Scenic hiking and climbing opportunities are available at a state park nestled within the Santa Monica Mountains of California.
Exploring Underrated Gems: A Guide to Southern California State Parks
Malibu Creek State Park, nestled within the Santa Monica Mountains, is a popular destination for nature lovers seeking a respite from the bustling city. However, there are other hidden gems in Southern California that are worth exploring. Here's a roundup of underrated state parks similar to Malibu Creek State Park, offering scenic landscapes, hiking, and unique natural or historical features.
Pinnacles National Park
Located further south, Pinnacles National Park is a must-visit. Known for its striking jagged rock formations, rare caves, and diverse hiking trails, this park is less crowded outside the spring months. Visitors can spot the California condor and enjoy shaded oak woodlands and high peaks.
Red Rock Canyon State Park
About 120 miles north of Los Angeles, Red Rock Canyon State Park boasts remarkable 300-foot tall sandstone cliffs with vibrant orange hues. The park has significant paleontological and archaeological sites with fossils and Native American history, offering dramatic scenery reminiscent of Malibu Creek's ruggedness.
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Less than an hour from San Diego, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park spreads across 24,677 acres with meadows, mountains, woodlands, and more than 100 miles of trails. It contains rich Indigenous Kumeyaay history and Gold Rush-era remnants, providing diverse landscapes and wildlife viewing opportunities.
El Matador State Beach near Malibu
While Malibu Creek is inland, nearby El Matador offers coastal cliffs, caves, tide pools, and dramatic ocean views akin to Malibu’s scenic coastal allure.
Other notable Southern California parks worth considering include Joshua Tree National Park, famous for its distinct desert landscapes and hiking trails, as well as Big Bear, which provides mountain hiking, biking, and skiing with a less touristy vibe.
Malibu Creek State Park: A Closer Look
Malibu Creek State Park, opened in 1976, covers approximately 8,200 acres and is home to a variety of birdlife, including golden eagles, nanday parakeets, and great blue herons. The park is split by a 14-mile stretch of Malibu Creek and offers over 35 miles of trails, with 41 trails to choose from, although some remain closed due to fire damage.
One of the popular climbing sites is the Planet of the Apes Wall, where scenes from the film were shot. The Rock Pool and Century Lake Trail, a picturesque 4.5-mile trail, passes through sycamore and oak woodlands. The Bulldog Loop, a 15.4-mile circular route, is popular for a full day of hiking, horse riding, and mountain biking.
The park is open all year-round, with gates opening from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. All-day parking costs $12 and there are two parking lots available, with the lower lot being nearer the trails. Winter months in Malibu Creek State Park may attract migratory birds around Century Lake.
Malibu Creek State Park offers a campsite with a group campground and a main campsite with 62 spots, RV access, firepits, picnic tables, toilets, and showers. Fishing is allowed in the park with a license, but not below Rindge Dam. Century Lake in Malibu Creek State Park was once used for sailing by members of the Crags Country Club. The trail ends at Malibu Lake, a suitable spot for a picnic.
Malibu Creek State Park has been used as a filming location for productions such as "MAS*H" and the original "Planet of the Apes" film. It's a popular destination for escaping the city, hiking, and enjoying scenic views. Malibu Creek State Park is located in the United States, specifically in the region of Los Angeles. The Malibu Lake Trail, spanning 6.4 miles, offers a moderately challenging hike with panoramic views of the mountains and valleys. Spanish colonists, early settlers, and homesteaders have also passed through Malibu Creek.
- Pinnacles National Park, with its unique rock formations and diverse hiking trails, offers an outdoor-living experience similar to Malibu Creek State Park, providing scenic landscapes for hiking enthusiasts seeking a less crowded destination.
- Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, situated less than an hour from San Diego, mirrors the home-and-garden feel of Malibu Creek State Park, offering a wide array of landscapes including meadows, mountains, and woodlands, with opportunities for wildlife viewing.
