The Best Hikes in Malibu – Classic Peaks and Secret Gems that Everyone Can Enjoy 

With the weather warming up and stay at home orders gradually lifting, more people are looking to get out of the house and spend some time in the fresh air.

One popular way that people are getting back to enjoying the outdoors is by hiking. Not only do you get fresh air, but you also get plenty of exercise and spectacular views if you know where to go. While there are hiking locations all across Los Angeles, nothing compares to the beautiful sand-covered coastline of Malibu. Whether you’re looking for an oceanview hike or something different, you’ll want to check these locations out! Please keep in mind we still recommend social distancing and wearing a mask.

Here are some of the best hikes in Malibu for you to explore:

Saddle Peak Trail

Saddle Peak Trail is a great hike for people with a taste for beautiful panoramic views. The trail to the peak is roughly 3.5 miles with an almost 900-foot elevation gain. The sixth highest peak in the Santa Monica Mountains, the Saddle Peak itself boasts views of the ocean, nearby canyons, and the Calabasas Peak.

The trail is rated as moderate and has little shade, so plan to start the hike early and bring plenty of water.

Sandstone Peak

At 3,111 feet, the Sandstone Peak is the highest peak in the Santa Monica Mountains. The peak boasts expansive views of the mountain range.

One popular trail used to reach the Sandstone Peak is the Mishe Mokwa Trail, a heavily trafficked loop that is almost 7 miles in total and has a 1,692-foot elevation gain. The scramble to the peak from the Mishe Mokwa trail can be a little challenging, and it can get a little crowded, but the trail also gives you access to the summit of Tri-Peaks on the way to Sandstone Peak, so it could be worth it if you’re looking for a challenge.

 

View all available properties in Malibu

Chamlee Wilderness Park

Located on a bluff overlooking the pristine Malibu coastline, Chamlee Wilderness Park is a favorite spot for local hikers. The 590-acre park has eight miles of interwoven trails. With so many different trails to explore, you can come to the park time and time again without hiking the exact same way.

 

With excellent coastal views and only moderate difficulty, anyone can enjoy a hike or several hikes through the park. Be prepared for a $4 day-use fee when you park!

Tuna Canyon Park

Tuna Canyon is a hidden gem. Relatively unknown, the park consists of 1,255 acres nestled in the mountains between Topanga and Malibu. From the park’s two main viewpoints found at the end of Hearst Tank Motorway and Big Rock Lateral, a hiker can see majestic views of the coastline and the Santa Monica Bay.

The trailhead is barely marked and can be difficult to spot!

 

How You Can Buy a Home in 2020

Malibu Creek State Park

Malibu Creek State Park is considered the crown jewel of the Santa Monica Mountains and has been called “the Yosemite of Southern California.” The stunning terrain includes oak savannahs, rolling grass plains, and plenty of hiking trails.

The park is very popular and often crowded!

 

Get out and enjoy the sun this summer with the best hikes in Malibu.