking, and dogs are allowed on a leash.
Backbone Trail to Sandstone Peak
The Backbone Trail to Sandstone Peak is a challenging trail that offers panoramic views of the Santa Monica Bay.
The trail is 6.25 miles long and has an elevation gain of 1,300 feet. The trailhead has free parking, and dogs are allowed on a leash.
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Mishe Mokwa Trail Loop
Mishe Mokwa Trail Loop is a popular trail that takes you through the chaparral and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
The trail is 6.5 miles long and has an elevation gain of 1,600 feet. The trailhead has free parking, and dogs are allowed on a leash.
Zuma Ridge Trail
Zuma Ridge Trail is a challenging trail that takes you through the Zuma Canyon Loop Trail and offers stunning ocean views.
The trail is 6.3 miles long and has an elevation gain of 1,200 feet. The trailhead has free parking, and dogs are allowed on a leash.
In conclusion, Malibu has some of the best hiking trails in Southern California. These trails offer a unique experience with ocean views, panoramic vistas, and diverse landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, there’s a trail for everyone in Malibu.
Escondido Falls Trail
Escondido Falls Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in Malibu, California. This dog-friendly, easy hike is situated in Escondido Canyon Park and offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
The trail is approximately 3.8 miles round trip and takes about 2 hours to complete. It begins just off Pacific Coast Highway and goes uphill for 0.75 miles along Winding Way, a paved road that passes extravagant Malibu residences. The blacktop may seem unconventional, but the waterfall at the end of the hike is well worth it.
Escondido Falls is a three-tiered waterfall, with the upper falls located on private property and not open to the public. Visitors are advised not to climb the falls to preserve the fragile habitat and to avoid the risk of serious fall injuries. The lower falls, however, are easy to access and provide a refreshing mist on a hot day.
The trailhead has a parking lot with a fee of $12, so it is recommended to arrive early for free street parking. The hike is relatively easy and suitable for the entire family. It offers beautiful views of wildflowers and ocean views along the way.
Overall, Escondido Falls Trail is a must-visit for anyone looking for a scenic and easy hike in Malibu.
Solstice Canyon Loop Trail
The Solstice Canyon Loop Trail is an easy-to-moderate hike that offers a variety of scenic views and historical landmarks. The trail is located in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, a short distance away from the Malibu coastline.
Hikers can park their cars at the designated parking lot located off of Corral Canyon Road. The parking lot is paved and can accommodate a good number of vehicles. From the parking lot, hikers can hike up the road to reach the trailhead.
The Solstice Canyon Loop Trail is approximately 3 miles long and takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. The trail offers stunning panoramic views of the ocean and the surrounding mountains. Hikers can also spot some wildlife, including deer and rabbits, along the way.
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One of the highlights of the Solstice Canyon Loop Trail is the Solstice Canyon waterfall. The waterfall is located towards the end of the trail and is a great spot to take a break and enjoy the view. Hikers can also explore the ruins of a mansion and the oldest still-standing stone building in Malibu.
The Solstice Canyon Loop Trail is also part of the Backbone Trail, a long-distance hiking trail that stretches for over 60 miles. Hikers can combine the Solstice Canyon Loop Trail with other trails, such as the Temescal Canyon Trail or the Rock Pool Trail, to create longer hiking routes.
Overall, the Solstice Canyon Loop Trail is a great hiking option for those who want to explore the natural beauty and history of Malibu. With easy access, beautiful ocean views, and a variety of trail options, it’s no wonder why this trail is a popular choice among hikers.
Backbone Trail to Sandstone Peak
The Backbone Trail to Sandstone Peak is a moderately challenging hiking trail in Malibu, California. The trail is approximately 3.2 miles out-and-back, with an average completion time of 2 hours. The trail is popular among hikers, mountain bikers, and birdwatchers, so it is likely that you will encounter other people while exploring.
The trail offers beautiful ocean and coastal views, making it an ideal spot for trail running or hiking. The trail is also surrounded by a forest, which provides a peaceful and serene atmosphere for hikers to enjoy.
The parking area for the trail is located at the Circle X Ranch, which is a popular starting point for many Malibu hiking trails. The parking area is well-maintained and provides ample parking space for hikers.
For those looking for a longer hike, the Backbone Trail can be combined with the Mugu Peak Trail to create a longer loop trail. The Mugu Peak Trail offers stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding mountains, making it a popular spot for hikers.
Overall, the Backbone Trail to Sandstone Peak is a great hiking trail for those looking for a moderate challenge and beautiful views. With its convenient parking area and proximity to other popular trails, it is a great spot for hikers of all levels to explore.
Mishe Mokwa Trail Loop
The Mishe Mokwa Trail Loop is a moderately challenging hike that offers panoramic views of the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. The trail is approximately 6.2 miles long and takes about 3-4 hours to complete.
The trailhead for the Mishe Mokwa Trail Loop is located in the Circle X Ranch Park, where there is plenty of parking available. The trail is well-maintained and dog-friendly, but pets must be kept on a leash.
Hikers will start at the Mishe Mokwa Trail and make their way to the top of Sandstone Peak, the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains at 3,111 feet. The trail is steep and rocky, but the breathtaking views at the top are worth the effort.
After reaching Sandstone Peak, hikers will continue on the Mishe Mokwa Trail to the Backbone Trail. This section of the trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The trail then descends into the Sostomo and Deer Valley Loop Trail, which takes hikers through a peaceful and picturesque landscape of oak trees and chaparral.
For those looking to extend their hike, the Point Dume Cove Trail is located nearby and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. After the hike, visitors can enjoy some delicious seafood at one of the many restaurants located near Point Dume Cove.
Overall, the Mishe Mokwa Trail Loop is a must-do hike for anyone visiting Malibu. The trail offers a challenging but rewarding experience, with breathtaking views and a peaceful landscape.
Zuma Ridge Trail
Zuma Ridge Trail is a popular hiking trail located in Malibu, California. This 5.6-mile out-and-back trail is considered moderately challenging, with an elevation gain of 1,473 feet. The trail takes an average of 3 hours and 9 minutes to complete.
Hikers will enjoy stunning views of the coastline and chaparral-covered hillsides as they make their way up the trail. The trailhead is located at Zuma Ridge Motorway and Busch Drive, and there is parking available at the adjacent Bonsall Road Trailhead.
The trail is well-maintained and offers a variety of terrain, from rocky switchbacks to wide dirt paths. Hikers will also encounter several vista points along the way, providing ample opportunities to take in the breathtaking scenery.
Zuma Ridge Trail is located in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, and it connects to several other trails in the area, including Zuma Loop Trail and the Backbone Trail. Hikers can also access Malibu Creek State Park from the trail.
Overall, Zuma Ridge Trail is a must-do for hikers looking for a challenging and rewarding hike with stunning views of the California coastline.
