○ TIER 1 — SOURCED & RESEARCHED
5.6 miRound Trip
1,100 ftElev. Gain
ModerateDifficulty
2.5-4 hoursEst. Time
1,700 ftHighest Point
Out-and-BackRoute Type
YesDogs
NonePermit

Zuma Ridge Trail

🌤 Trail Weather — Plan Your Hike Updated every 6 hrs · Trailhead coords
✅
Good Conditions — Solid Day to Hike
65°F, Clear Sky. Wind 3 mph. Standard 10 Essentials apply.
🌙
65°
Clear Sky
Feels 65°F
💨 Wind
3 mph NNW
Gusts to 4 mph
💧 Humidity
87%
High humidity — pace yourself
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi
Good visibility
☁️ Cloud Cover
0%
Clear — full sun exposure
🌅 Sunrise
6:31 am
Ideal start time
🌇 Sunset
7:17 pm
Off trail by this
5-Day Forecast
🌙
Sat, Sep 5
Clear Sky
65°F
feels 65°
💨 Wind/Gust
2/3 NE
💧 Humidity
85% High humidity — pace yourself
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
1% Clear — full sun exposure
🟡 Warm & Humid — Extra Water
☁️
Sun, Sep 6
Scattered Clouds
69°F
feels 68°
💨 Wind/Gust
5/6 NNW
💧 Humidity
55% Humid — heat feels stronger
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
46% Partly cloudy
✅ Good Conditions — Go Hike
🌙
Mon, Sep 7
Clear Sky
68°F
feels 67°
💨 Wind/Gust
6/6 NW
💧 Humidity
63% Humid — heat feels stronger
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
✅ Good Conditions — Go Hike
🌙
Tue, Sep 8
Clear Sky
69°F
feels 68°
💨 Wind/Gust
3/4 NW
💧 Humidity
42% Comfortable
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
4% Clear — full sun exposure
✅ Good Conditions — Go Hike
☁️
Wed, Sep 9
Overcast Clouds
73°F
feels 72°
💨 Wind/Gust
5/5 N
💧 Humidity
39% Comfortable
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
100% Overcast
✅ Good Conditions — Go Hike
Trailhead elevation only. Conditions change at altitude. Check weather.gov before heading out. Sep 4, 11:30 pm

A wide ridgeline fire road that climbs the western flank of Zuma Canyon with non-stop Pacific Ocean views. No shade, constant ocean breeze, and a relentless uphill grade make this an honest cardio benchmark.

Trail Overview

Zuma Ridge is a training trail. No shade, no technical interest, just a consistent climb with ocean views the entire way. That is not a criticism — it is exactly what some hikers want. The ocean views start from the first step and do not stop. The wind is constant and can be significant. Good choice when other trails are too hot. Bring a wind layer regardless of how warm it looks at the car.

This Hike Is For You If…

Hikers who want a predictable cardio workout with excellent views. Good training for bigger objectives. Dog-friendly.

Skip This Hike If…

Skip if you need shade or technical interest. This is a fire road workout trail.

What to Expect on Trail

Terrain: Wide fire road entire route. Consistent grade. No shade.

Shade: Fully Exposed

Water: None — Carry All Water. No water on trail. Carry 2 liters.

Views: Outstanding

Crowds: Less crowded than more accessible Santa Monica trails.

Dogs: Yes, dogs are welcome on this trail.

Best Arrival: Before 9am on weekends. Mornings best before ocean haze burns off.

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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5.6 miRound Trip
1100 ftElev. Gain
ModerateDifficulty
2.5-4 hoursEst. Time
1700 ftHighest Point
Out-and-BackRoute Type
YesDogs
NonePermit

Trailhead & Logistics

Address: Zuma Ridge Trailhead, Encinal Canyon Road, Malibu, CA 90265
Parking: Small free lot at trailhead on Encinal Canyon Road. No fee. Street parking available.
Bathroom: None
Cell Service: Partial
Best Arrival: Before 9am on weekends. Mornings best before ocean haze burns off.

Trail Reality Check

Zuma Ridge is a training trail. No shade, no technical interest, just a consistent climb with ocean views the entire way. That is not a criticism — it is exactly what some hikers want. The ocean views start from the first step and do not stop. The wind is constant and can be significant. Good choice when other trails are too hot. Bring a wind layer regardless of how warm it looks at the car.

Terrain: Wide fire road entire route. Consistent grade. No shade.
Shade: Fully Exposed
Water: None — Carry All Water — No water on trail. Carry 2 liters.
Views: Outstanding
Crowds: Moderate — Less crowded than more accessible Santa Monica trails.
Who should do this: Hikers who want a predictable cardio workout with excellent views. Good training for bigger objectives. Dog-friendly.
Who should skip this: Skip if you need shade or technical interest. This is a fire road workout trail.