Malibu Canyon to Mesa Peak
Date: March 1, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM- 1:30 PM
Distance: 5 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 1427’
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult, uphill climb, breaks to appreciate the views, moderate pace.
What to Bring: Good hiking boots/shoes with good tread, hiking pole, lunch, snacks, at least 2 liters of water, sun protection, jacket.
Hike Leader: Russell Hammerl, [email protected]
Directions: From 101, take Las Virgenes Road. Go past the stop light on Piuma Road and park in the trailhead parking lot on the right, $8.00. Note: The name changes from Las Virgenes Road to Malibu Canyon Road when you pass the light.
Google Map: Backbone Trail Access at Piuma
What to Bring: Good hiking boots/shoes with good tread, hiking pole, lunch, snacks, plenty of water, sun protection, layered clothing. Carry emergency contact information.
Carpool: Click Here
After the hike: An early dinner at a nearby casual restaurant, depending on interest of participants.
Restroom: There is a restroom near the trailhead.
Rain Cancels
Description: Dramatic views into Malibu Canyon, over a thousand feet steeply below, make this a fabulous hike, but wait till we get to the top! From Mesa Peak the entire curve of the Santa Monica Bay can be seen as well as Catalina Island, and many mountain peaks in the distance. This trail is one of my favorites in the Santa Monica Mountains. It's a heavily shaded walk. Wild flowers should be popping.
The hike is a bit of a challenge, but we’ll definitely take our time to enjoy the views.
Much of the trail has a canopy of trees and shrubs. It is a great hike.
Wildflowers are blooming early this year. Pictured is a ceanothus at the trailhead.
Hike Leadrer: Russell Hammerl
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