Westlake Village, California
Westlake Village, California offers some of the best trails and outdoor activities for those seeking scenic outdoor adventures. The top must-visit location is the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Here, you can explore the challenging Sandstone Peak Trail, known for its stunning rock formations. The trail also offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands. For a more leisurely hike, try the Paramount Ranch Trail, a historic movie set turned hiking trail. If you prefer water-based activities, Westlake Lake is ideal for kayaking or paddleboarding. Nearby, the Malibu Creek State Park offers more hiking trails, along with opportunities for mountain biking and bird watching. These locations offer the best in outdoor activities, making Westlake Village a top destination for scenic adventures.
Top Spots in and near Westlake Village
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Agoura Hills, California
Climb to the Top of Ladyface
4.52 mi / 1150 ft gainLadyface is a volcanic ridge that juts up over Agoura Hills. It is a short but steep hike up the ridgeline, and it offers amazing views to either side. Sections of the trail are steep and sandy so it can be challenging to maintain your footing. Trekking poles are optional and can help with the de...Read more -
Oak Park, California
China Flat Trail to Simi Peak
5.05.03 mi / 1398 ft gainFrom the trailhead, simply follow the trail headed up the mountain. The first 2 miles is the hardest part of the hike, because of the steep ascent. Continue on until you hit a junction. Turn left, and you will eventually see an old rusty gate, and a sign which says "China Flat Trail". You will ...Read more -
Malibu, California
Hike the Backbone East from Latigo Canyon
3.8 mi / 780 ft gainStarting in a dusty, generally empty parking lot, at about 2,000' ASL, you'll go immediately due north, up a few more feet before you drop down into another canyon covered in live oaks (and poison oak), thistles, ferns, and wildflowers. There's only one trail. It's windy, it's not hilly, it just ...Read more -
Malibu, California
Newton & Zuma Canyon Falls
4.32 mi / -600 ft gainThree waterfalls in one short hike?!...I'll take it! That's what you'll get if you make the visit to these falls in the Santa Monica mountains in Malibu. The trailhead starts on Kanan Dume road, which is also where the Backbone trail meets. Park in the designated (free) parking area and take the ...Read more -
Malibu, California
Hike the Backbone Trail via Kanan Dume
5.05 mi / 672 ft gainFair warning, it can get very hot in Malibu, especially in the summer or fall.We started at the Kanan Dume Road lot. It fills up quick, both directions offer beautiful hiking, but most people tend to go west, it seems. While that's beautiful, you end on a decent uphill, so if hiking is new or cha...Read more -
Agoura Hills, California
Hike to the Malibu Lake Overlook
5.05 mi / 350 ft gainTo get to the trail, use the address 27800 Mulholland Highway, Agoura Hills, CA 91301. This will take you to a dirt pull off right off the Mulholland Highway. At the southern part of the pull off, you'll see a dirt path leading up and away from the road. This is the Cistern Trail Trailhead. You'l...Read more -
Los Angeles County, California
Backbone Trail via Corral Canyon
5.02.08 mi / 89 ft gainThe backbone trail was a vision that started in the 1980’s. It is a trail that stretches 65 Miles starting in Will Rodgers State Historic Park and ending at Thornhill Broome Beach. It has many entrance and exit points but it is anchored in the middle by the Coral Canyon Trail Head. The full trail...Read more -
Malibu, California
Jim Morrison Cave
3.21.2 mi / 600 ft gainNote: Jim Morrison Cave is closed indefinitely. The bright colors of the Jim Morrison Cave are something to not be missed, and is appreciated by people of all ages. The cave also provides a beautiful outlook of the Malibu canyon, Malibu State Park and the Pacific Ocean. There is a ton of rock ho...Read more -
Agoura Hills, California
Rock Climbing in Malibu Creek
A great day trip! Referred to by many as the "Yosemite of Southern California," Malibu Creek offers a huge selection of bolted sport routes on generously pocketed volcanic rock. This is the perfect place to bring a first time climber or even your most seasoned climbing buddies. Routes range from ...Read more -
Agoura Hills, California
Hike and Swim at the Rock Pool, Malibu Creek SP
3.92 miThe 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...Read more -
Agoura Hills, California
Camp at Malibu Creek State Park
5.0Malibu Creek State Park boasts over 8,000 acres of oak woodlands, grassy hills, dramatic peaks and serene meadows. It's an outdoor lover's paradise and only a short drive north from most of Los Angeles. Before it was a park, the land was owned by 20th Century Fox Studios and used in productions...Read more -
Westlake Village, California
Climb at Echo Cliffs
1.3 miThe hike to the crag is about 1.3 miles one way and takes roughly 45 minutes. The approach starts at the Backbone / Mishe Mokwa trail head off Yerba Buena Rd. After walking a couple minutes you'll see a sign pointing left for the backbone trail or straight for Mishe Mokwa. Continue straight and ...Read more -
Malibu, California
Sandstone Peak
4.83.03 mi / 971 ft gainIf you live in Los Angeles, Sandstone Peak is a must! The hike to the summit can be done on a 2 mile hike up and back on Sandstone Peak Trail, or a 6.5 mile hike up and back on Backbone Trail. The shorter trail is more popular, yet both are equally rewarding. You won't believe the views from the...Read more -
Malibu, California
Balanced Rock via Sandstone Trailhead
5.04.36 mi / 1125 ft gain...From the PCH, make a left turn on Yerba Buena road (turn right if you're coming South) for about 6 miles until you get to the dirt parking area. If the lot is full, there's extra parking on the side of the road. FYI, Balanced Rock can also be accessed by starting at the Mishe Mokwa trailhead,...Read more -
Malibu, California
Reservoir Trail to East Meadow Trail Loop
2.3 mi / 334 ft gainReservoir Trail to East Meadow Trail Loop is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Malibu, CaliforniaRead more -
12869 Yerba Buena Road, California
Mishe Mokwa Trail to Sandstone Peak
5.07.06 mi / 1755 ft gainTake Yerba Buena road to the trailhead. It is less zigzagged and shorter distance from PCH. Parking is easy provided that you start early in the morning. If the lot is full, you can always park on the side of the road. Bathroom is available at Sandstone Peak Trailhead parking lot, just 0.8 miles ...Read more
Camping and Lodging in Westlake Village
Santa Paula, California
Ventura Ranch KOA Holiday
Delight in the incredible Southern California landscape with majestic oaks and giant sycamore trees shading RV, Deluxe Cabin, safari tent...
Castaic, California
Pyramid Lake Emigrant Landing Day Use Area
Overview
This facility does not accept reservations.
Emigrant Landing is the largest day use recreation area on beautiful Pyramid Lake. ...
Castaic, California
Pyramid Lake Los Alamos Campground
Overview
Los Alamos Campground is located 90 minutes from Los Angeles, offering a restful experience without the lengthy travel time. Gue...
Ojai, California
Wheeler Gorge
Overview
Wheeler Gorge Campground is a great place for families to explore the Los Padres National Forest all year long. Informative tour...
Ojai, California
Holiday Group Campground
Overview
Holiday Group Campground is a relaxing location to enjoy nature all year long; a quick escape from the bustle of the city. It pr...
Smugglers Road
Santa Cruz Scorpion
Overview
Fantastic ocean views and relaxing beach time is practically guaranteed at Scorpion Canyon Campground, the most family-friendly...
