🌤 Trail Weather — Plan Your Hike
Updated every 6 hrs · Trailhead coords
✅
Good Conditions — Solid Day to Hike
79°F, Clear Sky. Wind 9 mph. Standard 10 Essentials apply.
💨 Wind
9 mph SSW
Gusts to 7 mph
💧 Humidity
58%
Humid — heat feels stronger
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi
Good visibility
☁️ Cloud Cover
3%
Clear — full sun exposure
🌅 Sunrise
6:16 am
Ideal start time
🌇 Sunset
7:44 pm
Off trail by this
Today — 3-Hour Intervals
2 pm
⛅
79°
Feels 79°
💨 9/5
5 pm
⛅
77°
Feels 77°
💨 10/8
8 pm
🌙
67°
Feels 67°
💨 12/14
11 pm
🌙
64°
Feels 65°
💨 6/6
5-Day Forecast
💧 Humidity
59% Humid — heat feels stronger
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
22% Partly cloudy
✅
Good Conditions — Go Hike
💧 Humidity
89% High humidity — pace yourself
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
1% Clear — full sun exposure
🟡
Warm & Humid — Extra Water
💧 Humidity
78% High humidity — pace yourself
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
✅
Good Conditions — Go Hike
💧 Humidity
64% Humid — heat feels stronger
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
3% Clear — full sun exposure
✅
Good Conditions — Go Hike
☁️
Tue, Aug 18
Scattered Clouds
💧 Humidity
72% Humid — heat feels stronger
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
44% Partly cloudy
✅
Good Conditions — Go Hike
Trailhead elevation only. Conditions change at altitude. Check weather.gov before heading out.
Aug 14, 1:21 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.
