Explore the diversity of the Santa Monica Mountains on the Zuma Canyon Loop Trail for panoramic ocean views, winding canyon paths and a hidden river tucked away from the noise of Malibu.
The Zuma Canyon Loop trail is just under 11 miles long and located in Malibu near Zuma Beach, California. This is a moderate hike due to more than 2,700 feet of elevation gain over 11 miles. This hike took us about 5 hours with occasional stops to soak in the ocean views.
Details:
Directions (Google Maps): To get to the Zuma Canyon Loop Trail, search for the Zuma Canyon Loop Trail in Malibu, CA or click here.
Directions (old school maps): Wherever you’re coming from, get to Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) and head to Malibu. This is a few miles off of the highway, between Paradise Cove and Zuma Beach.
Driving Info: Except for a few patches in the canyon drive, you should have cell service. You do have to follow a few road off of Highway 1.
Time & Weather: This is in Southern California, so on average you’re going to have great weather. It is often bright and sunny so remember to bring sunscreen and a hat.
Gear: Bring layers for sun and wind protection. Hiking poles are helpful too because there is an immediate ascent up the mountain.
Trail Navigation: This trail is very easy to follow. In the very beginning you get to a few junctions but once you start ascending again it is easy to follow. Pay attention for a break left.
Water & Food: Bring water, especially when it’s hot out. Due to the length of the hike you should bring snacks to keep up with calories.
Trailhead Info: There is a sign indicating the beginning of the trails, but the parking lot itself is just a dirt patch at the end of a residential road.
Pictures of the Zuma Canyon Loop Trail:
Start your hike down into the gorge below. Be mindful of horses on the trails. And pay attention to signs, as there are a few junctions once you’re at the bottom.
Once you reach the bottom of the canyon, you’ll quickly ascend the other side via the Ocean View Trail. Once you reach one of the initial plateaus you are rewarded with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.
Off to your right are some of the magnificent homes that scatter the Santa Monica Mountains in Malibu. Also below is Kanan Road, one of the main canyon roads that connect to Highway 101.
Continue deeper into the canyon (away from the ocean) and hug the ridge line on your left.
If you see this gorgeous path lined with burnt trees, you’ve actually gone about 0.2 miles past the correct junction. Right after this shot we recognized we were off path.
Traverse the ridge lines of the canyon. With the ocean behind you, admire the rolling peaks and valleys of the Santa Monica Mountains.
Now begin the long cut down the canyon.
The further into the canyon you go, the more depth and perspective you get.
We never expected to see running water in this canyon. Perhaps seasonal, but a wonderful treat. The perfect halfway point to rest and snack up. Right after this, you’ll begin ascending again to the mountain ridges on the other side.
Glance around at the striking rock formations.
Ascend the other side of the canyon and get a glimpse of the winding network of trails you just traversed. You can even see your path on the other side of the canyon.
As you trek closer and closer towards the oceans, the views continue to open up. Make sure you’ve got your sunscreen on, there is a ton of exposure on this trail.
Wrap up the remainder of the hike with a gentle downhill that eventually ends at the parking lot you started from.
After hiking Zuma Canyon, treat yourself to some of the best seafood in Southern California. Malibu Seafood is a small shack with outdoor seating sitting atop Highway 1. Pick your picnic table and enjoy the sunny Pacific Ocean views, the frequent dolphin sightings, and the lively roar of the Pacific Coast Highway.
