Charmed, We're Sure!

Looking for a walk that will charm your hiking socks off? Head to Charmlee Wilderness Park, a serene 532-acre oasis tucked in Malibu’s Santa Monica Mountains. With its vibrant wildflowers, rocky outcrops, and lovely ocean views, this beginner-friendly hike has spellbinding scenery at every turn. 

The park is home to 8 miles of mostly flat trails that loop together, creating a kind of choose-your-own-adventure experience. There’s a nice 3-mile route that covers a lot of highlights. From the parking lot, take Charmichael Road, heading past the restrooms and picnic area and joining up with the Botany Trail on your left. Wildflowers such as lupines, hummingbird sage, and bush monkey flowers dot the trail, flourishes of spring color.

Continue onto the East Meadow Trail, then keep left to continue on the Ocean View Trail. Here the trail dramatically edges the bluff, delivering dreamy views of the ocean and the curvy Malibu coastline. On clear days, you can see Catalina and the other Channel Islands in the distance.

Make a right on the Black Forest Trail, where oak woodlands offer a short, shady respite. Connect to the West Meadow Trail and then a left on Potrero Road before looping back to Charmichael Road. 

TIP: Most of the trail is hot and unshaded, so definitely bring along plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and water.

NOTE: At press time, sections of the Pacific Coast Highway are open to residents only. Check local traffic reports before traveling.

From Pacific Coast Hwy. in Malibu, turn inland onto Encinal Canyon Rd. and travel 3.8 miles. The entrance is on the left. 

Alternatively, from the 101 Fwy. in Agora Hills, take Exit 36 for Kanan Rd. Go south on Kanan, and in 6.2 miles turn right on Mulholland Hwy. In about a mile, keep left to continue on Encinal Canyon Rd. After 3.5 miles, turn left to stay on Encinal Canyon. Drive another 1.2 miles and the entrance to the park will be on your right. Continue 0.2 mile on Charmichael Rd. to access the parking lot. 

The park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset daily. Dog-friendly.

Story and photos by Yvonne Pasquini, @yvonne_pasquini