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Malibu, California

Looking for the best hiking in Malibu? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Malibu. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Malibu

  • Topanga, California

    Parker Mesa Overlook via Trippet Ranch

    4.0
    6.75 mi / 1181 ft gain
    This is a 6.8 mile round-trip hike that starts at Trippet Ranch in Topanga Canyon. Even though the range in elevation is 400 feet from peak to trough, the up and down trail totals to approximately 1800 feet elevation gain making this a beginner to intermediate adventure.  The trail itself is pre...
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  • Malibu, California

    La Jolla Valley Walk-In Camps

    5.0
    10.58 mi / 2146 ft gain
    Hello Friends! I just took a really chill overnight backpacking trip to the La Jolla Valley Backcountry campsite and I’m going to give you some details so you can have as nice of an outing as I did! The trailhead is conveniently just off of the Pacific Coast Highway, across the street from the T...
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  • Malibu, California

    La Jolla Canyon Falls

    1.75 mi / 449 ft gain
    ...I think out of all the State Parks in the Santa Monica Mountains, Point Mugu State Park is without a doubt the best one. Maybe it has something to do with its proximity to the beach, or the endless trails and epic views, but the energy and diversity here is just so much more wild. With the par...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Los Liones Trail

    5.0
    4.41 mi / 1115 ft gain
    Los Liones Trail is an out-and-back trail that is moderately difficult located near Pacific Palisades, California.
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Santa Ynez Falls

    3.5
    2.25 mi / 243 ft gain
    The Santa Ynez Canyon Trail is located 10 minutes away from the beach providing you the opportunity to do this hike early in the morning and spend the rest of the day hanging out at the beach. To get to the trailhead, take Vereda de la Montura Road until you reach the private residential area (th...
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  • Ventura County, California

    Hike the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve Trail

    8.6 mi / 1851 ft gain
    The most popular point of entry is through the Victory Trailhead, which has ample parking. You can park on the street or you can pay $3 to park at the trailhead parking lot. You can also enter at the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Trailhead at the northern end of Las Virgenes Canyon Road in Calabasas....
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Parker Mesa Overlook via Paseo Miramar

    4.2
    5.32 mi / 1099 ft gain
    This 5.4-mile out-and back trail takes off from the end of the residential area of Paseo Miramar. Once you hike a little less than a quarter mile in, you'll connect with Los Liones Canyon Trail. Continue on Paseo Miramar Trail, which in another 2.5 miles, will connect you with the Parker Mesa Ove...
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  • Topanga, California

    Top of Topanga Overlook

    1 mi / 1613 ft gain
    The Top of Topanga Overlook is where you can simply park your car, and sit in one of the benches to view the San Fernando Valley. But there is one hiking trail in that area which lets you get better vantage points, as well as a quick workout. Once you get to the overlook, park your car and safel...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Cave of Munits

    4.5
    1.53 mi / 299 ft gain
    Are you looking for a hike that offers trail running, scenic views, hiking, and CAVE exploring? This short, but exciting trail leads you on a short 0.8 mile hike to the Cave of Munits. When starting at the main trailhead, El Scorpion Park, take the wide paved dirt road all the way till you get to...
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  • Thousand Oaks, California

    Hiking Wildwood Regional Park

    3.8
    Wildwood Regional Park is open year-round, easily accessible, and offers great routes for hiking, running, biking, and even horseback riding. There are also two waterfalls inside the park—the larger of the two, Paradise Falls, cascades 40 feet into a large pool. To catch some beautiful views of t...
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  • Thousand Oaks, California

    Paradise Falls Loop

    4.3
    2.26 mi / 300 ft gain
    The hike to Paradise Falls is about 1.5 miles one way with around 300 feet elevation change. Take it easy starting the hike because the real challenge is the change in elevation going back to your car since you'll be going uphill. At the trailhead, follow the signs indicating the location of Para...
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  • Malibu, California

    Hike Point Mugu Peak

    4.5
    2 mi / 1250 ft gain
    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 ...
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  • Malibu, California

    Hike Mugu Peak Loop via Chumash Trail

    5.0
    6.5 mi / 1255 ft gain
    From the parking lot at the trailhead, follow the steep trail going up the mountain. This part is quite challenging, so I recommend stretching out your legs before starting the hike. Once you reach the top, you will see your first junction. Go right if you want to go straight for the peak, and th...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Temescal Canyon Loop

    3.9
    3.76 mi / 810 ft gain
    There are a couple of different ways that you can hike in Temescal Canyon. For this one, the loop begins from Temescal Canyon Trail at Sunset Boulevard and is approximately 3.76 miles. This loop is not dog friendly.  Additional Options for Hiking Temescal Canyon: The basic loop – 2.6 milesTh...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Hike to Vanalden Vista

    2 mi / 300 ft gain
    To get to the trailhead take Vanalden Ave until it dead ends. Follow the trail at the end of the road as it winds up into the mountains and to the left. You can easily find the trail on Google Maps, so you can use this as a guide. The trail will fork to the left after half a mile. The trail, Vana...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Inspiration Point Loop Trail

    2.36 mi / 486 ft gain
    The Inspiration Point 2.3 mile loop hike in Will Rogers State Park is a family-friendly hike or after-work run near Los Angeles, California. It’s a great dirt trail for all skill levels and features scenic views and beautifully budding wildflowers. You’ll get to escape the city and take in the br...
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