01
Best easy intro hike
Solstice Canyon Trail
Central Malibu Canyon • Shaded Creek Canyon With Historic Ruins • Laid-Back Half-Day Outing
A gentle canyon walk with creek crossings, old stone ruins, and just enough elevation to feel like a real hike.
Solstice Canyon is where many locals send out-of-town visitors when they want an easy taste of Malibu hiking without punishing climbs. The main trail follows a mostly paved and dirt path along the creek to the remains of an old ranch house, with side paths that add a bit more challenge and views. Go early on weekends for easier parking and cooler shade in the lower canyon.
02
Classic waterfall hike
Escondido Falls Trail
Eastern Malibu Foothills • Popular Waterfall Hike Through Oak Woodland • Crowd-Pleasing Nature Fix
A well-loved trail that winds from a residential road into a wooded canyon and ends at one of the area’s most talked-about waterfalls.
Starting from a quiet neighborhood off the highway, Escondido Falls quickly shifts into shaded canyon terrain with creek crossings and tangled oaks. The lower falls are usually reachable on a moderate outing, especially after winter rains when the water is flowing strongest. Expect company on weekends and be ready for some mud and rocks if you venture beyond the lower tier.
03
Best big-view challenge
Sandstone Peak & Mishe Mokwa Loop
Santa Monica Mountains High Country • Rocky Summit Loop With Expansive Ocean And Inland Views • Best For Strong Hikers And Views
A longer, more rugged loop that tags the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains with panoramic views in every direction.
This loop feels far more remote than coastal Malibu, trading beach traffic for chaparral hillsides, boulder outcrops, and long sightlines toward the Channel Islands. The grade is steady but accumulates, so it’s best tackled by hikers comfortable with several hours on trail and some rocky footing near the top. Go on a clear day after a storm or in cooler seasons and you’ll see why locals treat this as a benchmark hike.
04
Best coastal bluff walk
Point Dume Cove & Nature Preserve
Western Malibu Coast • Short Coastal Bluff Trail Above Beaches And Coves • Best Sunset Coastal Stroll
A short network of sandy paths that climb from the beach to a bluff-top headland with sweeping ocean and coastline views.
Point Dume is more of a scenic ramble than a workout, but the payoff is classic Malibu: turquoise water, sea cliffs, and surfers arcing below. A mix of stairs and sandy paths connects the parking area, beach, and bluff, making it easy to tailor the outing to how much time you have. Time your visit near sunset or during spring wildflower season and you’ll understand why locals keep coming back here between bigger hikes.
05
Best quieter canyon option
Zuma Canyon Trail
Northern Zuma Area • Wide Canyon Trail With Side Ridges And Chaparral • Quieter Alternative To Busy Hotspots
A broad canyon corridor that quickly leaves the highway behind and offers a mix of easy walking and steeper side trails.
Zuma Canyon tends to feel less hectic than the marquee waterfall or summit hikes, especially if you push beyond the first mile or so. The main path follows the canyon bottom with options to branch onto steeper ridges for more elevation and bigger ocean views. It’s a good pick on breezy days when you want open skies, long sightlines, and room to spread out without driving far from central Malibu.