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 Reporter |
Summary: On a clear day, this hike has spectacular vistas of the Channel Islands, Catalina, and much of the Malibu coast. During the spring, wildflowers abound in the wide open meadowland. While most of this hike is through scrub land, there are oak groves here and there to picnic under the shade. I visited this park on a hazy day with fog on the coast, so I may not have given as high a rating as it deserves. Pick up a trail map at the information board on your way into the park. Note that I found the trails rather confusing, although there is no chance of getting really lost. Trailhead: From the Pacific Coast Highway, about 12 miles north of Malibu, head inland on Encinal Canyon about 4.5 miles to Charmlee Park. (Lat:34.061 Lon:-118.876) Trail Guides for Charmlee Park Loop: Day Hikers Guide to Southern California by John McKinney (Olympus Press) 101 Hikes in Southern California by Jerry Schad (Wilderness Press) California Hiking by Tom Stienstra & Ann Marie Brown (Foghorn Press) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs Ranger Contact: Charmlee Natural Area (310) 457-7247 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jim Zuber, who has posted 104 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 3 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Richard on 2/14/2010 Walked on 2/14/2010. Fantastic views of the CHannel Islands, Malibu, Zuma Beach, and mountains. Trails are well maintained, but aren't well marked. If you get turned around easily you may want to pick up a map from the visitor center. Given the weather this weekend, it was perfect! 
Reviewed by Lady Bug on 2/1/2010 Went hiking on this one on Friday and Sunday. Saw two coyotes in the meadow area both days. Looks like a breeding pair. One hides in the bushes while the other hunts. Keep your dogs on a leash for sure. On Friday one of them went after one of our beagles. Luckily we were able to scare it away. Otherwise, they won't bother you. This hike a great way to feel the wilderness and have an amazing view. I highly reccomend it.
Reviewed by NR on 6/6/2009 This morning we did this easy hike for the first time and thought it was great! The sweeping coastal views were gorgeous although I'm sure we'd have enjoyed the hike even if there had been fog. The meadow, flowers, oak groves and clumps of interesting rocks were worth our time. We'll be back.
Reviewed by KellyK on 4/20/2009 Beautiful, easy hike. Hiked it on 04/12/09 and 04/19/09. The wildflowers are amazing right now! A great hike with a good mix of oak woodlands, open meadows and ocean views. None of the trails are marked so finding your way can be challenging.
Reviewed by Lisa on 2/19/2008 Great family hike for a wide range of ages and skill levels. We enjoyed the scenery, especially the coyote in the meadow who didn't seem to mind us watching him at all! Trails were easy to follow if you had the map (you can download from the Charmlee Park website or pick one up at the kiosk). Adequate incline/decline to keep it interesting. Our group included kids, so we really appreciated the clean restrooms. Small Nature Center was also enjoyable, the ranger was very nice. Would definitely do this one again; excellent picnic spots.
Reviewed by Angie on 2/7/2008 I hiked this on 2/5/08, and found it very pleasant. It had rained a few days prior, and was still a little muddy in some places. I spotted mountain lion tracks and scat zigzaging across the trail and saw a couple of coyotes in the meadow, so be careful. Definitely grab a map either from the nature center or from the parking area below it, since the trails are not well marked. The views are great though. I'll hike it again.
Reviewed by Jeffrey on 1/15/2008 It was an absolutely beautiful day and I could very clearly make out the Channel Islands. Unfortunately the smog had crept out from LA and hid all but the highest peak of Catalina. While the trails are not well marked, other than one that leads off onto another set of hills, all the trails loop back around. I managed to hike almost two full hours almost never re-tracing my steps. Beautiful meadows and views of the coast and a few very cool and shaded oak groves make his hike a winner. My dog and I had a blast. Watch out for ticks, I found one on my leg, luckily before it had burrowed in.
Reviewed by Gretchen on 12/28/2007 What's up with Tricia. Chill out, Ms Negativity! Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Los Angeles County Hiking, Los Angeles County Trails, Los Angeles County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
