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Malibu Creek - Rock Pool, Century Lake


Highlights:

Volcanic walls, reflecting pools, picturesque lake, and an easy hike
Near:Malibu, CA
Scenery:
Distance:3.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:250 ft
Hike Time:2 hours
Difficulty:Easy
Trail Condition:Well maintained trail
HikeType:Out and Back


Summary: Lovely walk down oak shaded lane, a stunning rock pool with vertical walls of volcanic rock, and a picturesque lake pretty enough for a calendar. An easy hike with lots of variety. At the Rock Pool, watch rock climbers attempt to scale the Planet of the Apes wall, were the movie of the same names was filmed. When you reach Century lake, make sure to take the path down to the lake, its a truly spectacular place to stop for a picnic. Those with more energy can continue on several miles past Century lake to the site of the old M.A.S.H television series.
Trailhead: From Highway 101/Ventura Freeway, take Las Virgines Road in Agora towards the beach. Just after crossing Mulhulland Road, you will see the Malibu Creek State Park entrance on your right. Park in the second parking lot. (Lat:34.09625 Lon:-118.71646)
Trail Guides for Malibu Creek - Rock Pool, Century Lake:
Afoot & Afield In Los Angeles
by Jerry Schad  (Wilderness Press)

Day Hikers Guide to Southern California
by John McKinney  (Olympus Press)

Hiking Trails of Malibu Creek State Park
by Milt McAuley  (Canyon Publishing)

Best Seasons: Year-Round
User Groups: Hikers, Bikes
Ranger Contact:  Malibu Creek State Park, 818-880-0350
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jim Zuber, who has posted  104 other hikes on this site
Trail Reviews  Page 1 of 8   Submit your own review
Reviewed by PR on 7/16/2008
Watch your car if you park on the corner of Las Virgenes and Mullholland (free parking/busy interesection). Someone got their car broken into last night (Tuesday evening). Mine was also broken into at the Cold Creek Trailhead on Mullholland. I had nothing on the seats or in view (and no purse/wallet/laptop/cell phone hiding anywhere). All they got was a cheap pair of sunglasses in the glove box. Keep your eyes out and report anything suspicious to the Lost Hills Sheriff Station at 818-878-1808. Let's keep the trailheads fun and safe.

Reviewed by Chuck N on 5/30/2008
Did this hike 5/23/08 in a rare late spring Socal rainstorm. Was absolutely delightful. Oaks and trees provided plenty of cover and clouds provided an wonderful panorama of peaks playing hide and seek. Very easy hike from Parking lot to MASH (TV Show)site - one quarter mile uphill stretch on inbound hike. Saw deer and in over 30 years of hiking, only 3rd mountain lion ever. Fantastic!

Reviewed by RB on 4/17/2008
I go here about once a month. Although it's easy, it is so serene and beautiful. And there is a lot of nature around. You can see black-hooded parakeets there just about everyday, and you can't miss them because they are bright green and make obnoxious noises.. lol. This is definitely a place to go if you're into nature photography, like myself. And I see deer there if I go early enough. Great place for families. Definitely a "must-see"... again, not for the HIKE, but for all the other good stuff.

Reviewed by Sekina on 4/8/2008
Did this hike yesterday, with my 70 year old mother, so it was extremely easy. But very beautiful, seen a rattle snake, some turtles, a very friendly squirrel and incredible views! The rock pool looked so serene and peaceful, and the water wasn't too cold either. We will be back on Saturday!

Reviewed by Gwynne on 4/6/2008
Very nice place to go, the trail is wide and well kept. There are plenty of places to go mountian biking in this area, and some also take horses out (we saw their shoe prints) Parking cost $8 if you come in the main entrance. There was lots of water when we went in Spring, but some of it was stagnant and bog-like. There are lots of beautiful morning glories and western lilacs in the area. Over all a very nice experience.

Reviewed by Scott on 3/23/2008
Hiked this yesterday, and went all the way to the MASH site. Good news: they have improved the MASH site by trimming the overgrowth around one of the rusty vehicles and adding in a reproduction of a famous directional sign from the series (with more work apparently under way). Not much shade, but always a fun hike for those looking to stretch their legs without a lot of uphill.

Reviewed by Robin on 10/1/2007
Very beautiful and easy terrain. I tok some great photos. Nice maintained trail. You can take the kids. Awesome

Reviewed by Shelly on 8/16/2007
I took my kids and their friends, and they had a blast. THe rock pool was beautiful, crystal clear and so refreshing to jump into after hiking to get there. One suggestions to first timers. If you pack a lunch, stop at one of the picnic benches BEFORE you get to the rock pool. The bees attack your food when you at the rock pool. Massive amounts of bees, no one was stung.


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

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