🌤 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.
💨 Wind
21 mph NE
Gusts to 37 mph
💧 Humidity
18%
Dry — drink before thirsty
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi
Good visibility
☁️ Cloud Cover
1%
Clear — full sun exposure
🌅 Sunrise
7:01 am
Ideal start time
🌇 Sunset
6:20 pm
Off trail by this
Today — 3-Hour Intervals
8 pm
🌙
88°
Feels 85°
💨 16/29
11 pm
🌙
85°
Feels 83°
💨 16/30
5-Day Forecast
💧 Humidity
19% Dry — drink before thirsty
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
1% Clear — full sun exposure
🟡
Warm & Humid — Extra Water
💧 Humidity
23% Dry — drink before thirsty
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
🥾
Acceptable — Check Elevation
☁️
Sun, Oct 18
Scattered Clouds
💧 Humidity
36% Comfortable
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
26% Partly cloudy
✅
Good Conditions — Go Hike
💧 Humidity
64% Humid — heat feels stronger
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
✅
Good Conditions — Go Hike
💧 Humidity
84% High humidity — pace yourself
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
🟡
Warm & Humid — Extra Water
Trailhead elevation only. Conditions change at altitude. Check weather.gov before heading out.
Oct 16, 5:23 pm
An aggressively steep coastal challenge right off PCH. The trail scrambles up a loose dirt ridge before opening to a beautiful grassy valley with ocean drop-offs that reach straight to the horizon.
Trail Overview
The first quarter mile of the Chumash Trail is one of the steepest sustained grades in the range. It is loose, dry, and relentless. Push through it and the trail opens to beautiful grassy terrain with outstanding ocean exposure. The summit is modest but the views south over the Pacific are exceptional. This is the wild western end of the Santa Monicas — it feels remote in a way the more central parks do not.
This Hike Is For You If…
Fit hikers comfortable with steep grades and loose terrain. Adventure seekers who want the wilder end of the range.
Skip This Hike If…
Skip if the opening steep loose section will be a problem. Skip after 9am in summer — exposed throughout.
What to Expect on Trail
Terrain: Steep loose dirt opening section. Grassy ridge terrain above. Some trail erosion sections.
Shade: Fully Exposed
Water: None — Carry All Water. No water. Carry 2 liters.
Views: Outstanding
Crowds: Limited parking keeps this trail uncrowded. Often have the summit to yourself.
Dogs: Yes, dogs are welcome on this trail.
Best Arrival: Before 8am. The PCH pullout is tiny and there is no alternative.
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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6.5 miRound Trip
1500 ftElev. Gain
StrenuousDifficulty
3-5 hoursEst. Time
1266 ftHighest Point
Out-and-BackRoute Type
YesDogs
NonePermit
Trailhead & Logistics
Address: Chumash Trail, Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265
Parking: Dirt pullout on PCH near Chumash Trail. Free. Very limited — arrive early. No restrooms.
Bathroom: None
Cell Service: Partial
Best Arrival: Before 8am. The PCH pullout is tiny and there is no alternative.
Trail Reality Check
The first quarter mile of the Chumash Trail is one of the steepest sustained grades in the range. It is loose, dry, and relentless. Push through it and the trail opens to beautiful grassy terrain with outstanding ocean exposure. The summit is modest but the views south over the Pacific are exceptional. This is the wild western end of the Santa Monicas — it feels remote in a way the more central parks do not.
Terrain: Steep loose dirt opening section. Grassy ridge terrain above. Some trail erosion sections.
Shade: Fully Exposed
Water: None — Carry All Water — No water. Carry 2 liters.
Views: Outstanding
Crowds: Quiet — Limited parking keeps this trail uncrowded. Often have the summit to yourself.
Who should do this: Fit hikers comfortable with steep grades and loose terrain. Adventure seekers who want the wilder end of the range.
Who should skip this: Skip if the opening steep loose section will be a problem. Skip after 9am in summer — exposed throughout.
