Oaks on the Las Virgenes Trail

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.

Las Virgenes View Trail

• Location: Santa Monica Mountains near Malibu Creek State Park.  From the Valley, take highway 101 to Las Virgenes Road and go south for 3 miles.  The trailhead is on the northeast corner of Las Virgenes and Mulholland.  From Pacific Coast Highway, head north on Malibu Canyon Road which becomes Las Virgenes, and park at the intersection.
• Agency:  Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy
• Distance: 4 miles
• Elevation gain:  650 feet
• Difficulty Rating: PG
• Suggested time:  2 hours
• Best season: October – June
• USGS topo maps: Malibu Beach
• More information: here
• Rating: 7

This short but sweet hike visits a nice variety of scenery and takes in some good views of the eastern Santa Monica Mountains, providing a nice, moderate workout.  I may sound like I’m trying to take revenue away from the California state parks system, but if you park (for free) at the intersection, you get a lot of the same scenic experience as in adjacent Malibu Creek State Park without the $12 price tag.  (That being said, many people opt to park at the same intersection and take back routes into the park, but of course, you didn’t read that here).  Note too that dogs are allowed on this trail, whereas not in the park.

As the trail leaves the busy intersection of Mulholland and Las Virgenes, traffic noise soon fades.  You ascend along the north side of a hill beneath the shade of some oaks, and work your way through a canyon and arrive at a ridge.  Here, the trail curves to the south, and you get great views on both sides, including San Vicente Mountain and Saddle Peak to the left (east) and the Goat Buttes and Castro Peak of Malibu Creek State Park to the west.

The trail ends at an overlook (elevation 1,100 feet), 2 miles from the intersection.  If you found this hike too short and want to explore the area more, check out Malibu Creek State Park.  And just pay the darn fee, will you?