Hikes in California

To add extra mileage and views to a visit to Paradise Falls in Thousand Oaks, consider placing Lizard Rock on your itinerary. Lizard Rock rises over five hundred feet from the canyon below to offer fine views of Stagecoach Bluff and beyond. This write-up describes a 4.35-mile loop with 570 feet of elevation change that visits both Lizard Rock and Paradise Falls. ...Read more.

Paradise Falls drops 40 feet into a large pool along the Arroyo Conejo in Thousand Oaks. The waterfall is located within Wildwood Park, and thanks to an almost excessive network of trails, Paradise Falls may be reached via several routes, including a 2.15-mile out and back hike or a 2.55-mile loop that visits a small cave. It is a downhill hike from the trailhead to Paradise Falls with 260 feet of elevation change. ...Read more.

The Verdugo Mountains are a small range situated north of Burbank and Glendale. While the trails in this range can't get at as remote as those in the nearby San Gabriel Mountains, they can be quite scenic and convenient to reach. Hikers may enjoy a trek on the north side of the Verdugo Mountains from La Tuna Canyon to the highest point in the range, Verdugo Peak. ...Read more.

Between Rock Pool and Century Lake in Malibu Creek State Park lies a large C-shaped gorge that can be traversed by experienced hikers who are willing to get wet and engage in a bit of rock climbing. Dangerous conditions may occur and this hike is not recommended for most hikers. Your safety is your responsibility. To get to Rock Pool, leave the main trailhead parking area and begin hiking west on Crags Road, the principal trail through the park. ...Read more.

Malibu Creek State Park is a popular destination for campers and hikers who want to experience the beauty of Malibu's mountains and canyons. The 7,000-acre park boasts a good amount of trails, including the popular hike to the former set of MASH. Located just 35 miles from downtown Los Angeles, Malibu Creek State Park offers a quick getaway for residents eager for a night in the outdoors. ...Read more.

Leo Carrillo State Park boasts a large campground just across PCH from the park's 1.5 miles of beautiful waterfront. A path from the campground goes underneath PCH to allow easy access to the beach. Once there, campers can swim, surf, and walk along the shore, exploring numerous rock formations with sea caves and tide pools. The campground is made up of 135 sites, each with its own picnic table and fire ring. ...Read more.

The appeal of Ocean View and Canyon View Trails is self-evident. Both offer fine views of the Pacific Ocean and Zuma Canyon. Located on the opposite side of Zuma Canyon as Zuma Ridge Trail, Ocean View and Canyon View Trails combine to form a 3.1-mile loop with 750 feet of elevation gain. To complete the loop, leave from the Bonsall Trailhead and start up Zuma Canyon Trail. ...Read more.

Zuma Ridge Trail (also known as Zuma Ridge Motorway) is a wide dirt service road that weaves northwest up the ridge west of Zuma Canyon. The hike starts at the base of the flood plane, but quickly leaves the shrubby canyon for grassy mountain slopes. The views improve as the trail climbs, offering several great lookouts over Zuma Beach, Point Dune, Malibu High School, and the ocean beyond. ...Read more.

This demanding 8-mile loop includes two miles off-trail, trekking through a lush untamed canyon. Begin the loop on Zuma Canyon Trail. The sandy single track traverses a brushy open space, crossing and following a stony creek bed. After 1.4 miles, Zuma Canyon narrows and the trail dissolves. The true challenge begins! From the end of Zuma Canyon Trail, it is two miles to the next maintained path, an Edison Fire Road. ...Read more.

This 2.8-mile hike leaves a coastal Malibu neighborhood to explore rustic Zuma Canyon. The sandy single track shoots north through a brushy open space, crossing and following a stony creek bed. Sporadic oaks and sycamores become more concentrated as the mouth of the canyon closes. Enjoy the increasing shade and lush canyon views. The easy trail climbs only 115 feet and has no steep sections. ...Read more.