○ 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
✅
Good Conditions — Solid Day to Hike
70°F, Clear Sky. Wind 3 mph. Standard 10 Essentials apply.
☀️
70°
Clear Sky
Feels 70°F
💨 Wind
3 mph NW
Gusts to 9 mph
💧 Humidity
81%
High humidity — pace yourself
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi
Good visibility
☁️ Cloud Cover
5%
Clear — full sun exposure
🌅 Sunrise
6:31 am
Ideal start time
🌇 Sunset
7:17 pm
Off trail by this
Today — 3-Hour Intervals
8 pm
🌙
70°
Feels 70°
💨 9/11
11 pm
🌙
68°
Feels 69°
💨 5/5
5-Day Forecast
🌙
Today
Clear Sky
70°F
feels 70°
💨 Wind/Gust
9/11 NW
💧 Humidity
81% High humidity — pace yourself
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
4% Clear — full sun exposure
🟡 Warm & Humid — Extra Water
🌙
Sat, Sep 5
Clear Sky
64°F
feels 64°
💨 Wind/Gust
2/3 N
💧 Humidity
83% High humidity — pace yourself
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
1% Clear — full sun exposure
🟡 Warm & Humid — Extra Water
☁️
Sun, Sep 6
Broken Clouds
67°F
feels 66°
💨 Wind/Gust
4/4 NW
💧 Humidity
62% Humid — heat feels stronger
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
60% Mostly cloudy
✅ Good Conditions — Go Hike
🌙
Mon, Sep 7
Clear Sky
65°F
feels 65°
💨 Wind/Gust
5/6 NNW
💧 Humidity
65% Humid — heat feels stronger
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
✅ Good Conditions — Go Hike
🌙
Tue, Sep 8
Clear Sky
67°F
feels 65°
💨 Wind/Gust
3/4 NW
💧 Humidity
43% Comfortable
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
4% Clear — full sun exposure
✅ Good Conditions — Go Hike
Trailhead elevation only. Conditions change at altitude. Check weather.gov before heading out. Sep 4, 11:31 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.