○ 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

🌤 Trail Weather — Plan Your Hike Updated every 6 hrs · Trailhead coords
🟡
High Heat — Plan Around It
Start by 7am. Carry 3+ liters. Avoid exposed ridgelines after 10am. Watch for heat exhaustion.
☀️
90°
Clear Sky
Feels 87°F
💨 Wind
10 mph ENE
Gusts to 24 mph
💧 Humidity
23%
Dry — drink before thirsty
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi
Good visibility
☁️ Cloud Cover
6%
Clear — full sun exposure
🌅 Sunrise
7:01 am
Ideal start time
🌇 Sunset
6:20 pm
Off trail by this
Today — 3-Hour Intervals
8 pm
🌙
87°
Feels 84°
💨 9/22
11 pm
🌙
84°
Feels 81°
💨 10/24
5-Day Forecast
🌙
Today
Clear Sky
87°F
feels 84°
💨 Wind/Gust
9/22 NE
💧 Humidity
22% Dry — drink before thirsty
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
4% Clear — full sun exposure
🟡 Warm & Humid — Extra Water
🌙
Sat, Oct 17
Clear Sky
81°F
feels 79°
💨 Wind/Gust
8/20 NE
💧 Humidity
24% Dry — drink before thirsty
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
✅ Good Conditions — Go Hike
☁️
Sun, Oct 18
Scattered Clouds
74°F
feels 72°
💨 Wind/Gust
1/6 ENE
💧 Humidity
27% Dry — drink before thirsty
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
33% Partly cloudy
✅ Good Conditions — Go Hike
🌙
Mon, Oct 19
Clear Sky
64°F
feels 62°
💨 Wind/Gust
3/7 ESE
💧 Humidity
41% Comfortable
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
✅ Good Conditions — Go Hike
🌙
Tue, Oct 20
Clear Sky
55°F
feels 54°
💨 Wind/Gust
3/7 W
💧 Humidity
90% High humidity — pace yourself
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
🟡 Warm & Humid — Extra Water
Trailhead elevation only. Conditions change at altitude. Check weather.gov before heading out. Oct 16, 5:20 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — Carry All Water — No water on trail.
Views: Outstanding
Crowds: Quiet — 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 — the meadows are brown and the bluffs are exposed. This trail shines in winter and spring.