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Point Dume


Highlights:

Isolated beaches, tide pools, whale watching
Near:Malibu, CA
Scenery:
Distance:4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:300 ft
Hike Time:2 hours
Difficulty:Moderate
Trail Condition:Well maintained trail
HikeType:Out and Back



Summary: This is one of the nicest hikes in Southern California. It starts out along Westward beach, where you can watch rock climbers traversing the volcanic outcroppings. A paved trail takes you to the top of the point, where you have a stunning view of the channel Islands, and a perfect spot for sighting whales. The trail then drops down into lovely Dume Cove and travels next to the water for a mile or so until you reach Paradise Cove pier. Check the tide tables before you go, as hiking is easiest at low tide. Think ahead and make reservations at the restaurant at Paradise Cove for a mid-hike lunch or dinner. Highly recommended.
Trailhead: From the Pacific Coast Highway, about 25 miles upcoast from Santa Monica and just down coast from Zuma Beach County Park, turn oceanward on Westward Beach Road and follow it to its end at a (fee) parking lot. (Lat:34.00328 Lon:-118.80902)
Trail Guides for Point Dume:
Afoot & Afield In Los Angeles
by Jerry Schad  (Wilderness Press)

Hike Los Angeles Volume 1
by Dennis Gagnon  (Western Tanager Press)

California Hiking
by Tom Stienstra & Ann Marie Brown  (Foghorn Press)

Best Seasons: Year-Round
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 1 of 5   Submit your own review
Reviewed by milt on 1/20/2010
Is always a good time

Reviewed by AM Hiker on 9/8/2009
Loved this view, Point Dume is beautiful. However, not much of a hike. A great walk to take with the kids and check for low tide so that you can visit the tide pools. However, if you are an enthusiastic hiker we would suggest doing a real hike in the Santa Monica Mountains first. We hiked Back Bone Trail first (off pff Kanan) in the am (5 mile round trip)then went to the tidepools. Loved watching the guys and girls scale Point Dume (May be a new hobbie).

Reviewed by Shane L on 7/18/2009
At first i didn't think this was considered a hike. But when all was said and done, it places right up there with the best. Albeit different. After going on to Google earth, I found out we eat lunch below Barbara Striesands home. Very nice walk along the different coves of the beach. Pleasant!

Reviewed by C.K. on 7/5/2009
Definitely not a moderate hike, more like easy/beginner hike. However, the view is stunning and very enjoyable walk along the beach. Make sure to make a reservation at the restaurant ahead of time (expect a 30 min to 45 min wait otherwise). No doubt will come again (esp. during summers).

Reviewed by Maria B on 8/12/2008
did this hike 7/10/08 very short hike. did this hike with my bf. started on westward beach and we stopped at the tide pools. spend a lot of time in the pools. we didnt see much sea life in the pools though. quiet a few ppl on the trail. the view was great! it was a clear sunny day. the hike was a little hard at it is all sand. but would do it again!

Reviewed by didjital on 3/7/2008
Tide info: http://www.tides.info/?command=view&location=Santa+Monica%2C+California

Reviewed by alex on 2/20/2008
i was here about 6 months agao, i love it!!!!!!great walk up the hill and great rock views.

Reviewed by M.N. 11 on 1/3/2008
LOVE LOVE LOVE this place.. Not much of a hike but the view is Awesome when you reach the cliff.. You could stay there for hours and wait until the whales and dolphins shows up.. Definitely a very peaceful, relaxing place..


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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