Charmed, We're Sure!

Hike Charmlee Wilderness Park in Malibu

Looking for a walk that will charm your hiking socks off? Head to Charmlee Wilderness Park, a serene 532-acre oasis tucked in Malibu’s Santa Monica Mountains. With its vibrant wildflowers, rocky outcrops, and lovely ocean views, this beginner-friendly hike has spellbinding scenery at every turn. 

The park is home to 8 miles of mostly flat trails that loop together, creating a kind of choose-your-own-adventure experience. There’s a nice 3-mile route that covers a lot of highlights. From the parking lot, take Charmichael Road, heading past the restrooms and picnic area and joining up with the Botany Trail on your left. Wildflowers such as lupines, hummingbird sage, and bush monkey flowers dot the trail, flourishes of spring color.

Continue onto the East Meadow Trail, then keep left to continue on the Ocean View Trail. Here the trail dramatically edges the bluff, delivering dreamy views of the ocean and the curvy Malibu coastline. On clear days, you can see Catalina and the other Channel Islands in the distance.

Make a right on the Black Forest Trail, where oak woodlands offer a short, shady respite. Connect to the West Meadow Trail and then a left on Potrero Road before looping back to Charmichael Road. 

TIP: Most of the trail is hot and unshaded, so definitely bring along plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and water.

NOTE: At press time, sections of the Pacific Coast Highway are open to residents only. Check local traffic reports before traveling.

From Pacific Coast Hwy. in Malibu, turn inland onto Encinal Canyon Rd. and travel 3.8 miles. The entrance is on the left. 

Alternatively, from the 101 Fwy. in Agora Hills, take Exit 36 for Kanan Rd. Go south on Kanan, and in 6.2 miles turn right on Mulholland Hwy. In about a mile, keep left to continue on Encinal Canyon Rd. After 3.5 miles, turn left to stay on Encinal Canyon. Drive another 1.2 miles and the entrance to the park will be on your right. Continue 0.2 mile on Charmichael Rd. to access the parking lot. 

The park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset daily. Dog-friendly.

Story and photos by Yvonne Pasquini, @yvonne_pasquini

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

    View
  3. Rio Del Mar-velous

    Rio Del Mar State Beach in Aptos might be one of the best places for a treasure hunt. Its location between two other beaches makes for a good stroll featuring a spectacle of wildlife as you search the sand for sea glass and seashells.

    View
  4. Aloha from California

    Say Aloha without leaving California with a 7-mile out-and-back hiking adventure to Lake Aloha in El Dorado National Forest. You can also camp here, a premier place for stargazing.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Fall for It All in Reno Tahoe

    The best kind of getaway? Less time on logistics, more time on memory-making. Jackpot! You’ve got Reno Tahoe.

    View