A convenient detour from the
coast and the 101, this easy walk to a lake and a pool is a perfect weekday
escape from the city.
Location: Malibu Creek
State Park Region: Malibu/Santa Monica Mountains Distance: 3-mile roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy with one brief climb When to go: Year-round (midweek) Hours: dawn to dusk Phone: 818-880-0367 Elevation Gain: 250 ft. Are dogs allowed: No Restrooms: In the parking lot and at several points along the trail. Parking: $2 in main parking lot
Trail Information
Full Review: Few trails go through such a drastic personality change
from midweek to weekend as this one. On a typical Wednesday afternoon, the
lake is calm and the Rock Pool sits empty. But when the sun comes up
Saturday morning, the population density starts to rise, continuing its
crescendo until the noise level at formerly placid thinking spots rivals
that of a public swimming pool. If you choose to come here on a weekend,
don't expect solitude. Yet midweek, the lake and the pool make this trail
peaceful and convenient for quick retreats.
Pick up the trail at the far end of the parking lot, where you'll cross the
street onto Crags Rd. (unpaved). Keep to the right as you cross the creek,
following a short stretch of pavement that turns to dirt just around the
corner. After walking under live oaks, take a left turn down a dusty road
that passes through a fence and leads up to the visitor center.
Cross the bridge over Malibu Creek and walk straight along the path that
climbs up a fairly steep hill. Just as it begins to flatten out, look to
your left for a narrow path that runs downhill and ends at Century Lake.
Next, you backtrack all the way down to the base of the steep hill. Just
before you reach the bridge again, turn right, veer left at the split, and
walk past the sign prohibiting alcohol consumption (a conspicuous reminder
of this place's weekend alter-ego). Follow the rocky path all the way to a
clearing. The popular Rock Pool is on your left. When you're done swimming,
walk back past the visitor center and retrace your steps to the trailhead.
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