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Murphy's Ranch

Los Angeles, California

4.8/5
based on 5 reviews

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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Features

Hiking
Dog Friendly
Forest
Scenic

Murphy's Ranch Reviews

Cool little hike with some good photo ops

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!

They were suppose to demolish this last month and they were ticketing trespassers so be cautious!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Backbone Trail via Will Rogers State Park

Inspiration Point Loop Trail

Temescal Canyon Loop

Run the Santa Monica Wooden Stairs

Run the Santa Monica Concrete Stairs

Beach Volleyball at Will Rogers State Beach