01
Best summit challenge
Ladyface Peak Trail
South Of Agoura Hills Along Us-101 • Steep, Rugged Ridge Hike With Sweeping Valley Views • For Strong Hikers Seeking A Short, Intense Climb
A direct, sometimes scrambly route up Ladyface’s exposed ridgeline with rewarding 360-degree views over Agoura Hills and Malibu Creek.
Locals treat Ladyface as the go-to workout when they want maximum elevation gain in minimal mileage. The informal trail climbs quickly on loose, rocky sections, with a bit of hands-on scrambling near the top, so good shoes and comfort with exposure are important. Go early on hot days and you’ll be rewarded with quiet slopes and sunrise lighting up the Santa Monica Mountains.
02
Best classic canyon loop
Malibu Creek State Park – Rock Pool and Malibu Lake Loop
Malibu Creek State Park East Entrance • Scenic Canyon Loop With Creek Crossings And Film-Site History • All-Around Favorite For Varied Scenery And Mellow Mileage
A popular loop that strings together oak woodlands, open meadows, the M*A*S*H film site, and the photogenic Rock Pool and Malibu Lake.
This loop shows off why Malibu Creek is a regional favorite, combining easy-to-follow trails with just enough up-and-down to feel like a proper hike. You’ll move from wide canyon views into shaded creek corridors, with side spurs to the old M*A*S*H set and the Rock Pool if you want extra exploring. Weekends can be busy, so arrive early for easier parking and cooler temperatures.
03
Best rolling open-space ramble
Cheeseboro, Sheep Corral, and Palo Comado Canyon Loop
Cheeseboro Canyon North Of Agoura Hills • Wide-Open Valley And Ridge Loop Through Protected Open Space • Ideal For Longer, Moderate-Grade Mileage
A big-sky loop through grasslands and chaparral ridges, popular with hikers, runners, and riders looking for sustained but reasonable climbs.
Starting from Cheeseboro Canyon, this loop gradually leaves the valley floor and climbs onto ridgelines with long views toward the Santa Monicas and Simi Hills. The grades are mostly steady rather than steep, making it a great training route or social hike where you can walk side by side. There’s little shade, so this one shines on cool days, breezy afternoons, and winter green-up.
04
Best high-country escape
China Flat Trail to Simi Peak
Oak Park And Simi Hills Above Agoura Hills • Oak-Dotted Plateau Leading To A Panoramic Summit • Best For Hikers Wanting Quieter High Views
A rewarding climb to the broad meadows of China Flat and on to Simi Peak, one of the highest viewpoints overlooking the Conejo Valley and beyond.
From the neighborhood trailhead, the route winds up through chaparral into a surprisingly open, grassy plateau scattered with gnarled oaks. Continuing up to Simi Peak adds a final push and expansive views that stretch from the San Fernando Valley to the Channel Islands on clear days. It’s a great choice when you want a sense of distance from town without a long drive into the mountains.
05
Best coastal canyon stroll
Solstice Canyon Loop
Santa Monica Mountains Near Malibu • Shaded Creekside Trail With Ruins And Ocean-Adjacent Scenery • Easygoing Outing For Mixed Groups And Casual Hikers
A gentle canyon loop following a year-round stream to historic house ruins, with optional side trails for extra elevation and ocean views.
Just over the hill from Agoura Hills, Solstice Canyon feels markedly cooler and greener thanks to its perennial water and deep shade. The main trail is wide and forgiving, making it an accessible choice for families or friends with varied hiking experience. If you have extra energy, spur trails climb to higher lookouts where you can glimpse the Pacific and trace the coastline back toward Malibu.