West of Los Angeles, Malibu, California is known as the home of wealthy celebrities and beautiful beaches. While visiting the beach or the famous Malibu Pier is a great way to highlight a vacation to California, there is also a fabulous assortment of scenic hiking trails which can take travelers up, around, and through the phenomenally gorgeous landscape of Malibu’s surrounding forests and hills.
What To Bring
Remember to always practice good safety and security measures. Malibu can get up to 90 degrees in the summer, as on these hiking trails, there are sometimes pockets of direct sunlight between the trees.
- Sunscreen
- Protective sun gear like hats and sunglasses
- Comfortable and supportive walking shoes
- A pocket map in case cell service is spotty
- Snacks
- Plenty of water
The Best Hiking Trails In Malibu
Malibu is beautiful from the time it appears in a plane window to when guests wave goodbye, regardless of what one does or where one goes. But a truly hands-on way to experience the beauty of Malibu is hiking one of its glorious trails. Each trail listed below is sorted by duration and difficulty, with fabulous highlights and tips check out while hiking.
Point Dume Cove Trail
An easy trip great for the whole family, The Point Dume Cove trail offers the option to lounge at the beach afterward. It is a casual, easy, yet beautiful hike with lots of other hiking enthusiasts to meet and get to know.
- Duration: 1.4 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- What to see: beautiful wildflowers, stunning sunsets, sometimes sea lions and whales from the summit
- Tip: head down to the beach afterward to relax and check out the tide pools
- Note: no dogs are allowed
Los Liones Trail
Slightly more difficult than the Point Dume Cove Trail, the Los Liones is pretty steep for the first few miles and doesn’t have a lot of shade, but the end views are completely worth it.
- Duration: 2.6 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- What to see: A great view of Will Rogers State Beach and the Pacific ocean at the top
- Tip: take a breather up top at the bench for a good chance to see both Santa Monica and Malibu from above
- Note: no dogs are allowed
Rock Pool & Century Lake Trails
This winding trail is perfect for hikers seeking adventure and unpredictable twists and turns.
- Duration: 4.4 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- What to see: sparkling rivers and the swimmable Rock Pool with walls of volcanic rock, where part of Planet of the Apes (1968) was filmed
- Tip: check out the old set of the TV show M*A*S*H at the 2.5-mile marker!
- Note: no dogs are allowed
Solstice Canyon Loop
Extremely popular, the Solstice Canyon Loop offers a gorgeous start in shaded woods as visitors hike up to the Roberts house Ranch. The building was burned down in 1982, but it is still an interesting landmark to stop at before continuing on.
- Duration: 3 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- What to see: check out the waterfall on the way up into the mountain before taking a zig-zag path to the top. At the top, hikers can catch their breath as they gaze at the blue Pacific Ocean over the canyon.
- Note: dogs are allowed on a leash
Backbone Trail To Sandstone Peak And Mishe Mokwa Trail
A moderate trail, the Backbone Trail begins cutting sharply from side to side uphill toward Sandstone Peak, on interesting-but-tricky rock scrambles. On the way back, the Mishe Mokwa Trail takes hikers down through picturesque and peaceful views of Coastal Sagebrush.
- Duration: 5.7 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- What to see: rock formations, Coastal Sagebrush, and various birds and wildlife
- Tip: head up to Inspiration Point, to see the Pacific ocean.
- Note: dogs are allowed on a leash
Mugu Peak Trail
If hikers are interested in a great workout and a challenge, the Mugu Peak Trail is a solid option. While not a very long trail, there is a very steep incline at the beginning as hikers travel up to Point Mugu.
- Duration: 2.7 miles
- Difficulty: Hard
- What to see: on top of Point Mugu, hikers can gaze out over the Pacific and the western edge of Malibu.
- Note: no dogs are allowed
Zuma Canyon Loop Trail
While the Zuma Canyon Loop Trail is long and strenuous at times, it is an excellent way for experienced hikers to get several hours of exercise against a backdrop of mesmerizing California landscapes.
- Duration: 10.7 miles
- Difficulty: Hard
- What to see: gorgeous views of California flowers, trees, and wildlife
- Tip: There is not a lot of shade, so remember to bring plenty of water and sunscreen on this hike
- Note: dogs are allowed on a leash. Mountain bikes and horses are also allowed
Places to Stay in and Around Malibu
Malibu Country Inn
- Pricing: Averaged at $214
- Three stars
- Amenities: pool, Wi-Fi, on-site ocean-view restaurant
- Location: 6506 Westward Beach Rd, Malibu, CA 90265, United States
Calamigos Guest Ranch And Beach Club
- Pricing: Averaged at $650
- Family-run resort
- Amenities: three pools, hot tub, Wi-Fi, five restaurants, spa, fitness center
- Location: 327 Latigo Canyon Rd, Malibu, CA 90265, United States
In conclusion, whether visitors are experts at hiking or have only just fallen in love with it, Malibu has plenty of gorgeous trails for everyone. Remember to protect against the sun and drink plenty of water before venturing out to the terrific hills and enchanting forests of Malibu hiking trails!