01
Best overall summit climb
Calabasas Peak via Calabasas Peak Motorway
Calabasas Highlands • Steep Ridge Hike With Sweeping Valley Views • Signature Local Workout With A Big Payoff
A stout climb to a rocky summit with 360‑degree views over Calabasas, the San Fernando Valley, and deep into the Santa Monica Mountains.
Starting from the neighborhood above Mulholland Highway, the Calabasas Peak Motorway wastes no time gaining elevation as it winds along a broad, exposed ridge. On clear days you can spot downtown Los Angeles to the east and the shimmer of the Pacific to the south, making it a favorite for sunrise and sunset. There is little shade, so locals hit this trail early on hot days and save the middle of summer afternoons for another time.
02
Most iconic canyon hike
Malibu Creek State Park – Rock Pool and M*A*S*H Site
Las Virgenes Valley South Of Calabasas • Classic Canyon Park With Creeks, Cliffs, And Film History • Go-To Half‑Day Adventure Close To Town
Easy‑to‑moderate trails follow Malibu Creek past volcanic cliffs to the Rock Pool and the old M*A*S*H filming location.
A short drive down Las Virgenes Road drops you into one of the most scenic pockets of the Santa Monica Mountains, with wide dirt paths that quickly feel far from the freeway. Families and casual hikers stick to the gentle creekside routes to the Rock Pool, while more curious visitors continue to the M*A*S*H site, where old props and interpretive signs dot the meadow. Weekends can be busy, so arrive early for parking and cooler temperatures, especially in summer.
03
Best wide‑open ramble
Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve (Ahmanson Ranch)
West Of Calabasas Off Victory Blvd • Rolling Grassland And Oak Canyon Preserve • Top Pick For Long, Flexible Loops
Miles of interconnected fire roads and singletrack offer mellow to moderate hikes through open hillsides and shaded creek bottoms.
This former ranchland is where locals go when they want to stretch their legs without committing to a specific out‑and‑back trail. From the Victory Trailhead you can wander gentle canyon floors, grind up longer hills for valley views, or stitch together figure‑eight loops that feel different every time. Spring wildflowers and green hills make this area especially pretty, but even in the dry season the big sky and quiet make it a solid escape.
04
Best easy scenic stroll
King Gillette Ranch
Mulholland And Las Virgenes Junction • Gentle Historic Ranchland Trails • Best Choice For New Hikers And Relaxed Walks
Short, mostly flat paths loop around lawns, oaks, and a small hill with a surprisingly broad view of the surrounding mountains.
Set around a historic estate, King Gillette Ranch is one of the most approachable hiking spots near Calabasas, with wide paths and minimal elevation gain. A quick climb up to Inspiration Point rewards you with a sweeping look over Malibu Canyon, but you can also keep things easy with loops around the meadows and ponds. It is a great option for families, visiting relatives, or anyone easing into local trails before tackling steeper routes.
05
Most unique rock scenery
Red Rock Canyon Park
Old Topanga Canyon • Short Sandstone Canyon Adventure • Best Close‑To‑Town Mini-Escape
A compact network of trails winds through sculpted red sandstone walls and pockets of oak shade just a short drive from Calabasas.
Tucked off Old Topanga Canyon Road, this small park feels surprisingly otherworldly, with honeycombed rock formations and narrow passages that kids and photographers love. The main trail is relatively short but can be extended via side paths and informal scrambles onto overlooks, so it works whether you have 45 minutes or a couple of hours. Because the canyon traps heat, many locals time their visits for cooler mornings or late‑day light when the rocks really glow.