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Hike Point Mugu Peak

Malibu, California

4.5/5
based on 2 reviews

Details

Distance

2 miles

Elevation Gain

1250 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Katie Y

There are a few different trails you can take to the summit. The most direct way is from the Chumash Trailhead-out and back. The elevation gain is about 1250 ft. The direct way (described below) is about 2 miles round trip-out and back. Taking the loop trail will take you about 5.3 miles round trip, and less intense elevation gains and losses spread out.

Point Mugu State Park offers some amazing rolling mountains, sweeping meadows of tall grass, and beautiful coastal views. I suggest going in the spring. I recently went, and the wildflowers were blooming everywhere. There are campgrounds available in different parts of the park that you can make reservations at.

Point Mugu State Park starts from Newbury Park in Ventura County through the massive Santa Monica Mountains and into the way to the Pacific Ocean. The native grass with blossoms was by far a sight to see through the La Jolla Valley Natural Preserve.

The trail around Mugu Peak starts just outside the Point Mugu Naval Academy Base. The trailhead is near a rifle range, so you’ll sometimes hear them while on the hike. The dirt parking lot is on the side of the road across from the beach parking area. It is easy to miss, I actually had to turn around once for passing it. Be sure to put into the gps navigation "Chumash Trailhead", and you should be good to go.

There’s only one trail from the parking lot, and it only goes up!

The Chumash Trail is pretty much straight up and quite the cardio exercise, 870 feet in the first 3/4 mile. 

The landscape is breathtaking. Take your time. There is no rush to reach the peak. 

There is a trail intersect with the Mugu Peak Trail. Take the first left. This way takes you to the most direct path to the peak, as well as the steepest. If you want a longer route, stretching out the elevation, take the right and follow that trail up along the coastline views. 

After taking the left, you'll come to another intersection. Straight takes you through La Jolla Valley with the Mugu Peak trail. You'll want to veer to the right, which climbs very steeply for another half mile.

Don't worry about taking breaks to catch your breath. The incredible rolling mountains, grassland, and wildflowers deserve to be taken in. Don't miss them, while they are in bloom! 

Backcountry camping along the trail is allowed and doesn't require any permit. I spent my afternoon photographing the sunset from the summit, so I set up my tent at the peak that you'll see in my pictures here. Backcountry camping along the trail is allowed and doesn't require any permit. I spent my afternoon photographing the sunset from the summit, so I set up my tent at the peak that you'll see in my pictures.

 When you're ready to take the descent back down, you can follow Mugu Peak trail on the opposite side you came up, which will eventually take you back down to the intersection with Chumash Trail and back down to the car. You can also retrace your steps and go back down the way you came up. Make sure to watch your step, the dirt can sometimes be loose and slippery when not wearing solid grip hiking shoes.

This place is popular for bikers, runners, and people working for fitness goals. Be prepared for the wind. It is crazy how intense it can be. These are the incredible California Santa Monica Mountains you're witnessing! Take it all in! 

For a longer hik, you can do a loop hike to Magu Peak 6+ miles.

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Features

Chillin
Camping
Photography
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Food Nearby
Romantic
Scenic
Wildflowers

Hike Point Mugu Peak Reviews

Love this hike. The best views in town. Go after it rains!

The hike begins very steep and rocky and continues that way for quite awhile. Honestly I had to take a seat on a rock and log to catch my breath. Once we finally got to the flatter part of the hike the views were amazing and easier to look at now that I caught my breath. I would recommend going later in the day because it can get very hot.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike Mugu Peak Loop via Chumash Trail

La Jolla Canyon Falls

La Jolla Valley Walk-In Camps

Camp at Thornhill Broome State Beach

Camp at Point Mugu State Park's Thornhill Broome Campground

Scenic Trail