9 Best Hikes In Malibu With Phenomenal Views
If you’re looking to escape L.A. this weekend, check out these best hikes in Malibu! These top-rated hikes located along Malibu’s stunning coastline and in the Santa Monica Mountains are not only a great workout, but also offer incredible views!!
Malibu which is known for its beautiful beaches and surfing culture, is also a wonderful hiking destination. The Santa Monica Mountains which run the entire length of Malibu’s coastline provide a network of trails that lead to breathtaking ocean views!
But it’s not just ocean views you have to look forward to on these hiking trails, there are also some amazing mountain vistas and spectacular canyons, that at the right time of year are filled with colorful wildflowers.
There are even a few hikes with waterfalls — which are some of the prettiest waterfalls in Southern California!
Here are the eight best hikes in Malibu. They are all under ten miles and rated as easy to moderate so they can be accomplished by almost anyone!
1. Solstice Canyon and Rising Sun Trail
Distance: 3.2 miles (loop)
Elevation: 800 feet
Hiking Time: 1 – 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Parking: Large parking lot + street parking
Restrooms: Yes
Where: Solstice Canyon Road, Malibu
Probably one of the most popular hikes in Los Angeles, and certainly the most popular hiking trail in Malibu is Solstice Canyon Trail, an easy hike that leads to the ruins of an old ranch house and a beautiful waterfall.
This two-mile out and back hike is family-friendly and suitable for all fitness levels. The hike begins at a parking lot at the Solstice Canyon Trailhead and follows a wide, paved path to Tropical Terrace.
At Tropical Terrace you’ll encounter ruins of the historical Roberts Ranch House, a mid-century home that was burned down in the 1950s. The ruins are surrounded by tall palm trees, hence the name “Tropical Terrace”.
Hike a little further past the ruins and you’ll reach Solstice Canyon Falls, a 30-foot waterfall with several rock pools below it. On a hot day, the rock pools are a nice respite from the Southern California heat. From here, you can return back via the same trail.
For a more challenging hike, take the Rising Sun Trail back to complete this hike as a loop. The Rising Sun Trail gains elevation very quickly as it climbs a mountainside. Along the way are fantastic views of Solstice Canyon from above.
After about a half mile, the trail reaches a plateau and the trail becomes flat and easy again. This is where you’ll begin to get glimpses of the Pacific Ocean. You’ll have incredible views of Malibu’s coastline and the ocean all the way back to the parking lot.
>>WATCH! Solstice Canyon & Rising Sun Trail Video
2. Escondido Falls
Distance: 3.7 miles return trip
Elevation: 626 feet
Hiking Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Parking: Paid parking lot ($12) + street parking
Restrooms: Yes
Where: Winding Way Road, Malibu
This is another very popular hike in Malibu that leads to three impressive waterfalls. It is located in Escondido Park, not too far from Solstice Canyon.
The trail begins at the parking lot which is on the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Winding Way Road. From here, you’ll follow a paved road for about a mile until you reach a sign for the Escondido Canyon Trail.
The trail then meanders under shade through sage, chaparral, and oak plant communities. Eventually you’ll come to Escondido Falls, a beautiful three-tiered waterfall — this is one of the few waterfall hikes in Los Angeles.
Although the first tier of the waterfall is very pretty, the second and third tier are much more impressive. However beware that the hiking trail beyond the first waterfall becomes difficult and somewhat strenuous.
Only attempt to continue beyond this point if you have shoes with good grip as the next portion of the trail involves climbing loose dirt. There is a rope to help hikers get through the steep, rocky sections.
Getting to the top is quite the adventure, but well worth it! Not only will you be rewarded by views of one of the biggest waterfalls in southern California, but you’ll also get to reward yourself with a foot soak in the rock pool above the top waterfall.
The best time to hike this trail is in the spring, after the winter rain as this is when the waterfall will be flowing at full capacity. During the summer, there may be just a trickle of water falling so manage your expectations.
3. Point Dume Cove Trail
Distance: 1 mile (loop)
Elevation: 100 feet
Hiking Time: 30 – 60 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Parking: Paid parking lot
Restrooms: Yes
Where: Cliffside Drive, Malibu
Point Dume Cove Trail is an easy hike that offers stunning views of Malibu’s beaches and coastline. This hiking trail inside Point Dume Natural Preserve is situated atop coastal bluffs which overlook the Pacific Ocean. Along the trail, you’ll see gorgeous wildflowers, perfect sunsets, and possibly dolphins, sea lions and whales.
