Aside from being home to popular Hollywood celebrities and having incredible surfing spots, Malibu is also home to fascinating canyons and hiking trails. With a perfect climate for hiking, Malibu makes its courses accessible for any time of the year. With over twenty-plus hiking spots, here's a comprehensive list of the top hiking trails in the scenic paradise of Malibu.
10 Santa Monica Mountains
The Santa Monica Mountains is a National Recreation Area, the most widespread terrestrial land in California, housing over 59 hiking trails. The park is over 62,360 hectares and is open 24/7 aside from the parking area, which opens from 8:00 AM to sunsets. The only operating campground here is Circle X Ranch Group Campground. The park is near Los Angeles, which is why it is pretty much popular. Bringing a hand-curated map and not relying on devices would be very convenient because hikers sometimes find it hard to find cell services.
9 Zuma Ridge Trail
With an elevation gain of 1473 feet and 5.6 miles in length, Zuma Ridge Trail offers one of the best views in Malibu. Expect more hikers as trails get heavy traffic, for it is just a moderate trail making it accessible for more visitors. It features panoramic ocean and canyon views of Malibu and the serene river. Be immersed as there will be less shade, so put on sunscreen to avoid getting burned by the sun.
8 Solstice Canyon Loop
Like Zuma Ridge Trail, Solstice Canyon Loop is also heavily trafficked with an elevation gain of 797 feet and 3.2 miles in length. What's unique in this trail is that it features a waterfall, the oldest ruins in Malibu, and creeks. There are also lagoons here and the hidden statue of the Virgin Mary; it's a great adventure once hikers can find it. Additionally, hikers can find restrooms and picnic areas along the way.
7 Backbone Trail
The Backbone Trail to Sandstone Peak has an elevation gain of 1030 feet and is 3.2 miles long. The best time to hike this wonder is during early mornings or in the late afternoon to avoid getting burned by the sun as there are no shades along the way. The trail features colorful wildflowers and is considered challenging, for the path is very rocky. The trek requires the right hiking shoes to avoid getting hurt by the rocks, and it's also safer.
6 Grotto Trail
Grotto Trail is one of the most accessible trails, yet it still requires the right hiking gear. It has an elevation gain of 561 feet and is 2.5 miles in length. The trail boasts colorful wildflowers, a wide path, mountains, waterfalls, and caves at the trail's end. Unlike in other courses, Grotto Trail has cell services and is kid-friendly. Along the way, hikers may encounter shade and a more colorful landscape with the gentle wind brushing the hiker's skin. It will surely be a relaxing hike.
5 Malibu Creek State Park
One of the most excellent trails in Malibu is the Malibu Creek State Park—featuring over 62 tents in the campground, four RV campsites, flush toilets, heated showers, picnic areas, and fire pits. Activities in the park include fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, bird watching, and rock climbing. The trail in the State Park ends in Malibu Lagoon, where Surfrider Beach is nearby. The parking lot fee in the park ranges from $3 per hour to $12 if visitors plan to stay all day. The best time to visit is during weekdays as the parking area is free.
4 Escondido Falls Trail
The trail to the hidden falls of Malibu has an elevation gain of 626 feet and is 3.7 miles in length. The trail is situated in Escondido Canyon Park, featuring lots of natural views. It offers a family-friendly hike for the trail is easy, and there is also shade along the way. Make sure to visit out of the dry season to get the best experience of the waterfall. The parking area is relatively small, so it's best to get there early.
3 Calabasas Peak Trail
The trail in Calabasas Peak is rated as moderate with an elevation gain of 964 feet and is 3.7 miles in length. The peak is situated in the Stunt Ranch Santa Monica Mountains Reserve with a wide area of parking. The trail features several rock formations, the Red Rock Canyon, and bird watching. The months of March through November are the perfect times to visit and enjoy the trail. Other things to do here include mountain biking and running.
2 Corral Canyon Loop Trail
Located in Corral Canyon Park is the Corral Canyon Loop trail with an elevation gain of 531 feet and is 2.3 miles in length. The course is moderate, featuring wildflowers, rivers, panoramic ocean views, and bird watching. Beside the Malibu Seafood restaurant is the parking area with an entrance fee of $15. The trail is also kid-friendly and offers numerous choices of activities. Dogs are also allowed in the trail as long as they are on a leash.
1 Malibu Lake Vista Trail
As the name of the trail says, it gives a beautiful view of Malibu Lake. The track has an elevation gain of 302 feet with a length of 1.1 miles, but still, it varies on where the hiker started the trail. The trail usually begins at the Reagan Ranch near Malibu Creek State Park and features horseback riding. Along the way, the path gets rocky, so hikers should wear appropriate hiking shoes.