California's State Park In The Santa Monica Mountains Offers Scenic Hiking & Climbing

Leave the sprawl of Los Angeles far behind and take a trip to Malibu Creek State Park to enjoy some of the best scenery in the region. Roughly a half-hour drive along Highway 101 past Calabasas, then a few miles south past Deer Springs, you'll soon find yourself surrounded by the steep ridges and winding valleys of the Santa Monica Mountains. Covering around 8,200 acres, the park is split into two by a 14-mile stretch of Malibu Creek. It's the perfect place to escape the city, hit the trails, and take in incredible views. You can even tack it on as a stop during an ultimate West Coast road trip.  

Opened in 1976, the park contains three nature reserves filled with woodlands, hidden pools, and volcanic rock. Malibu Creek was originally home to the Chumash Native Americans who lived here as far back as 9,000 years ago. Since then, Spanish colonists, early settlers, and homesteaders have all passed through. The cinematic beauty of the park has also attracted a country club, Ronald Reagan, and eventually 20th Century Fox, who used it as a filming location for over three decades. Productions included the long-running TV series "M*A*S*H" and the original "Planet of the Apes" film.

The park is open all year-round but is especially beautiful in spring, when the wildflowers are in bloom, and in fall, when the trees change into their fiery tones. The gates open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. with a choice of two parking lots — the lower lot being nearer the trails. All-day parking costs $12.

While it may not be the largest state park with incredible hiking in California, Malibu Creek State Park is still a trail lover's dream. There are over 35 miles of trails with 41 to choose from, although some remain closed due to fire damage. Start with the easy 4.5-mile Rock Pool and Century Lake Trail, a particularly pretty walk that passes through sycamore and oak woodlands. The trail takes you past the picturesque rock pool, then continues by Century Lake — a man-made lake once used for sailing by members of the Crags Country Club. Come here during the winter months, and you might see some migratory birds around.

The 6.4-mile Malibu Lake Trail is a moderately challenging hike with some amazing views of the mountains and valleys. It ends at the park's boundary at Malibu Lake, the perfect spot for a picnic. Don't bring your dog along, though, as they're not allowed on any of the trails. The more difficult 15.4-mile Bulldog Loop is a great option for a full day of hiking and is also popular for horse riding and mountain biking. This circular route takes you past MacAuley Peak and the "M*A*S*H" filming location. It's also the ideal place for birdwatching with golden eagles, nanday parakeets, and great blue herons sometimes spotted in the park.

As well as an abundance of birdlife, the park is also home to mountain lions. But one critter you won't be so happy to see is the tick. Long grass is their usual place to hang out, and there's nothing they love more than hitching a ride on your leg. Make sure to check yourself at the end of the day. Maps are available at the historic visitor center, a one-mile walk from the lower parking lot.

The steep volcanic rock filled with holes found at Malibu Creek State Park is the ideal terrain for climbing. There are over 100 bolted sport climbs ranging from easy to more advanced. One of the most popular sites is the Planet of the Apes Wall, where scenes from the film were shot. A total of 13 climbs will keep you busy, though it does tend to get crowded on weekends. Fishing is also allowed in the park, with a license, but no lower down than Rindge Dam. You might get lucky and catch some bass for the campfire later on.

And if you just want to chill out at the end of a long day on the trails, stay the night at the park's campsite. There's a group campground and a main campsite with 62 spots, RV access, firepits, picnic tables, toilets, and showers. After washing away the dust, lie back and enjoy some stargazing to cap off a memorable day. When you get home, start planning a trip to one of California's other underrated state parks.