Hikes in the Santa Monica Mountains

Stretching through Malibu toward downtown Los Angeles, the Santa Monica Mountains are a beautiful coastal range packed with enticing trails. Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area spans 40 miles west to east across Los Angeles and Ventura Counties from Point Mugu to Griffith Park. A network of federal, state, and city parks protect over 150,000 acres of the Santa Monica Mountains, offering miles and miles of hiking trails. ... Read more.
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Los Angeles

Camping in Malibu Creek State Park

Campgrounds | Los Angeles
Camping in Malibu Creek State Park
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.
Tagged with · Agoura Hills · Calabasas · California State Parks · Malibu · Ocean Views · Tent Camping · Malibu Creek State Park · Santa Monica Mountains
By: Seth Smigelski Published: January 14, 2010 Last updated: April 19, 2026
Los Angeles

Camping in Leo Carrillo State Park

Campgrounds | Los Angeles
Camping in Leo Carrillo State Park
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.
Tagged with · California State Parks · Leo Carrillo State Park · Malibu · Ocean Views · Tent Camping · Santa Monica Mountains
By: Seth Smigelski Published: January 14, 2010 Last updated: April 19, 2026
Los Angeles

Zuma Canyon Ocean View Trail – Canyon View Trail loop in the Santa Monica Mountains

Los Angeles | Trails
Trail Rating:
Zuma Canyon Ocean View Trail – Canyon View Trail loop in the Santa Monica Mountains
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.
Tagged with · Free Trails · Malibu · Ocean Views · Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area · Dog-Friendly Trails · Santa Monica Mountains
Distance: 3.1 miles · Elevation change: 3.1 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: January 12, 2010 Last updated: April 9, 2026
Los Angeles

Zuma Ridge Trail
in the Santa Monica Mountains

Los Angeles | Trails
Trail Rating:
Zuma Ridge Trail in the Santa Monica Mountains
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.
Tagged with · Free Trails · Malibu · Ocean Views · Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area · Dog-Friendly Trails · Mountain Biking Trails · Santa Monica Mountains
Distance: 5.4 miles · Elevation change: 1390 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: January 12, 2010 Last updated: December 6, 2025
Los Angeles

Zuma Canyon Narrows – Zuma Ridge Loop
in the Santa Monica Mountains

Los Angeles | Trails
Trail Rating:
Zuma Canyon Narrows – Zuma Ridge Loop in the Santa Monica Mountains
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.
Tagged with · Creeks · Free Trails · Malibu · Ocean Views · Off Trail · Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area · Santa Monica Mountains
Distance: 8 miles · Elevation change: 1715 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: January 12, 2010 Last updated: April 9, 2026
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