Malibu Hiking Guide: Best Trails, Views & Coastal Wilderness Near LA

Malibu's hiking trails are one of Los Angeles' most spectacular yet under-utilised natural assets — a 21-mile stretch of coastline backed by the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, where trails climb from Pacific beaches through chaparral and oak woodland to ridge lines with views spanning from the Channel Islands to downtown LA's skyline. This is genuine wilderness 30 minutes from Hollywood.

The Backbone Trail is the signature long-distance route — a 67-mile traverse of the Santa Monica Mountains from Will Rogers State Historic Park to Point Mugu State Park, with Malibu at its geographic heart. Day hikers can access excellent sections from Malibu Creek State Park (the outdoor location for M*A*S*H, still recognisable from the classic TV show) or the Solstice Canyon trailhead where a ruined tropical estate adds a surreal element to a beautiful canyon walk.

For ocean-view hiking, the Zuma Ridge Trail above Zuma Beach and Leo Carrillo State Park backcountry trails offer dramatic coastal panoramas. The Point Dume State Preserve headland hike (30 minutes from the carpark) delivers the iconic Malibu view — rocky cliffs above turquoise water with Catalina Island on the horizon. Wildflower season (February–May) transforms these dry hills into something extraordinary. Arrive before 9am on weekends to secure parking spots at popular trailheads.