○ 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
🟡
High Heat — Plan Around It
Start by 7am. Carry 3+ liters. Avoid exposed ridgelines after 10am. Watch for heat exhaustion.
☀️
94°
Clear Sky
Feels 91°F
💨 Wind
18 mph NNE
Gusts to 26 mph
💧 Humidity
19%
Dry — drink before thirsty
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi
Good visibility
☁️ Cloud Cover
2%
Clear — full sun exposure
🌅 Sunrise
6:59 am
Ideal start time
🌇 Sunset
6:19 pm
Off trail by this
Today — 3-Hour Intervals
8 pm
🌙
92°
Feels 88°
💨 11/22
11 pm
🌙
87°
Feels 84°
💨 8/16
5-Day Forecast
🌙
Today
Clear Sky
92°F
feels 88°
💨 Wind/Gust
11/22 NNE
💧 Humidity
21% Dry — drink before thirsty
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
1% Clear — full sun exposure
🟠 High Heat — Early Start Only
🌙
Sat, Oct 17
Clear Sky
83°F
feels 81°
💨 Wind/Gust
7/13 N
💧 Humidity
28% Dry — drink before thirsty
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
🥾 Acceptable — Check Elevation
🌥️
Sun, Oct 18
Few Clouds
77°F
feels 76°
💨 Wind/Gust
3/6 N
💧 Humidity
31% Comfortable
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
14% Clear — full sun exposure
✅ Good Conditions — Go Hike
🌙
Mon, Oct 19
Clear Sky
65°F
feels 64°
💨 Wind/Gust
4/8 ENE
💧 Humidity
60% Humid — heat feels stronger
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
✅ Good Conditions — Go Hike
☁️
Tue, Oct 20
Scattered Clouds
60°F
feels 60°
💨 Wind/Gust
1/4 W
💧 Humidity
91% High humidity — pace yourself
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
37% Partly cloudy
🟡 Warm & Humid — Extra Water
Trailhead elevation only. Conditions change at altitude. Check weather.gov before heading out. Oct 16, 5:24 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.