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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 2 of 3 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by J.D. Funari on 12/31/2006 Hiked this trail twice - first time in summer, second in winter (on a beautiful, clear, cool day). Views minus smog are fantastic. Not very long of a hike but definitely enjoyable. Saw horse riders on both visits from I assume a local ranch.
Reviewed by Scott on 5/9/2005 A nice spot, one of the gems of the Santa Monica mountains, what with the tall grass, oak picnic groves, ocean views, easy hiking, and a comprehensive Nature Center. On the downside, trail signage is poor at best. Maybe raising the parking fee from $3 to $5 would help them. I for one would pay it.
Reviewed by reid on 4/10/2005 Great hike. The trail can be a bit confusing, and if you make the most obvious loop the hike is a tad short. I had to be creative to squeeze 3 miles out of it. Nevertheless, great hike with incredible views of green hills, coastline and islands.
Reviewed by JohnnyC on Hiked 5/24/2005, on a brilliant sunny day during the 2nd heaviest (so far) rainy season on record. The meadow is gorgeous, lush and green. Bring a camera, a friend, a dog (leash em though - trouble in that thar grass) and enjoy as beautiful spot as you'll find anywhere.
Reviewed by EJR on 5/16/2004 Easy to moderate but spectacular views Malibu (Zuma Beach to Ventura County line)from ridge 1/4-mile west of old reservoir. Also, hours of hiking on uncharted trails. From 101 exit Westlake Blvd 9.5 miles to Charmlee Wilderness Park entrance on Lechusa Rd 1.35 miles from Decker Cyn Rd (Westlake Blvd becomes Decker Cyn). Much parking inside park, plus toilets & picnic benches. Moderate exercise available by walking up past nature center past water tower and then first trail to right all the way down to fenced L.A. County water tower on paved road and then return back up hill to turn-off, go right on fire road to empty, in-the-ground, cement reservoir. But, continue on trail west down hill toward coast. Many other available trails in area. 
Reviewed by Viewer on 3/15/2004 We went in early March. It's beautiful, with nice views of the ocean and surrounding mountains. The trail is very easy. I had my dog with me (on a leash...highly recommended). We ran into a nasty rattle snake on the trail, which is my first out here. Not sure I recommend the place for dogs as the ranger said they see several of them up there and numerous dogs get bit. If anything, definitely keep the dog on a leash.
Reviewed by Terry on 3/6/2004 Charmlee is at its peak in the spring, with a wide variety of wildflowers. The entire month of April is spectacular. Several areas for picnics, but with long stretches of open terrain, highlighted by the phenomenal ocean and island views.
Reviewed by Conrad on 1/10/2004 This is a pleasant little stroll with dynamite views on a clear day like today. You can see seven of the eight Channel Islands (San Miguel is obscured by Santa Rosa). The views here are actually better than in Cabrillo State Park. Instead of hiking 650 feet straight-up at Cabrillo, here you start at 1350 feet and hike a mere 200 feet down to the ocean vista. It's such a short and relatively flat hike that it gives you a lot of time to dawdle and take in the view. Or, if you prefer, drive back down to the PCH for a walk on the beach. 70 degrees in January. Even though I moved out here in the 70's, it's still really hard to get used to (it was 26 degrees in Chicago today). 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||