Best hikes in LA: Get outdoors and view the city from the hills

Hollywood | Los Feliz | Malibu | Culver City | Altadena

The Sara Wan Trailhead at Corral Canyon

Where mountains collide with ocean, it’s hard to go wrong in the search for perfect views. What makes Malibu’s Corral Canyon stand out is its status as the only coastal canyon in Los Angeles County that was never developed. That means raw nature—coastal sage scrub and willows clinging to parched hills, plus the occasional bunny or lizard—experienced over a 2.4-mile, fairly gentle and shockingly deserted (on a weekday afternoon) hike.

As the trail begins, the noise of the PCH and the sea breeze follow you up. But things quiet down—and heat up—quickly on this shadeless trail. Hang a left at the first fork—this way you can face the ocean during your descent. Cutting through wild fennel and rust-colored grasses, the packed dirt path leads you on switchbacks along the east side and top of Corral Canyon.

While the loop lacks a crowning “inspiration point” to linger on, the descent toward the ocean has sweeping views of Santa Monica beaches all the way to Point Dume that are more than easy on the eyes.