Malibu Creek State Park
4.7(3.6K)google
4.2(460)yelp
OutdoorHikingCanyonRock Formation
Overview
Spanning over 8,000 acres in the rugged Santa Monica Mountains, Malibu Creek State Park is a premier wilderness playground considered the crown jewel of Southern California backcountry parks. The park features dramatic volcanic rock formations, deep gorges, oak savannahs, and the serene Rock Pool, which is highly popular for hiking and rock climbing. Famously utilized as the primary outdoor filming location for legendary movies and TV series like 'M*A*S*H' and 'Planet of the Apes,' it blends Hollywood folklore with pristine wilderness adventure.
Practical Info
Best TimeSpring from March to May is the ideal season, transforming the Southern California hills into lush green landscapes filled with flowing creeks and wildflowers. Start your hike in the early morning between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM to photograph the iconic 'M*A*S*H' filming site without crowds, while avoiding the unshaded midday heat.
Getting ThereNestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, a car is required. From Los Angeles, take US-101 W (Ventura Freeway) to the Las Virgenes Road exit. Drive south on Las Virgenes Road for approximately 4 miles, and the main paid park entrance will be on your right, providing immediate access to the primary trailheads.
Travel Tips
- CRITICAL PARKING WARNING: Pulling into the main interior lot requires a mandatory $15 card-only flat daily pass via automated kiosks; rangers fine violators heavily. To bypass this fee entirely, park strictly within the marked white lines along Mulholland Hwy outside the main entrance and hike 15 minutes in.
- The trail to the historic M*A*S*H film site or Rock Pool exceeds 4-5 miles round-trip across entirely exposed, sun-baked dirt flats where summer temperatures frequently pass 95°F. Packing at least 2 liters of water is essential; open campfires and unauthorized gas canisters are strictly banned.
- CRITICAL WILDLIFE WARNING: Situated deep in the Santa Monica Mountains, this state park is an active territory for mountain lions, wild coyote packs, and highly dangerous Pacific rattlesnakes. Never venture into deep brush alone; keep children within arm's reach at all times, and never run if a cougar is spotted.
Reviews
Positive
- Grand volcanic rock cliffs, clear flowing creeks, and the historic filming set of the classic show M*A*S*H offer a raw nature impact that lives up to its name.
- Completely free open wilderness trails and open campgrounds make it a high-value mecca for rock climbers, hikers, and wildlife watchers.
- Core trails feature clear English signs, valley order management is professional, and key points feature emergency calling gear, ensuring solid safety.
- Cruising along the winding, gorgeous Malibu Canyon road delivers great driving fun, and the gate features a massive lot with ample spaces.
Heads up
- Parking inside the state lot requires a costly daily parking permit surcharge, and automated payment kiosks occasionally break down or reject cash.
- Public transit is a total vacuum; with no rail or city buses serving the deep mountain canyon, non-driving tourists are stuck without a car.
- As raw California wilderness, most climbing routes lack tree shade under blazing summer heat, and modern public restrooms are heavily lacking.
- On sunny weekends, the hot climbing walls and swimming holes get swarmed with crowds, with scattered plastic bottles disrupting natural serenity.