○ 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
72°F, Clear Sky. Wind 9 mph. Standard 10 Essentials apply.
🌙
72°
Clear Sky
Feels 73°F
💨 Wind
9 mph W
No significant gusts
💧 Humidity
82%
High humidity — pace yourself
👁 Visibility
1.6 mi
Poor — fog or smoke likely
☁️ Cloud Cover
1%
Clear — full sun exposure
🌅 Sunrise
6:44 am
Ideal start time
🌇 Sunset
6:47 pm
Off trail by this
Today — 3-Hour Intervals
11 pm
☁️
72°
Feels 73°
💨 2/3
5-Day Forecast
☁️
Today
Scattered Clouds
72°F
feels 73°
💨 Wind/Gust
2/3 E
💧 Humidity
84% High humidity — pace yourself
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
27% Partly cloudy
🟡 Warm & Humid — Extra Water
🌙
Sat, Sep 26
Clear Sky
70°F
feels 71°
💨 Wind/Gust
3/5 NE
💧 Humidity
93% High humidity — pace yourself
👁 Visibility
3.3 mi — Reduced — marine layer possible
☁️ Clouds
3% Clear — full sun exposure
🟡 Warm & Humid — Extra Water
☁️
Sun, Sep 27
Overcast Clouds
70°F
feels 71°
💨 Wind/Gust
4/8 NNE
💧 Humidity
88% High humidity — pace yourself
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
98% Overcast
🟡 Warm & Humid — Extra Water
🌥️
Mon, Sep 28
Few Clouds
67°F
feels 67°
💨 Wind/Gust
1/2 N
💧 Humidity
77% High humidity — pace yourself
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
14% Clear — full sun exposure
✅ Good Conditions — Go Hike
🌙
Tue, Sep 29
Clear Sky
67°F
feels 66°
💨 Wind/Gust
2/7 N
💧 Humidity
44% 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, 8:13 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.