In the northern part of Malibu, Point Mugu State Park has some of the most beautiful coastal hiking in all of Southern California. I had a chance to check it out a while back, but I am finally getting around to putting up this post, so if any of this information has changed, be sure to leave it in the comments for others. The Scenic Trail in Point Mugu State Park, along with the added spur at the end, has one of the most beautiful views in Malibu and should be on everyone’s hike list. Here is all the information.
Details
- 3 miles round trip
- 500 feet of elevation
- No shade
- Park fee of $10
- Information as of 2016
The Hike
After entering the park and paying the fee at the ranger station, you will be directed to a small parking lot on the outside of the campground area. That is where you will be starting your hike from.
You will start by walking through the campground to the north end of the campsites. Here you will see a map that shows you the trails in the area and the start of the trails themselves. I always recommend you take a picture of the map on your phone so you do not get lost when hiking the trails.
You will then want to start heading up the scenic trail. This trail gains elevation quickly as it heads up a series of rough steps before climbing up the steep dirt.
As you gain elevation, the views get better and better though, and you will be shocked by how beautiful this small state park is.
After about a half mile you will reach the end of the scenic trail, and you can go right for the Overlook Trail or left for the spur that gives you a fantastic view of Big Sycamore Canyon.
This spur is one I highly recommend you take as it traverses over the spine of the small peaks to your left as it gets you closer and closer to an overlook of the beach below. Be careful on this hike though, as the sides can be steep on both sides.
As you continue along, you will be greeted with amazing views of Pacific Coast Highway from both angles.
Whenever you feel like turning back, you can as this trail just ends eventually, and you have to go back the way you came.
On the way back, be sure to check out the overlook for the scenic trail as well, which is just past the spur you took.
This flat dirt area provides a grand vista of the beach and Pacific Coast Highway below and is a picture-worthy spot for sure. I spent some time up here as it was a fantastic spot to relax at.
If you are feeling adventurous, you can take the Overlook Path back down, or you can just go back the way you came. Either way, you will have your adrenaline flowing and will be back down in no time after seeing such a beautiful piece of Southern California. This is an especially good summertime trail if you start early because when you finish, you can just head across the road and spend the rest of the day at the beach. There is no shade on the trail though, so be sure to start early and bring a lot of water if you do this.
Let me know if you have done this hike below and if you recommend other hikes in the park as I can’t wait to go back and experience this beautiful area again.
