Escape into a verdant canyon of cinematic dreams. Visit Malibu Creek State Park, located at 1925 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas, California. Sprawling over more than 8,200 acres in the Santa Monica Mountains, this iconic landscape blends Chumash heritage, Hollywood history and scenic creekside wilderness just 30 miles northwest of downtown L.A.
What Makes Malibu Creek State Park Unique
Malibu Creek offers a rare fusion of towering volcanic rock gorges. It also has creekside swimming holes. Additionally, it features redwood-shaded groves planted over a century ago. Historic adobes and filming sites—such as the M*A*S*H set, Planet of the Apes moss caves and the Crags Country Club ruins—anchor its cinematic legacy, while miles of trails, creeks and meadows host wildlife from deer to owls.
Top Activities & Amenities
🥾 Hiking & Scenic Trails
Fifteen miles of trails cater to every level. The Crags Road/High Road Loop is family-friendly. Challenging routes like Backbone, Bulldog, and Castro Crest offer panoramic canyon views. They also feature remnant redwood groves. Don’t miss the Rock Pool Trail—a local favorite carved into volcanic bedrock and perfect for seasonal dips.
🏕️ Camping & Group Sites
The family campground offers 63 sites suited to tents and RVs under 30 ft, with four ADA-accessible options. Amenities include flush toilets, hot showers, drinking water, picnic tables, fire rings and a pay dump station. A large group campsite for up to 50 people is also available.
🧺 Picnic Areas & Amphitheater
Day-use picnic zones near the parking lots and creek feature shaded tables, BBQ grills, restrooms and drinking fountains. The campground’s amphitheater hosts Junior Ranger talks, wildlife presentations and seasonal evening programs.
🎣 Fishing & Creek Swimming
Malibu Creek supports small trout and native fish; catch-and-release only. Summer brings streamside swim holes—Rock Pool and Century Lake offer inviting pockets—but watch for slippery algae and sneaker waves.
🧗 Rock Climbing & Bouldering
Volcanic boulders dot the area around Century Lake. This includes the famed “Planet of the Apes Wall.” These boulders offer intermediate to advanced climbing challenges. Always bring proper gear and climb with experience.
🐎 Horseback Riding & Mountain Biking
A designated equestrian staging area with water spigots and corrals provides access to miles of bridle trails. Mountain bikers revel on dirt and single-track routes that overlap many hiking paths—yield appropriately.
🦌 Wildlife Viewing & Interpretive Exhibits
From deer and coyotes to owls and migratory hummingbirds, wildlife abounds—especially near dawn and dusk. The visitor center and amphitheater host interpretive exhibits detailing history, ecology and weekend ranger-led hikes.
🚻 Visitor Center & Park Store
Open weekends from noon–4 pm, the Visitor Center offers maps, wildlife displays, interpretive signage and docent-led educational programs. A small park store stocks water, snacks, books and souvenirs.
🅿️ Parking, RV Dump & Accessibility
Two pay lots serve day visitors and campers ($3/hr; $12/day max). The campground includes a pay dump station. Four ADA campsites, accessible restrooms/showers, and the Anne Skager asphalt trail make the park wheelchair friendly.
Visitor Tips
- Parking & Fees: Park open 8 am–10 pm daily. Day-use parking metered or daily max $12. Campground $45/night; group site $200/night.
- Reservations: Campsites and group areas book via ReserveCalifornia. Lottery drawing for high-demand sites—apply monthly.
- Pets: Dogs allowed in campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots and paved roads only—not on dirt trails or creekside paths.
- Trail Safety: Summer can be hot—bring water, sun protection and sturdy shoes. Beware of poison oak and rattlesnakes; summer swim only in designated areas.
- Overnight Gear: No hookups; pack potable water and firewood purchased on-site. Fires only in provided rings, subject to ban.
- Climbing Equipment: Climb at your own risk; bring helmets, pads, crash mats and ride with a partner.
- Filming Locations: M*A*S*H site and rock formations are popular—go early to avoid crowds; some may be temporarily closed for shoots.
Local Insight & Seasonal Tip
Visit in spring when wildflowers burst across the grasslands and creek pools sparkle. Hike early to explore the Rock Pool Trail under soft morning light, then cool off in its natural plunge pool. Arrive on a weekend to catch a ranger-led wildlife or Junior Ranger talk at dusk. For a hidden treat, climb the small trail behind the M*A*S*H ambulance and sit among the shade of century-old trees—most visitors miss the trail that leads to a quiet overlook above Century Lake, a truly peaceful escape just steps from the action.