Hike and Swim at the Rock Pool, Malibu Creek SP
Los Angeles › Malibu Creek State Park Parking Area
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Activities:
Chillin, Photography, Swimming, Hiking
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Skill Level:
Beginner
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Season:
Year Round
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Trail Type:
Out-and-Back
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RT Distance:
2 Miles
This family-friendly trail leads to an impressive rock pool nestled between volcanic rock. Enjoy a picnic and a swim or do some cliff-jumping if you're a little more adventurous.
The trail starts out from the main parking lot past the ranger station at Malibu Creek State Park. Begin hiking west on Crags Road, a well maintained trail that meanders along the creek. As you walk, you'll pass under large oak trees and enjoy expansive views of the Santa Monica Mountains.
After ~2/3 of a mile, you'll reach a junction with a sign pointing you to the visitors center (left) or the old MASH site (right). Head left towards the visitors center and then take a quick right as the trail veers down before you reach the nearby bridge. From this trail, you'll want to continue straight the rest of the way following the creek. It's a short walk from here to the rock pool.
The rock pool can get pretty crowded in the mid day heat, so you should strike out early if you want the place to yourself. If you've surveyed the area and found a safe landing spot, do some cliff jumping or just enjoy a swim and some snacks. If you're feeling up for it, you can do some bouldering (or swimming) and continue past the rock pool to some less accessible gems of the park.
There's plenty of extensions to this hike including Grasslands Trail and Century Lake so feel free to explore more. Malibu Creek State Park is a hiker's paradise.
Pack List
- Sunblock
- Bug Spray (if summer)
- Bathing Suit
- Towel
- Water / Snacks
- Camera
A fun place to go with friends! Definitely crowded but adds to the fun.
19 days ago
Google this place before you go... there's high fecal content in the water. It's also almost always crowded. Came here probably a decade ago and decided to forgo jumping in b/c of how crowded it was. Boy am I glad.
4 months ago
The hike to the rock pool is fairly easy and straight forward. No real elevation gain or challenging terrain. Once you get to the rock pool it's a cool place to hang out, swim, eat some lunch, or continue on to The M.A.S.H. site or scramble to the rock climbing areas. You'll usually see rock climbers scrambling to the other side of the pool because that's where all the climbing starts. (I highly recommend that as well if you climb). There's a problem with people leaving trash here. It's been bad each time I've been. There are trash containers near by but people don't seem to care. I try to clean up a little when I'm there because it's distracting from enjoying the rock pool.
4 months ago
You can continue hiking and find the old set where they filmed the M*A*S*H series. Just take the High Road which is well trafficked, and easy to follow. Watch the signs for the M*A*S*H site. It will add a couple more miles to your hike.
11 months ago
Whether you're hiking, running, or just walking, it's beautiful, whether it's green or gold (never brown!). Just not at any time of day (gets really hot on summer afternoons he said obviously).
about 1 year ago
We saw deers while we were out there! Didn't get to swim last time, so we'd probably have to head back there again soon. :)
about 1 year ago
Easy hike to a great spot. I didn't swim in the pool because it was a bit chilly when I went, in early spring, but it was beautiful and there were only a handful of people there. I'll definitely be going back in the summer!
over 1 year ago
