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 Reporter |
Summary: The hike starts out with stunning views of the mountains as you gain 1600 foot of elevation along the somewhat overgrown Malibu Springs Trail. After about 2 miles the trail levels out and views of both Nicholas Flat and the lovely coastline emerge. There are a number of trail options to traverse the meadows area, with the highlight of the hike being Nicholas pond and the stunning overlook on the backside of the pond. The hike out takes you along a short section of the Decker School Road before connecting with another section of the Malibu Springs Trail, which will lead you back to your car. We encountered plenty of ticks along the Malibu Springs Trail, so dress accordingly. We also almost stepped on a baby rattlesnake, so keep your eyes open on the trail. Another good resource for this hike, as well as many others in this area, is the Mileage Hiking Maps shown in the list of guidebooks. Trailhead: From the 101 freeway in Thousand Oaks, take Kanan Road to the Pacific Coast Highway. Turn right (north) and follow it for 10 miles to Mulholland Highway. Turn right and drive 3.1 miles to a very small turnout on the right with a trailhead marker for Malibu Springs Trail. A few hundred yards beyond the trailhead marker, you will encounter a chain link gate. Just walk around it and continue up the trail. (Lat:34.08378 Lon:-118.91816) Trail Guides for Nicholas Flat via Malibu Springs Trail: Mileage Hiking Maps by James Caballero () Trail Map - Santa Monica Mtns West by Tom Harrison () Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Santa Monica Mtn Recreation Area, 818-597-9192 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jim Zuber, who has posted 104 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 2 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Alan on 4/17/2006 Although Malibu Springs Trail was overgrown and "ticky", I found this to be a very nice, challenging hike with beautiful views. The sound of motorcycles zooming Mulholland was a distraction and I wish there was a way to remedy this, but I would still consider this one of my personal favorites in the Santa Monica's. Once you reach the top, though, all you hear is nature. 
Reviewed by Tala on 4/24/2005 VERY overgrown. We ran into one big gopher snake and three rattlesnakes. We brought the dog and have taken about 60 ticks off of her (literally). I have taken 6 off of myself (yuck!). We got scratched up, the trail needs some serious work. Overall, it was quite fun! 
Reviewed by Kat on 3/26/2005 The trail was very overgrown and there were tons of bugs!! However this hike has everything one could ask for in a hike: ocean and mountain views, a pond, grasslands... The wildflowers were excellent, and the butterflies near the area labeled ocean view on the topographic map were spectacular. It was hard to find the trail back to the car after visiting the pond so print out the topo map. Head past the pond up the semi-paved road and you'll see a parking area (wish we had known you could just drive up there!) and hang a left through a gate. From here you should find your way back to the car. An added bonus was that we were the only people on the trail and it was a beautiful Saturday! Definately recommended, happy hiking!
Reviewed by Derik on 1/29/2005 This was a very cool hike. Everything was very green due to the recent rains. The trail felt very country-ish and isolated at most times, which was very nice. We got a little confused toward Nicholas Flat and circled around before finding a very murky pond. At this point we turned back. The hike was fairly easy and I wasn't even sore the next day, which was a pleasant surprise. I'd definitely do it again.
Reviewed by Tarrah on 11/27/2004 Beautiful hike. The ocean view and the mountains were unbelievable - took about 90 minutes to arrive "at" the ocean. The Nicholas Flat signs were a bit tricky, but by continually going up, you will eventually reach the point where the ocean is visible. When you come down Kanan, don't turn right away when you see Mulholland. Keep going down to the PCH, and then turn on Mulholland from there. The trail marker is much more visible that way.
Reviewed by D&D on 12/13/2003 Very pleasant hike. Too hazy to see the islands from 1737 but great views of the Sandstone Peak/Exchange Peak ridge on return along Malibu Springs trail from Decker School Road. Advise frequent tick checks at lower elevations! Toyon berries brighten the trail.
Reviewed by Eric on 11/24/2003 This is a very fun little adventure and I think one of the best hikes in all the Santa Monicas. Jim and I hiked this one early on a cool windy morning and we were just amazed at the mountain views and the ocean vistas all along the way. Good variety and the element of surprise at every turn! Curiously enough we didn't seem to get winded very much along the way up, no doubt the result of good contouring of the trail. I'm still wondering about that baby rattlesnake sitting right in the middle of the trail. Stepped right over the top of it! Arrrrrgh. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||