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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 10   Submit your own review
Reviewed by Z-man on 1/6/2010
Despite the other reviews on this site I found Malibu Park to be a hidden jewel. To avoid getting lost I google earthed the park and took a look at the trail system. I parked for free on Mulholland west of Las Virgenes. There was a posted trial sign and from there you follow the well maintained trail and at every fork take a right and you will see everything. Once you drop into the basin of the park the rest of the world seemed to dissappear. There was so much wildlife I was amazed. We got a late start so we didn't make it to the MASH set but on the way back out the air rang with the sounds of frogs. It was a beautiful hike and well maintained park. Don't listen to the other neg. reviews. Check it out for youself!

Reviewed by Heather on 10/1/2009
For a State park that charges $12 to park and employs full time rangers the trail signage was deplorable. There are trash cans and port-o-potties everywhere but you can't find a sign directing you to Reagan's ranch or Century Lake. The trails I did find were wide open car tracks in full view of the blaring sun and occasionally had the smell of sewage. You can definitely skip this one.

Reviewed by Jan & Michelle on 8/11/2009
We started at 10:30 am and tried using the map we were given at the gate and we hiked way past the mash site and still didn't find Century Lake. We walked all the way to the houses on the other side of the park. It was hot and we really underestimated how far we were going and we did not bring near enough water with us. Finally we decided to turn around and after taking two dead end trails we some how made it to the visitor center alive where we found a water fountain and a spicket in the sun. The water didn't taste too bad and was wet anyway. The visitor center was closed. We talked to another hiker and they told us we weren't too far from the parking lot. We finally made it back to our car, it's no wonder people get lost in this park!

Reviewed by A & Z on 7/26/2009
First time hikers 7/25/09. The map on this site is terrible got lost 2X ended up hiking 6 miles. There is 200 ft. elevation gain, its a beast, not easy and getting lost doesn't help. Century Lake smells bad so didn't swim. Went back down to the Rock Pools and that was nice but to crowded. Make sure to bring lots of water and snacks. Didn't see any wild life just a lot of people, cell phones don't work up by Century Lake but do everywhere else. Very hot so don't park on the road its to far from the beginning of the trails, just pay the 10 dollars to park, it will be worth it. There are porter potties but they stink badly so use the bathroom at the beginning of the trails. Enjoy your hike don't expect to much its not that great or beaut

Reviewed by Shane L on 7/18/2009
Pleasant Hike for sure. Just remember to bring lots of water and a snack or lunch. Was very hot with lots of shade in some spots and lots of sun in others. Some trails don't connect like you would think. I saw a young guy and girl actually swim across the water by the dam because they didn't want to hike all the way back around. Try and make it to the Mash set if only for the self accomplishment. Not too much to see there. Museum? Really? You will be glad you made it that far by the time you get back to your car.

Reviewed by Pete on 6/1/2009
I have done this hike several times and it is a very pleasant hike. The trail is mainly flat and well defined. It is a great place to spend sometime outdoors with the family. You do have to pay for parking so if you want to bypass that, I would recommend parking on the road before you enter the grounds.

Reviewed by JD on 5/26/2009
GREAT FOR TODDLERS & SMALL CHILDREN.

Reviewed by Amos on 4/26/2009
The map in this site is terrible. But with a map from the visitor center you get to a great easy hike.


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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