Spreading across Ventura and Los Angeles Counties, Malibu State Park is a study in contrasts with hills and flatlands. Hiking and photography enthusiasts will find this place a delight year-round. Spring and fall are particularly beautiful seasons for the park. Explore the many trails and hike along the creeks to get a real feel for the park’s unique beauty. Read on to discover the top 10 hikes in Malibu State Park.
Rock Pool
You can hike to Rock Pool at Malibu State Park from the visitor center. The trail begins at the visitor center and quickly becomes narrow and rocky. Eventually you will reach a rock pool and walk along Malibu Creek. Neither is suitable for strollers or toddling tots. However, you should not miss it if you have time to explore the natural beauty of this park. Read on to learn more.
The Rock Pool is an idyllic spot to spend an afternoon picnicking or dipping your feet in the water. You will find that this swimming area is teeming with native wildlife. However, you should always use caution when diving or swimming in this pool, as the rocks are not very deep. While the water is not deep, it is a good idea to wear water shoes to prevent slips. It is a popular destination in the summer.
The Rock Pool trail is 2.7 miles long and includes approximately 6,000 steps. The trail begins at the main parking lot, and takes you through the woods before dropping you off at the pool. Once at the pool, you can explore the gorge and a volcanic rock pool. You can also try cliff-jumping if you are feeling brave. The Crags Road trail is a well-maintained trail that meanders alongside the creek and goes under large oak trees. The vista from the top of the park is expansive.
Once you reach the pool, make sure to bring a towel. You can sit on the rocks nearby or picnic for a while. While it’s a great place to soak up the sun, the rock formations surrounding the pool make it tempting to take a dive. You’ll notice signs warning you against diving in the shallow water or into underlying rocks. It’s also against state law to dive into the pool!
Grassland Trail
The Grassland Trail in Malobu State Park connects Malibu Creek State Park with Bark City’s Millennium Trail. Once a busy road, this trail is now a great alternative for walking in the surrounding area. Although the trail crosses Mulholland Highway, the trail itself isn’t that busy. It’s a 3.1-mile loop.
One of the most scenic trails in Malibu State Park is the Crags Road. This trail runs alongside Malibu Creek and provides ample shade and amazing views. The road can be reached via Mulholland Road or Las Virgenes Road. The trail is relatively flat and largely used for sightseeing. Whether you’re taking the trail for its scenic views or simply taking a nature walk, the Crags Road is a great option.
The Grassland Trail begins steeply but flattens after reaching the Mulholland Highway. This 3-mile loop is accessible for both hikers and cyclists. Bike riders can ride along the Malibu Creek State Park trails but they’re not allowed on the Rock Pool trail. You can hike the Grassland Trail for free. The popular Talepop Loop is another great hike in Malibu State Park.
One of the best-kept secrets of Malibu State Park is its Grassland Trail. Once a popular filming location, it’s now a scenic six-mile path surrounded by lush greenery and stunning wildflowers. You’ll also get to enjoy creeks and rivers as you make your way through the woods. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes and pack plenty of water.
Anne Skager Trail
You can hike the Anne Skager Trail in Malibu State park to get a sense of this island. Located between Alaska and Canada, the trail takes you near the bays of Chokotonk and Chignik Bay. The trail also takes you past the ruins of a Native American village called the Chankliut. This walk is the perfect way to learn about the natives of these islands.
The name “Anne Skager” comes from a township in St. Clair County, Ind., and an island in the Hii’oshima Bay, Japan. In addition, it is the principal city of Armenia. While this is not an exact match, the township is located in the Erzgebirge, a mountain range between Bohemia and Saxony, Germany.
This walk is great for families and is a popular choice for hikers of all abilities. It follows a creek for most of its route and is ideal for families with children. At the end of the trail, you’ll come across a small island called Molukken. In addition, the trail takes you through a rural village known as Naji. In addition to the Molukkas, this trail takes you through several other local towns, including Elgin and Murray.
Bulldog Loop Trail
The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is home to a variety of recreational facilities, including the picturesque Bulldog Loop Trail. Its Malibu Creek Canyon was first preserved at this state park in 1974 and opened to the public in 1976. Visitors can hike, bike, or simply enjoy a scenic stroll along this trail. The Bulldog Loop Trail takes hikers along the creek to the top of the hill for a breathtaking view of the Santa Monica Mountains.
The Bulldog Loop Trail can be accessed from a number of locations, including the main parking lot. There are three separate trailheads at the intersection of Mulholland Highway and Crags Road. Starting at one of these locations adds approximately 1.5 miles and about 500 feet of elevation gain and loss to the standard 14-mile loop. The Big Bulldog Loop trail also passes by the iconic M*A*S*H set.
If you’re looking for a challenging mountain biking experience, try the Bulldog Loop Trail in Malibu State-Park. It’s a popular local trail and used to be a filming location. The trail is six miles long, and it’s surrounded by beautiful wildflowers. You’ll also cross a creek and a river. The Bulldog Loop Trail connects to trails in nearby Calabasas.
The Bulldog Motorway climb is not easy, but the scenery is spectacular. You’ll pass through oak and sycamore woodlands, as well as pentachaeta flowers. It’s also accessible from the Castro Motorway. Crags Road is also a great trail. And you don’t need to be a mountain biker to enjoy this trail. It’s perfect for mountain biking, trail running, and horseback riding.
Anne Skager Trail to Rock Pool
The Anne Skager Trail to Rock Pool is a short, easy hike through oak savannah. The hike takes about thirty minutes. Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of Stokes Canyon, Las Virgenes Creek, and mighty mountains. The trailhead is located near the second parking lot in Malibu State Park. Alternatively, you can drive to the park from the Malibu Canyon Road.
If you want to go on a challenging hike, try the Mesa Peak Trail. This 3.5 mile hike is not for beginners, but it’s a great place to catch a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. This trail also includes picnic tables. Equestrians use this trail, so expect to hear a lot of neighing horses! It is possible to hike to Rock Pool and back without getting rained on!
Hiking through Malibu Creek is another great way to explore the park. This trail will take you along the brook to a waterfall. During a springtime hike, you’ll be rewarded with views of Malibu Lake and the surrounding mountains. Getting there is easy and enjoyable! You’ll be rewarded with a scenic view as you hike along the gorge.
If you’re interested in history, you can visit the historic Sepulveda Adobe in the park. This home was built in 1863 on an early Spanish land grant and restored in 2003. It was the home of legendary LA attorney Johnny Mott. There is only a dramatic stone fireplace left, but you can see that he was a frequent visitor of the home. Interestingly, the President of the United States also frequented this home.