Beginning at the trailhead, it is only 0.3 miles to the top of Point Dume where you will find an overlook of the ocean. On the way to the overlook, keep an eye out to your left for a trail down to Dume Cove Beach. Dume Cove has tide pools and a long stretch of sand to stroll across.
If you don’t want to go down to the beach, continue along the loop trail to another overlook. From here you’ll have great views of Westward and Zuma Beach.
Although this is a short hike, it is still totally worth doing for the ocean views and access to secluded Dume Cove.
Keep in mind it is a heavily trafficked trail, especially on weekends. Also note that dogs are not allowed on the trails or in the preserve.
4. Malibu Bluffs Trail
Perched above Malibu’s stunning coastline is Malibu Bluffs Park. And adjacent to the park is Malibu Bluffs Open Space Area where you can enjoy ocean views all to yourself!
There is a 1.6 mile hiking trail that loops around the bluff and along the hike you can enjoy ocean views and vistas of the Santa Monica Mountains. It is an easy trail that is beautiful to hike year-round.
Surprisingly, this Malibu hiking trail is lightly-trafficked and it’s unlikely you’ll encounter many people on this trail. Maybe a runner or a local resident walking their dog.
So if you’re looking for an easy hiking trail where you can enjoy phenomenal ocean views, be sure to put Malibu Bluffs Trail on your hiking bucket list!
Malibu Bluffs Park is located off the Pacific Coast Highway at the intersection of Malibu Canyon Road. There is a restroom at the community center, as well as ample parking for visitors.
>Read: Hike Malibu Bluffs Trail For Ocean Views All To Yourself!
5. Sandstone Peak via Mishe Mokwa Trail
Distance: 7.2 miles (loop)
Elevation: 1,760 feet
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Parking: Parking lot
Restrooms: Yes
Where: Yerba Buena Road, Malibu
Sandstone Peak is the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains, and from its 3,111-foot rocky summit are some of the most incredible views in Southern California!
Although the peak can be reached via a shorter two-mile, up and back hike on the Backbone Trail, the longer six-mile trail along Mishe Mokwa is much more rewarding.
Begin the hike at the Mishe Mokwa Trailhead on Yerba Buena Road. This trail will take you through Carlisle Canyon where you’ll enjoy majestic mountain vistas.
Keep an eye out for Balanced Rock, Split Rock, and Tri-Peaks. If you decide to take the short side trip to Tri-Peaks you’ll be treated to panoramic views of Ventura and the Channel Islands.
Otherwise stay on the trail and keep an eye out for signs that point you in the direction of Sandstone Peak. It’s a slightly steep slog but very manageable.
Once you reach the peak, be sure to take a few minutes to stop and take in the scenery. You’ll be able to see as far out as Catalina Island and even Mt Baldy to the southeast.
6. Corral Canyon Trail
Distance: 2.5 miles (loop)
Elevation: 525 feet
Hiking Time: 1 – 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Parking: Paid parking lot ($5)
Restrooms: Yes
Where: Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu
Corral Canyon has the distinction of being the only canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains that remains completely undeveloped. This means that you’ll be able to enjoy uninterrupted views of the canyon and Pacific Coast as you make your way along the moderate 2.5 mile hiking trail.
The 1,000-acre Corral Canyon Park protects a span of the Santa Monica Mountains between Dan Blocker Beach and Malibu Creek State Park. Although the park is quite large, there is only one hiking trail here, and that’s the Corral Canyon Loop Trail.
Begin the hike at Sara Wan Trailhead which is located just off Pacific Coast Highway next to Malibu Seafood. Follow the trail down to a creek and then continue deep into the canyon.
Eventually you’ll reach several switchbacks (five to be exact) that will take you up to the trail’s highest point at 525-feet. Once you reach this “summit”, the trail takes a sharp turn and begins heading back toward the coast.
On the descent you’ll enjoy breathtaking ocean views and hopefully a cool ocean breeze. At the end of the hike, treat yourself to a seafood lunch at Malibu Seafood — one of my favorite places to eat in Malibu!
7. Rock Pool & Century Lake Trails
Distance: 4 miles (loop)
Elevation: 200 feet
Hiking Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Parking: Paid parking lot
Restrooms: Yes
Where: Malibu Creek State Park, Calabasas
The Rock Pool & Century Lake Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Malibu Creek State Park. This heavily trafficked 4-mile hike is great for anyone looking for adventure or to escape the city for a few hours.
