Murphy's Ranch
Los Angeles, California
Details
Distance
3.21 miles
Elevation Gain
679 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Kimberly Boyd
This is a very unique hike that leads to Murphy's Ranch, the ruins of a Nazi Compound here in the United States. This trail is 20 miles west of the heart of Los Angeles.
This three-mile out-and-back hike begins at the beginning of a very nice neighborhood in Santa Monica. You will be trekking on a dirt road for about 1.5 miles until you reach some stairs that will be visible on your left-hand side. You will need to descend down those (what seem to be never-ending) stairs for about .25 miles. Once you reach the bottom of the stairs, you will veer off to your left and continue down a beautiful path that will bring you to the ranch on your right-hand side.
There is so much to explore here. Behind Murphy's Ranch, there is a water tank that looks like a crushed soda can. If you walk past Murphy's Ranch about .25 miles you will see another abandoned building you can explore. There are many trails you can take to make your hike a little longer but at that point, you can turn around and backtrack to the beginning.
If you thought that getting there was easy...going back is a lot more challenging. This hike was very interesting and it was an amazing hike to do after reading the history of Murphy's Ranch.
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Murphy's Ranch Reviews
Fun and fairly easy hike- until you choose to take the never ending stairs back out! It's never been crowded when I've gone, yesterday we only saw 3 other people. I was able to have my dog off leash the whole time and we didn't see any other dogs on the trail. It's a little confusing if you haven't been there- pass the yellow gate onto the fire road (follow the mountain bikers coming up from the neighborhood), then just walk up the road past the 2 staircases and you will get to the entry point of Murphy's Ranch. The recently took down the giant gate, but you'll see the road in. Go soon- they are removing the buildings and when I went yesterday we only found the barn, the house and a water tank left. The stairs out are a major butt work out!
5.0
They were suppose to demolish this last month and they were ticketing trespassers so be cautious!
4.0
Amazing abandoned houses! Graffiti everywhere! It's dog friendly and is a nice wide open space for best pal to be off leash roaming around!
5.0
It's cool, intriguing and a little creepy all at the same time:) Not sure if it's still available to hike. When I went with my boyfriend about a month ago, we're told that the city is taking it down. Just recommend doing some research before the trip.
5.0
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Nearby
Backbone Trail via Will Rogers State Park
Inspiration Point Loop Trail
Temescal Canyon Loop
Santa Monica Wooden Stairs
Run the Santa Monica Concrete Stairs
Beach Volleyball at Will Rogers State Beach
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