Serrano Canyon Trail
A quiet backcountry escape from the Sycamore Canyon floor, squeezing through a narrow oak-choked rocky gorge that feels completely removed from the coast. Dense canopy, dramatic narrows, and outstanding wildlife viewing.
○ TIER 1 — SOURCED & RESEARCHED
8.6 miRound Trip
600 ftElev. Gain
ModerateDifficulty
4-5 hoursEst. Time
1,100 ftHighest Point
Out-and-BackRoute Type
YesDogs
NonePermit
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Sandstone Peak via Mishe Mokwa Loop
The crown jewel of the Santa Monica Mountains. This loop circles volcanic backcountry through red-walled canyons and massive sandstone pillars before climbing to the highest point in the range with ocean and Channel Islands views.
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Solstice Canyon Loop Trail
A remarkably lush coastal riparian canyon in the heart of Malibu. A year-round stream, mature sycamores, and the stone ruins of the Roberts Ranch house — an outdoor fireplace still standing next to a small waterfall.
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Escondido Falls Trail
A popular coastal canyon walk through oak groves to the tallest waterfall in the Santa Monica Mountains. Multi-tiered mossy limestone walls make this a spectacular winter and spring destination when the falls run full.
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Malibu Creek State Park to Rock Pool and MASH Site
A cultural and ecological centerpiece of the coastal range — rolling oak savannahs leading to the volcanic Rock Pool gorge and the iconic outdoor filming location of the M*A*S*H television series.
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Temescal Canyon Loop
One of the most heavily trafficked coastal conditioning loops in Southern California. A steep shaded canyon wall transitions to exposed ocean-facing ridges with clear views of Santa Monica Bay.
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Los Liones Trail to Parker Mesa Overlook
A lush ivy-draped canyon transforms into a serious ridgeline workout. The trail climbs aggressively to a high coastal plateau terminating at a lone bench hanging above the Malibu coastline — the definitive ocean viewpoint of the Santa Monicas.
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Zuma Ridge Trail
A wide ridgeline fire road that climbs the western flank of Zuma Canyon with non-stop Pacific Ocean views. No shade, constant ocean breeze, and a relentless uphill grade make this an honest cardio benchmark.
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Charmlee Wilderness Park Overlook Loop
A gentle coastal mesa gem above Leo Carrillo State Beach. Rolling meadows, ancient oaks, old ranching stone walls, and easy access to sheer ocean bluffs without serious climbing. Best in spring during wildflower bloom.
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Point Mugu Peak via Chumash Trail
An aggressively steep coastal challenge right off PCH. The trail scrambles up a loose dirt ridge before opening to a beautiful grassy valley with ocean drop-offs that reach straight to the horizon.