Chaparral Trail Loop Hike

Malibu Creek State Park boasts several beautiful hiking trails ranging in difficulty from easy to strenuous. Chaparral Trail Loop, named for the drought and fire resistant shrub, is popular among hikers and horseback riders. The loop is 2.3 miles long, and over the course of the hike you will gain 350 feet of elevation. There is not much shade along the trail, so your best bet is to check out this loop in the fall, winter, or spring. The park tends to be very busy on weekends, so weekdays are you’re a good time to go if you are seeking a bit of solitude.

In addition to abundant chaparral, you are likely to come across California black walnut, coast paintbrush, coastal wood fern, coyote brush, and mugwort on this trail. The red-tail hawk, California quail, and American kestrel are among the birds that call the park home. If you keep an eye on the ground you might catch sight of a California red-legged frog, coast range newt, or garter snake. Pacific rattlesnakes also frequent this area, so use caution if you see something slithering. Predators that live in the area include mountain lions, coyotes, grey foxes, and bobcats, although they are likely to avoid the sound of humans tromping along the trail. 

Other popular trails in Malibu Creek State Park include the M*A*S*H TV Set Hike and the Grasslands Trail. If you are looking for something more challenging, check out Bulldog Road or Mesa Peak Motorway: they both provide stunning views and lead you to Backbone Trail, a 55-mile-long hike through the Santa Monica Mountains. If you want to stick to Crags Road, from which many of the other trails branch off, you will find your way to Century Lake and Rock Pool.  After a long day of hiking you deserve to take a dip.