Heading into Zuma Canyon
Text and photography copyright 2010 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities. The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.
Zuma Canyon
- Location: Malibu, near Point Dume. From Pacific Coast Highway, head north on Bonsall Drive (a mile west of Kanan Dume). Follow the road a mile to its end and park in the dirt lot. Parking is free.
- Agency: Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
- Distance: 2.8 miles
- Elevation gain: 100 feet
- Difficulty Rating: G
- Suggested time: 1.5 hours
- Best season: All year
- USGS topo map: ”Point Dume”
- More information: here
- Rating: 6
People tend to overlook Zuma Canyon, which is one of the few places in Malibu that is easily accessible, but also very quiet–shielded from freeway noise by the hills that surround it.
There are several longer, more challenging hikes possible from the Zuma trailhead, but the short trip through the canyon is easy for any hiker, while taking in a nice sample of the area’s scenery. From the parking lot, head north into the canyon. Stay straight at the various trail intersections (some of them are loops that can be added if you want a longer trip).
After about a mile, the canyon narrows. The walls of the canyon, plus the shade of oaks and eucalyptus trees, adds to the feeling of seclusion. At 1.4 miles, the use trail comes to an end in a clearing. Rock-hoppers can continue up the canyon, which reaches the Edison fire road after two difficult miles, but in order to keep this a family friendly hike, this is a good turnaround spot.
