○ 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
67°F, Clear Sky. Wind 4 mph. Standard 10 Essentials apply.
🌙
67°
Clear Sky
Feels 68°F
💨 Wind
4 mph NNW
Gusts to 9 mph
💧 Humidity
88%
High humidity — pace yourself
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi
Good visibility
☁️ Cloud Cover
1%
Clear — full sun exposure
🌅 Sunrise
6:45 am
Ideal start time
🌇 Sunset
6:48 pm
Off trail by this
Today — 3-Hour Intervals
11 pm
🌙
67°
Feels 68°
💨 1/3
5-Day Forecast
🌙
Today
Clear Sky
67°F
feels 68°
💨 Wind/Gust
1/3 E
💧 Humidity
80% High humidity — pace yourself
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
2% Clear — full sun exposure
🟡 Warm & Humid — Extra Water
🌙
Sat, Sep 26
Clear Sky
65°F
feels 65°
💨 Wind/Gust
4/9 ESE
💧 Humidity
89% High humidity — pace yourself
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
9% Clear — full sun exposure
🟡 Warm & Humid — Extra Water
☁️
Sun, Sep 27
Overcast Clouds
65°F
feels 65°
💨 Wind/Gust
3/8 ENE
💧 Humidity
78% High humidity — pace yourself
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
98% Overcast
✅ Good Conditions — Go Hike
🌙
Mon, Sep 28
Clear Sky
62°F
feels 62°
💨 Wind/Gust
1/3 NW
💧 Humidity
86% High humidity — pace yourself
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
1% Clear — full sun exposure
🟡 Warm & Humid — Extra Water
🌙
Tue, Sep 29
Clear Sky
64°F
feels 62°
💨 Wind/Gust
2/6 NE
💧 Humidity
30% Comfortable
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
✅ Good Conditions — Go Hike
Trailhead elevation only. Conditions change at altitude. Check weather.gov before heading out. Sep 25, 8:12 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.