Location: King Gillette Ranch

Length: 1.5 mile loop

Challenge level: Beginner

The Gillette Ranch Inspiration Point Loop provides a picturesque hiking experience in California’s Santa Monica Mountains. Explore this 1.5 mile loop trail located near Calabasas, California that offers great opportunities for hiking, running, and birdwatching.

This trail is suitable for all skill levels-beginners and experienced hikers alike and is perfect for families or those looking for a light hike. Beginning at the trailhead, the path leads up to Inspiration Point, where you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of the surrounding valleys. Along the way, the trail features a mix of shaded sections and open, sunlit areas, offering a varied and scenic landscape.

Please note that dogs are not permitted on this trail.

Location: Circle X Ranch

Length: 6 mile loop

Challenge Level: Moderate

Set out on this 6.0-mile loop trail located near Malibu, California. This trail is typically rated as moderately challenging and it’s a popular spot for both hiking and running. This trail includes various grades of uneven trail throughout the hike that narrows in some sections as it weaves around the mountainside.

The hike begins with a walk toward Split Rock, a distinctive boulder split in two near the trail. From there, continue across a rugged landscape dotted with shrubs and large rock formations, eventually making your way to Sandstone Peak. At the summit, you'll find a plaque dedicated to W. Herbert Allen. Restrooms and picnic tables are available at the trailhead.

Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash.

Location: Rancho Sierra Vista

Length: 3.5 mile out-and-back

Challenge level: Moderate

Explore this 3.5-mile out-and-back trail near Newbury Park, California. Generally rated as moderately challenging, this hike is a popular route for strolling through the grasslands and chaparral of the Santa Monica Mountains.

The trail begins with a small descent to a tree-lined creek bed, which may have a small flow depending on recent rainfall. Before long, you’ll find yourself on a trail running along the north rim of Sycamore Canyon. To your left is the Hidden Valley Overlook Trail, but continue to the right to meet Danielson Road a few hundred yards ahead.

Use caution as you scramble over rocks to reach the base of the waterfall. Note that dogs are not allowed on this trail.

Location: Solstice Canyon

Length: 3 mile loop

Challenge level: Moderate

Explore this 3.0-mile loop trail near Malibu, California, known for its scenic beauty and moderate difficulty. This trail takes you through a stunning, mostly shaded canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains. A few highlights along the route include Malibu’s oldest still-standing stone structure, a small waterfall and creek, and a number of ruins—most notably, the remnants of a once-grand mansion.

You can start at the Rising Sun Trail which climbs the ridge and rewards you with sweeping ocean views before descending into Tropical Terrace which is where the ruins of a 1960s home destroyed by fire in 1982 is located. As you explore Tropical Terrace, you’ll discover exotic plants and a 30-foot waterfall.

The loop concludes with a peaceful walk along a shaded service road that follows the stream back to the start. Open year-round, the area offers a beautiful experience in any season.

Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash.

Location: Cheeseboro Canyon

Length: 4.7-mile loop

Challenge level: Moderate

Discover this 4.7-mile loop trail near Agoura Hills, California. This moderately challenging trail is a popular spot for both hiking and running. The Cheeseboro Overlook Loop winds through rolling hills and scenic canyons, offering a mix of terrain including a few steep sections. Along the way, you’ll pass through coastal sage scrub and lush riparian woodlands, making for a diverse and picturesque landscape.

At the overlook, be sure to take a break under a towering oak tree—an ideal spot for a peaceful picnic with sweeping views. The area is rich in wildlife, and with a bit of luck, you might catch sight of owls, hawks, or other raptors soaring overhead.

Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash.

Location: Paramount Ranch

Length: 3.5-mile loop

Challenge level: Easy

Set out on this 3.5 mile loop trail near Agoura Hills, California. This trail is typically considered an easy route, perfect for families or those looking for a lighter hike.

While it’s a popular spot for hiking and walking, you may still find some quiet moments during off-peak hours. The path winds through gently rolling hills dotted with seasonal wildflowers—especially vibrant in the spring. The trail surface is moderately rocky in sections, offering a bit of a challenge without being overly difficult, sturdy footwear is recommended!

As you climb, the terrain gradually opens up, revealing sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and distant ridgelines.

Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash.

Location: Zuma Canyon

Length: 3-mile loop

Challenge level: Moderate

Take on this 3 mile moderately challenging loop trail near Malibu, California. This trail can be busy especially during peak hours as it is popular for birding, hiking, and horseback riding. This trail offers a unique adventurous experience, featuring swimming holes, rocky cascades, unique geological formations, and massive boulders you’ll need to navigate around. It's especially striking after rainfall, though conditions can become more difficult.

There are sections of steep incline however they make for stunning views of the Malibu coast.

Dogs are welcome but must be leashed.

Location: Circle X Ranch

Length: 4-mile out-and-back

Challenge level: Moderate

Explore this 4 mile moderately challenging trail near Malibu, California. Popular for camping, hiking, and running, the trail can be busy, especially during weekends.

The trail begins near the group campground and leads through open terrain with expansive views as it approaches the base of the mountains. It ends just before a narrow, rocky section where a creek flows through the canyon—marked clearly by a wooden barricade.

Be aware that poison oak is common along this route, so it's important to stay alert and avoid contact with vegetation along the trail edges. Open year-round, it offers scenic views no matter the season.

Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash.