🌤 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.
⛅
92°
Few Clouds
Feels 89°F
💨 Wind
8 mph NE
Gusts to 20 mph
💧 Humidity
26%
Dry — drink before thirsty
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi
Good visibility
☁️ Cloud Cover
11%
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
🌙
89°
Feels 86°
💨 10/21
11 pm
🌙
86°
Feels 83°
💨 10/21
5-Day Forecast
💧 Humidity
24% Dry — drink before thirsty
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
7% Clear — full sun exposure
🟡
Warm & Humid — Extra Water
💧 Humidity
26% Dry — drink before thirsty
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
✅
Good Conditions — Go Hike
☁️
Sun, Oct 18
Scattered Clouds
💧 Humidity
29% Dry — drink before thirsty
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
26% Partly cloudy
✅
Good Conditions — Go Hike
💧 Humidity
43% Comfortable
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
✅
Good Conditions — Go Hike
💧 Humidity
89% High humidity — pace yourself
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
1% Clear — full sun exposure
🟡
Warm & Humid — Extra Water
Trailhead elevation only. Conditions change at altitude. Check weather.gov before heading out.
Oct 16, 5:20 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.
