○ TIER 1 — SOURCED & RESEARCHED
2.6 miRound Trip
200 ftElev. Gain
EasyDifficulty
1-2 hoursEst. Time
1,650 ftHighest Point
LoopRoute Type
YesDogs
NonePermit

Charmlee Wilderness Park Overlook Loop

๐ŸŒค Trail Weather โ€” Plan Your Hike Updated every 6 hrs ยท Trailhead coords
๐Ÿฅพ
Trail Ready
86ยฐF, Broken Clouds. Layer for elevation. Summit conditions may differ from trailhead.
โ˜๏ธ
86ยฐ
Broken Clouds
Feels 89ยฐF
๐Ÿ’จ Wind
7 mph S
Gusts to 6 mph
๐Ÿ’ง Humidity
56%
Humid โ€” heat feels stronger
๐Ÿ‘ Visibility
1.6 mi
Poor โ€” fog or smoke likely
โ˜๏ธ Cloud Cover
59%
Mostly cloudy
๐ŸŒ… Sunrise
6:01 am
Ideal start time
๐ŸŒ‡ Sunset
8:02 pm
Off trail by this
Today โ€” 3-Hour Intervals
2 pm
โ˜๏ธ
86ยฐ
Feels 89ยฐ
๐Ÿ’จ 7/6
5 pm
โ˜๏ธ
85ยฐ
Feels 88ยฐ
๐Ÿ’จ 6/5
8 pm
โ˜๏ธ
79ยฐ
Feels 79ยฐ
๐Ÿ’จ 5/7
11 pm
๐ŸŒฅ๏ธ
68ยฐ
Feels 69ยฐ
๐Ÿ’จ 1/2
5-Day Forecast
โ˜๏ธ
Today
Broken Clouds
86ยฐF
feels 89ยฐ
๐Ÿ’จ Wind/Gust
7/6 S
๐Ÿ’ง Humidity
56% Humid โ€” heat feels stronger
๐Ÿ‘ Visibility
1.7 mi โ€” Poor โ€” fog or smoke likely
โ˜๏ธ Clouds
56% Mostly cloudy
๐ŸŸก Warm & Humid โ€” Extra Water
๐ŸŒ™
Sat, Jul 25
Clear Sky
67ยฐF
feels 67ยฐ
๐Ÿ’จ Wind/Gust
5/5 SE
๐Ÿ’ง Humidity
80% High humidity โ€” pace yourself
๐Ÿ‘ Visibility
6.2 mi โ€” Good visibility
โ˜๏ธ Clouds
4% Clear โ€” full sun exposure
๐ŸŸก Warm & Humid โ€” Extra Water
โ˜๏ธ
Sun, Jul 26
Overcast Clouds
68ยฐF
feels 68ยฐ
๐Ÿ’จ Wind/Gust
2/2 SSE
๐Ÿ’ง Humidity
77% High humidity โ€” pace yourself
๐Ÿ‘ Visibility
6.2 mi โ€” Good visibility
โ˜๏ธ Clouds
98% Overcast
โœ… Good Conditions โ€” Go Hike
โ˜๏ธ
Mon, Jul 27
Scattered Clouds
65ยฐF
feels 66ยฐ
๐Ÿ’จ Wind/Gust
7/9 ESE
๐Ÿ’ง Humidity
87% High humidity โ€” pace yourself
๐Ÿ‘ Visibility
6.2 mi โ€” Good visibility
โ˜๏ธ Clouds
42% Partly cloudy
๐ŸŸก Warm & Humid โ€” Extra Water
๐ŸŒฅ๏ธ
Tue, Jul 28
Few Clouds
64ยฐF
feels 64ยฐ
๐Ÿ’จ Wind/Gust
5/5 ESE
๐Ÿ’ง Humidity
85% High humidity โ€” pace yourself
๐Ÿ‘ Visibility
6.2 mi โ€” Good visibility
โ˜๏ธ Clouds
23% Partly cloudy
๐ŸŸก Warm & Humid โ€” Extra Water
Trailhead elevation only. Conditions change at altitude. Check weather.gov before heading out. Jul 24, 2:35 pm

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.

Trail Overview

Charmlee is a sleeper โ€” most people drive past it on their way to bigger trails. The coastal bluff views are genuinely outstanding and the meadow terrain in spring is as photogenic as anything in the range. The wildflower bloom in March and April can be spectacular. The historic ranching infrastructure adds interesting texture. Great choice when you want a short scenic walk without fighting for parking at the more popular parks.

This Hike Is For You If…

Everyone. Beginners, families, photography enthusiasts, wildflower seekers. Dog-friendly.

Skip This Hike If…

Skip in summer โ€” the meadows are brown and the bluffs are exposed. This trail shines in winter and spring.

What to Expect on Trail

Terrain: Wide flat meadow paths. Some rocky sections near bluff edge. Well-maintained.

Shade: Mostly Exposed

Water: None โ€” Carry All Water. No water on trail.

Views: Outstanding

Crowds: Significantly less crowded than comparable Santa Monica parks. Hidden gem.

Dogs: Yes, dogs are welcome on this trail.

Best Arrival: Midmorning is fine. The lot rarely overwhelms. Check park hours before visiting.


This is a Tier 1 sourced review. Trail information is based on published sources and research. Andrew has not personally hiked this trail yet. Photos and firsthand sensory detail will be added when upgraded to Tier 2.

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2.6 miRound Trip
200 ftElev. Gain
EasyDifficulty
1-2 hoursEst. Time
1650 ftHighest Point
LoopRoute Type
YesDogs
NonePermit

Trailhead & Logistics

Address: Charmlee Wilderness Park, Encinal Canyon Road, Malibu, CA 90265
Parking: $5 parking fee. Small paved lot. Park hours vary seasonally โ€” check before visiting.
Bathroom: Flush Toilets
Cell Service: Partial
Best Arrival: Midmorning is fine. The lot rarely overwhelms. Check park hours before visiting.

Trail Reality Check

Charmlee is a sleeper โ€” most people drive past it on their way to bigger trails. The coastal bluff views are genuinely outstanding and the meadow terrain in spring is as photogenic as anything in the range. The wildflower bloom in March and April can be spectacular. The historic ranching infrastructure adds interesting texture. Great choice when you want a short scenic walk without fighting for parking at the more popular parks.

Terrain: Wide flat meadow paths. Some rocky sections near bluff edge. Well-maintained.
Shade: Mostly Exposed
Water: None โ€” Carry All Water โ€” No water on trail.
Views: Outstanding
Crowds: Quiet โ€” Significantly less crowded than comparable Santa Monica parks. Hidden gem.
Who should do this: Everyone. Beginners, families, photography enthusiasts, wildflower seekers. Dog-friendly.
Who should skip this: Skip in summer โ€” the meadows are brown and the bluffs are exposed. This trail shines in winter and spring.