○ 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
✅
Good Conditions — Solid Day to Hike
79°F, Clear Sky. Wind 13 mph. Standard 10 Essentials apply.
☀️
79°
Clear Sky
Feels 79°F
💨 Wind
13 mph WSW
No significant gusts
💧 Humidity
67%
Humid — heat feels stronger
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi
Good visibility
☁️ Cloud Cover
0%
Clear — full sun exposure
🌅 Sunrise
6:15 am
Ideal start time
🌇 Sunset
7:42 pm
Off trail by this
Today — 3-Hour Intervals
2 pm
☁️
81°
Feels 83°
💨 10/6
5 pm
⛅
80°
Feels 82°
💨 8/8
8 pm
🌙
73°
Feels 74°
💨 7/7
11 pm
🌙
71°
Feels 71°
💨 2/3
5-Day Forecast
☁️
Today
Scattered Clouds
81°F
feels 83°
💨 Wind/Gust
10/6 SSW
💧 Humidity
65% Humid — heat feels stronger
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
45% Partly cloudy
✅ Good Conditions — Go Hike
🌙
Sat, Aug 15
Clear Sky
70°F
feels 71°
💨 Wind/Gust
1/2 S
💧 Humidity
80% High humidity — pace yourself
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
1% Clear — full sun exposure
🟡 Warm & Humid — Extra Water
🌙
Sun, Aug 16
Clear Sky
74°F
feels 74°
💨 Wind/Gust
2/2 S
💧 Humidity
69% Humid — heat feels stronger
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
✅ Good Conditions — Go Hike
🌙
Mon, Aug 17
Clear Sky
73°F
feels 73°
💨 Wind/Gust
4/4 ESE
💧 Humidity
61% Humid — heat feels stronger
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
✅ Good Conditions — Go Hike
☁️
Tue, Aug 18
Broken Clouds
74°F
feels 74°
💨 Wind/Gust
3/5 ESE
💧 Humidity
68% Humid — heat feels stronger
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
61% Mostly cloudy
✅ Good Conditions — Go Hike
Trailhead elevation only. Conditions change at altitude. Check weather.gov before heading out. Aug 14, 2:15 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.