Begin the hike on Crags Road, the main trail through this state park. Follow the trail down to Malibu Creek where you will see a bridge that needs to be crossed over.
After crossing the bridge, it is only a few hundred feet until you come across Rock Pool and Century Lake. Surrounded by lush trees and tall porous rocks, this rock pool truly is a hidden oasis in the Santa Monica Mountains.
In the summer, this is a great place for swimming and to cool off from the summer heat. If you don’t feel like swimming, explore the gorge between the Rock Pool and Century Lake.
Besides being a haven for rock climbers, the gorge is also the filming location for a scene in the movie “Planet of the Apes”.
8. King Gillette Ranch
Distance: 1.4 miles (loop)
Elevation: 229 feet
Hiking Time: 1 – 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Parking: Parking lot
Restrooms: Yes
Where: Mulholland Highway, Calabasas
Nestled in the Malibu Hills is King Gillette Ranch, a 588-acre park that was once owned by razor magnate King C. Gillette. Yes, the same Gillette razors you use to shave your legs (or face).
King Gillette Ranch is often overlooked as a hiking destination for adjacent Malibu Creek State Park, but the ranch offers trails that lead to rare and unspoiled views of Calabasas and Malibu Canyon that should not be missed!
The most popular hike here is the trail to Inspiration Point. It’s a short and easy hike that almost anyone can do.
From the parking lot you’ll hike a dusty, dirt trail about 0.4 miles to an overlook known as Inspiration Point. At the overlook there are sweeping views of the ranch and rugged east side of Malibu Creek State Park.
Once you’re done marveling at the views, continue along the Ridge Trail to complete this hike as a loop. As the name suggests, this trail follows a mountain ridge before descending back down to the ranch. This will add an extra mile to the hike.
>>Read: 15 Really Cool Things To Do In Calabasas According To A Local
9. Paseo Miramar Trail
Distance: 4.9 miles (return)
Elevation: 1,236 feet
Hiking Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Parking: Limited street parking (weekdays only)
Restrooms: Yes (at end of trail)
Where: Paseo Miramar, Pacific Palisades
Paseo Miramar translates to “a walk with sea views” in Spanish, and true to its name, this hike offers phenomenal ocean views! The 5.5-mile trail is rated as moderate and is a great hike for anyone looking for a cardio workout.
This trail is located at the southern end of Malibu in Pacific Palisades. You’ll begin at a trailhead that will immediately begin a steep incline and it won’t be long before you leave the dense L.A. neighborhood behind.
Once you reach the top, you’ll be amazed by the expansive views of Los Angeles, Santa Monica Beach, and the Pacific Ocean. If you’re looking for a hike with a nice sunset, this is it!
Note that this is a very popular hike and that there is no parking near the trailhead on weekends.
Tips For Hiking In Malibu
- Southern California is known for long hot summers so be sure to carry water with you if you’re planning to take on longer hikes. If you’re in the market for a new water bottle, check out these cool yeti water bottles that come in these awesome colors.
- Most of the hiking trails in Malibu (and southern California in general) have no shade. Be sure to cover up if you’re prone to getting sunburnt with a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Learn to identify common poisonous plants in Malibu such as Poison Oak and Poison Ivy.
- Be aware that rattlesnake encounters are common on hiking trails in Malibu. Of the 14 snakes found in the Santa Monica Mountains, only one is venomous and that is the Southern Pacific Rattlesnake. Learn to identify this rattlesnake and if you see one sunning itself on the trail, keep your distance and let it slither away. Consider wearing hiking boots rather than joggers for protection if you are really concerned about rattlesnakes.
- Also, incase you aren’t aware, the Santa Monica Mountains are home to coyotes and mountain lions. You aren’t likely to have a mountain lion encounter but if you’re hiking during the evening, you may hear or see coyotes on the trail. Don’t worry, they are harmless.
- Many of the hiking trails in Malibu are highly trafficked on weekends. If you aren’t able to hike on a weekday, try to get to the trailhead early in the morning on weekends because parking lots get full very quickly in Malibu.
- If parking lots are full at trailheads in Malibu, you may be forced to park on the Pacific Coast Highway. Be very careful parking on the highway as it can be very dangerous crossing the PCH. Fatal accidents happen here very regularly unfortunately.
- Leave no trace – remember to always pack out what you pack in!
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