Malibu Creek State Park stretches across a vast, enchanting landscape, featuring towering jagged mountains, dramatic cliffs, and deep gorges shaped over two million years ago.
Located just 25 miles from downtown Los Angeles, Malibu Creek State Park spans over 4,000 acres and offers activities like hiking, fishing, birdwatching, and horseback riding. The park boasts 15 miles of streamside trails winding through oak and sycamore woodlands as well as chaparral-covered hillsides.
For centuries, this area was a cultural hub for the Chumash Native Americans. One of the park’s most notable landmarks is the Sepulveda Adobe, built in 1863 on land that was once part of an early Spanish land grant.
his historic building was restored in 2003 and is now open to visitors. In the early 1900s, Johnny Mott, a well-known Los Angeles attorney, built another adobe along Malibu Creek. Today, only its striking stone fireplace remains, known as the Mott Adobe ruins.
In the 1950s, while hosting TV’s Death Valley Days, Ronald Reagan sought a quieter, rural escape from his Pacific Palisades home. He purchased a 305-acre ranch nestled in the Malibu hills to raise thoroughbred horses. Today, that ranch forms the northwest corner of Malibu Creek State Park. The original Reagan barn still stands and now serves as offices and storage for park staff.
Deep within Malibu Creek State Park lies a spot where television history was made — where California transformed into Korea, and actors stepped into the roles of doctors and nurses battling to save lives.
Fans of the TV series MASH* will instantly recognize the rugged landscape. In the iconic opening sequence, two helicopters fly over jagged peaks to land on a dusty plateau, where military doctors rush to treat wounded soldiers. Today, little remains of the MASH* set — just a rusty, burnt-out Jeep, a 1940s ambulance, and the iron bars that once supported the stairway to the helipad.
Malibu Creek State Park offers far more than a glimpse into television history. While it’s still a popular filming location, the park has become a beloved retreat for day hikers and picnickers. With some of the best hiking trails in the Los Angeles area, the park features lakes and creeks, the famous Rock Pool, lush forests, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking views of the Santa Monica Mountains. Whether for a day trip or an overnight adventure, there’s plenty to explore along the many side trails.
The Rock Pool Trail winds through shaded paths lined with sycamores and oaks, leading to a stunning natural pool framed by towering volcanic rock walls. Beyond lies Rock Lake, offering breathtaking views worthy of a postcard. This hike is full of diverse scenery and rich wildlife. At the Rock Pool, rock climbers often challenge themselves by scaling the iconic “Planet of the Apes” wall.
The trails are well marked and easy to follow. I explored all around—the MASH set, Century Lake, the Rock Pool, and Reagan Ranch. The hike is mostly moderate, though there are some great spots for hill sprints. Visiting on a weekday meant the crowds were light. I spent most of the time alone on the trail but still crossed paths with enough fellow hikers to feel safe. One memorable moment was seeing an elderly couple carefully stepping across the creek on stones, hand in hand, clearly enjoying every minute. I can only hope I’m still crossing creeks like that when I’m their age!
This tranquil park seems a world removed from the bustling freeways and congestion of nearby communities.
The Park is located on Los Virgenes and Malibu Canyon Road, four miles south of Highway 101. Park hours are from 5 am to 6 pm, Monday through Sunday.
After paying for parking, drive all the way back to the second lot—it’s the closest to the trailhead. Once you park, head back toward the road you arrived on. There, you’ll find a clearly marked entrance that leads down to the backcountry trails. Soon, you’ll cross a bridge over Malibu Creek. From there, just follow the signs and take in the beautiful views.
Wander Woman 