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Malibu Creek State Park: Hollywood's Natural Playground

Explore scenic trails, discover Hollywood history, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Malibu Creek State Park in the Santa Monica Mountains.

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Malibu Creek State Park, nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, offers a diverse landscape of volcanic rock gorges, oak woodlands, and scenic pools. Once a Chumash settlement and later a movie ranch for 20th Century Fox, it's a haven for hikers, campers, and film buffs alike.

A brief summary to Malibu Creek State Park

  • Monday 8 am-10 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-10 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-10 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-10 pm
  • Friday 8 am-10 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-10 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-10 pm

Local tips

  • Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking can fill up quickly.
  • Bring water and sunscreen, as the trails can be exposed to the sun.
  • Check the park's website for fire safety levels and any campfire restrictions.
  • Visit the M*A*S*H site to see the remains of the iconic TV show set.
  • Consider purchasing the California Explorer Vehicle Day Use Annual Pass if you plan to visit frequently.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Highway 101, take the Las Virgenes Road exit and head south for approximately 4 miles. The park entrance will be on your right. Parking fees are $12 for the day, with hourly rates available. Gates are open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Los Angeles, take the Metro E Line to Downtown Santa Monica Station. From there, take a taxi or ride-sharing service to Malibu Creek State Park, which is approximately 30 miles away. The taxi fare will be around $90 - $120. Alternatively, LA DOT operates a bus from Broadway & Temple St to Kanan Rd & Canwood Rd every 2 hours. The park is approximately 7 miles from this bus stop.

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Discover more about Malibu Creek State Park

Malibu Creek State Park, spanning over 8,215 acres in the Santa Monica Mountains, is a testament to Southern California's diverse natural beauty and rich history. The park's landscape features dramatic volcanic rock formations, created over millions of years by geological forces, as well as oak and sycamore woodlands, and chaparral-covered slopes. For millennia, the land was home to the Chumash people, with evidence of their village, Talepop, found within the park. In the early 20th century, it transformed into the Crags Country Club, attracting wealthy Los Angeles businessmen. Later, Hollywood discovered its potential, and 20th Century Fox established a movie ranch here, filming classics like M*A*S*H and Planet of the Apes. Today, Malibu Creek State Park offers over 35 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Visitors can explore the Rock Pool, a popular spot for rock climbing, or hike to the iconic M*A*S*H site, where remnants of the TV show set still stand. The park also features a family-friendly campground with 63 campsites, offering a chance to sleep under the stars. The park is also composed of Kaslow Nature Preserve, Liberty Canyon Nature Preserve, Tapia Park, and Udell George Nature Preserve.

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