○ TIER 1 — SOURCED & RESEARCHED
7.3 miRound Trip
1,200 ftElev. Gain
EasyDifficulty
3.5-5 hoursEst. Time
1,525 ftHighest Point
Out-and-BackRoute Type
YesDogs
NonePermit

Los Liones Trail to Parker Mesa Overlook

🌤 Trail Weather — Plan Your Hike Updated every 6 hrs · Trailhead coords
🥾
Trail Ready
84°F, Scattered Clouds. Layer for elevation. Summit conditions may differ from trailhead.
☁️
84°
Scattered Clouds
Feels 90°F
💨 Wind
8 mph S
Gusts to 5 mph
💧 Humidity
64%
Humid — heat feels stronger
👁 Visibility
N/A
☁️ Cloud Cover
45%
Partly cloudy
🌅 Sunrise
5:59 am
Ideal start time
🌇 Sunset
8:01 pm
Off trail by this
Today — 3-Hour Intervals
2 pm
☁️
84°
Feels 89°
💨 8/6
5 pm
☁️
86°
Feels 91°
💨 8/6
8 pm
☁️
81°
Feels 85°
💨 4/3
11 pm
☁️
74°
Feels 75°
💨 3/3
5-Day Forecast
☁️
Today
Scattered Clouds
84°F
feels 89°
💨 Wind/Gust
8/6 S
💧 Humidity
64% Humid — heat feels stronger
👁 Visibility
N/A —
☁️ Clouds
49% Partly cloudy
🥾 Acceptable — Check Elevation
🌙
Sat, Jul 25
Clear Sky
72°F
feels 73°
💨 Wind/Gust
2/2 SSE
💧 Humidity
75% High humidity — pace yourself
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
4% Clear — full sun exposure
✅ Good Conditions — Go Hike
☁️
Sun, Jul 26
Overcast Clouds
74°F
feels 74°
💨 Wind/Gust
2/2 SW
💧 Humidity
68% Humid — heat feels stronger
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
96% Overcast
✅ Good Conditions — Go Hike
☁️
Mon, Jul 27
Scattered Clouds
73°F
feels 74°
💨 Wind/Gust
3/4 SE
💧 Humidity
81% High humidity — pace yourself
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
46% Partly cloudy
🟡 Warm & Humid — Extra Water
🌙
Tue, Jul 28
Clear Sky
72°F
feels 73°
💨 Wind/Gust
1/1 SSE
💧 Humidity
78% High humidity — pace yourself
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
7% Clear — full sun exposure
✅ Good Conditions — Go Hike
Trailhead elevation only. Conditions change at altitude. Check weather.gov before heading out. Jul 24, 2:38 pm

A lush ivy-draped canyon transforms into a serious ridgeline workout. The trail climbs aggressively to a high coastal plateau terminating at a lone bench hanging above the Malibu coastline — the definitive ocean viewpoint of the Santa Monicas.

Trail Overview

The lower canyon section of Los Liones is deceptively easy — green, shaded, and pleasant. Then it hits the ridge and does not stop climbing for another two miles. Parker Mesa Overlook earns its reputation as the best coastal viewpoint in the range. On a clear day you can see Catalina Island, the full arc of Santa Monica Bay, and the Channel Islands. A legitimate workout hike with excellent payoff.

This Hike Is For You If…

Fit intermediate hikers who want the best coastal views in the range. Good training hike. Dog-friendly.

Skip This Hike If…

Skip in marine layer conditions when the overlook views will be obscured. Skip after 9am in summer — the ridge is fully exposed.

What to Expect on Trail

Terrain: Shaded canyon lower section. Exposed fire road ridge to overlook. Good footing throughout.

Shade: Partial

Water: None — Carry All Water. No reliable water. Carry 2 liters minimum.

Views: Outstanding

Crowds: Less crowded than Temescal despite similar access and quality.

Dogs: Yes, dogs are welcome on this trail.

Best Arrival: Before 8am on weekends. Small lot with limited overflow.

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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7.3 miRound Trip
1200 ftElev. Gain
easyDifficulty
3.5-5 hoursEst. Time
1525 ftHighest Point
out_backRoute Type
YesDogs

Trailhead & Logistics

Address: Los Liones Trailhead, Los Liones Drive, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Parking: Small free lot at trailhead. Street parking on Los Liones Drive. No fee. Fills quickly on weekends.
Best Arrival: Before 8am on weekends. Small lot with limited overflow.

Trail Reality Check

The lower canyon section of Los Liones is deceptively easy — green, shaded, and pleasant. Then it hits the ridge and does not stop climbing for another two miles. Parker Mesa Overlook earns its reputation as the best coastal viewpoint in the range. On a clear day you can see Catalina Island, the full arc of Santa Monica Bay, and the Channel Islands. A legitimate workout hike with excellent payoff.

Terrain: Shaded canyon lower section. Exposed fire road ridge to overlook. Good footing throughout.
Who should do this: Fit intermediate hikers who want the best coastal views in the range. Good training hike. Dog-friendly.
Who should skip this: Skip in marine layer conditions when the overlook views will be obscured. Skip after 9am in summer — the ridge is fully exposed.