Calabasas Peak from Saddle Peak
Ocean view from the Saddle Peak summit
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.
Saddle Peak
- Location: Santa Monica Mountains near Malibu. From Mulholland Highway, take Stunt Road south for 2.9 miles (the miles are marked). There is a small turnout near marker 2.9 and a larger one at 3.0. The trail begins at marker 2.9. From Santa Monica, take Pacific Coast Highway 9.5 miles to Las Flores Canyon. Go right and take Las Flores Canyon 3.4 miles to Rancho Pacifico. Go right on Rancho Pacifico for 0.6 miles and go right on Schueren for 1.8 miles. Take a hard left on Stunt Road and go 1.2 miles.
- Agency: Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy
- Distance: 3.2 miles
- Elevation gain: 950 feet
- Difficulty Rating: PG
- Suggested time: 1.5 hours
- Best season: All year (hot during the summer)
- USGS topo maps: “Malibu Beach”
- More information: here
- Rating: 8
Saddle Peak, at elevation 2,805 feet, provides great views of the ocean from only a few miles inland. Although steep, the north-facing trail is easily doable as a summer hike, especially with an early morning or late evening start.
From the trailhead, pick up the Backbone Connector trail, which arrives at the Backbone Trail in 0.2 miles. Take a left and begin switchbacking up the slope. As you ascend, you get nice views of Calabasas Peak to the north. Farther up, you come across some interesting geological formations, similar to those farther west in the Santa Monicas; some hikers may even be reminded of the Devil’s Punchbowl.
At 1.4 miles, turn right and go uphill to meet a gravel road. Take a left and climb the last few steps to Saddle Peak, where you can get great views of the ocean and the coastline. Note that Saddle Peak actually has two summits, but the other, with its antenna installation, is off limits.
Saddle Peak can also be accessed by the Backbone Trail from Saddle Peak Road; with a car shuttle, you can do this hike as a point-to-point.
