M*A*S*H site from Corral Canyon via Bulldog Motorway
- Location: Santa Monica Mountains, near Malibu. From the Pacific Coast Highway, take Corral Canyon (2.3 miles west of Malibu Canyon Road, 0.7 miles east of Latigo Canyon Road) north for 5 miles to its end. Park at the Backbone trailhead.
- Agency: Malibu Creek State Park
- Distance: 8.8 miles
- Elevation gain: 2,200 feet
- Difficulty Rating: PG-13 (distance, elevation gain)
- Suggested time: 4.5 hours
- Best season: November – May
- USGS topo maps: Point Dume, Malibu Beach
- Recommended gear: hiking poles
; sunblock
; sun hat
- Recommended guidebook: Day Hikes In the Santa Monica Mountains
- More information: Trip description (slightly different route) here; Everytrail report here; video taken walking through the M*A*S*H site here; Area trail map here
- Rating: 7
There’s an easy way and a hard way to hike to and from the M*A*S*H filming site in Malibu Creek State Park. This post describes the latter.
From the parking area, head uphill on the Corral Canyon Motorway. The dirt road ascends steadily, providing views of Corral Canyon on the left and Malibu Creek State Park on the right. Shortly before the intersection with the Bulldog Motorway, keep an eye out for a group of long and thin sandstone outcrops, sticking up from the steep slope in a manner resembling a forest.
At 0.8 miles, turn right on the Bulldog Motorway (the Castro Motorway continues 0.8 miles before dead-ending at private property). You begin a long, winding descent, getting views of Castro Peak, Malibu Lake, the Goat Buttes and more. At about 2 miles from the start, you enter a slightly shaded area, providing nice contrast from the exposed upper parts of the trail.
The Bulldog Motorway continues dropping toward Malibu Creek, passing a few spurs serving as utility access points (the main route is always pretty obvious). Just over 3 miles from the start, turn right at the junction and head east, following a tributary of Malibu Creek for a little over a mile.
At 4.2 miles, you meet Crags Road. Turn right and head through a pleasant oak grove to the former M*A*S*H site, where you can still see several vehicles used in the show and the famous sign pointing to different destinations. A picnic area provides a good rest spot – because the bulk of the work is still ahead of you.
When ready, retrace your steps up the Bulldog Motorway back toward Castro Crest. As you climb, your efforts will be rewarded with wider and wider views of Malibu Creek and the Santa Monicas. While this hike loses points due to the long, largely exposed ascent from the canyon and high number of power lines, it is nevertheless one of the more scenic – and certainly challenging – trips in the area.
Text and photography copyright 2014 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. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from hiking on this trail. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.