Malibu Creek State Park

Introduction of Malibu Creek State Park

An 8-mile loop through the lower canyon sections of Malibu Creek State Park. This area is ideal for a day hike or overnight stay due to the abundance of stream-side scenery, a few man-made lakes, spectacular Santa Monica Mountains scenery, and numerous side trails. This has been and continues to be a popular location for filming television and movies — there are still a few remnants of the old M*A*S*H set here — and the creekside pools and rock formations are popular swimming and rock-climbing spots.

Malibu Creek State Park is a sprawling parkland in the Santa Monica Mountains, hugging Malibu Creek as it flows into the ocean and extending east along the Backbone Trail.

There are several distinct sections of the park, and this write-up focuses on the “lower canyon” area, along the trails that follow Malibu Creek through the Goat Buttes, a striking section of the mountains.

After driving up Malibu Canyon Road, pay your parking fee ($10 at the time of writing) and park in the farthest southern lot available. There will be a small information kiosk, some horse posts, and a restroom. Cross the road and look for a well-marked paved road leading to the backcountry trail system.

Malibu Creek State Park Camping

The group campsite at Malibu Creek State Park can accommodate 9 to 60 people and up to 30 vehicles. About 100 yards from the parking lot, there is a walk-in, tent-only camping area. The reservation only applies to the first 12 vehicles. Other vehicles must park in the Day Use Lot and are subject to a nightly fee.

Activities

Malibu Creek State Park Location

The Malibu Creek State Park entrance is on the west side of Las Virgenes/Malibu Canyon Road, between Highway 101 and Pacific Coast Highway.

Take PCH west for 13 miles from the end of Interstate 10 in Santa Monica. Turn left onto Malibu Canyon Road, which becomes Las Virgenes Canyon Road. After 6.1 miles, turn left at the park entrance.

Take exit 32 for Las Virgenes Canyon Road from Highway 101 and travel south for 3.5 miles to the park entrance, which is on the right just after Las Virgenes Canyon Road crosses Mulholland Highway.

Parking

Parking is $12.00 for the entire day (current as of March 2010). Because there is no one at the entrance booth on weekdays, the honor system is used via a self-pay system. Your day fee includes access/parking to ANY California State Park and/or Beach on the same day!

Public Transport

Public Transport is not available