In the Santa Monica Mountains, trails link more than just points on a map—they connect people to place, and past to present. Walking them reminds us that these public lands belong to all of us, and that caring for them is part of how we stay connected to each other and the world around us.
#TrailsForever
SAMO Fund’s first ever Trail Challenge is here. Explore the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area with curated hikes that showcase the area’s unique beauty and diversity. Ranger-led hikes give you the opportunity to interact with experts on the trails, as questions and get to know the NPS Rangers a little more.
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Who
Santa Monica Mountains Fund is connecting the National Park Service, California State Parks, and everyone who cares about trails in the Santa Monica Mountains.
What
Trails Forever is a bold new campaign to restore and reimagine the trail system that connects us to this extraordinary place
Why
This is the start of something big. Trails Forever will address fire damage, improve access, protect ecosystems, and create space for learning and connection.
How
Join SAMO Fund in their sustained commitment to trail repair, habitat recovery, and public engagement by becoming a donor or volunteer, following us on social media, and amplifying the voice of the mountains.
Be the explorer you were meant to be
Take SAMO Fund’s Trail Challenge
Hit the Trails with a Ranger – and Take on the First-Ever Santa Monica Mountains Trail Challenge!
Ready for an adventure? Join us for an exciting new way to explore the Santa Monica Mountains! Santa Monica Mountains Trail Challenge is here, and you’re invited to be part of it.
This free program invites you to hike specially selected trails, showcasing the stunning beauty of the region—from easy strolls to moderately challenging treks. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just getting started, there’s something for everyone.
🌟 Here’s the twist: As part of the fun, we’re offering ranger-led hikes where you can meet different park rangers on every Trail Challenge hike. Chat with them on the trail, hear what a “day in the life” looks like, and learn all about the important work they do to protect and care for these incredible landscapes. It’s part hike, part storytelling session—led by someone who’s lived the adventure!
Complete the challenge and earn a special Limited Edition Trail Challenge badge. Collect a new one every year.
How To Start Your Adventure:
Register for the Trails Challenge and start exploring your mountains and outdoor spaces today!
Step 1: Register & Download your log
Register!Step 2: Hike the Trails
Sign up!Step 3: Submit Your Log
Submit your LogShare your progress pictures with us on Social Media!
@SAMOFund #TrailsForever
Take to the Trails
The Santa Monica Mountains hosts over 500 miles of trails. Whether you want a gentle stroll, a challenging hike, or a trail to mount up on your bike or horse, there’s something for everyone.
Be the explorer you were meant to be.
King Gillette Ranch Loop
January 10thLocation: King Gillette Ranch
Length: 2.4 mile loop
Challenge level: Easy
Beautiful easygoing loop with a clear, flat trail and great views. Some gentle inclines but not strenuous, so a great payoff for minimal effort. The trail starts by the historic structures and then moves into nature.
Please note that dogs are not permitted on this trail.
Solstice Canyon Trail
SELF GUIDED - February 13 or 14Length: 3 mile loop
Challenge level: Moderate
Explore this 3.0-mile loop trail near Malibu, California, known for its scenic beauty and moderate difficulty. This trail takes you through a stunning, mostly shaded canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains. A few highlights along the route include Malibu’s oldest still-standing stone structure, a small waterfall and creek, and a number of ruins—most notably, the remnants of a once-grand mansion.
You can start at the Rising Sun Trail which climbs the ridge and rewards you with sweeping ocean views before descending into Tropical Terrace which is where the ruins of a 1960s home destroyed by fire in 1982 is located. As you explore Tropical Terrace, you’ll discover exotic plants and a 30-foot waterfall.
The loop concludes with a peaceful walk along a shaded service road that follows the stream back to the start. Open year-round, the area offers a beautiful experience in any season.
Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash.
Racetrack Road
March 7thParamount Ranch
Length: 1.2 miles
Challenge Level: Easy
Racetrack Road is part of Paramount Ranch. Formerly owned by Paramount Studios, the Ranch served as a “movie ranch” for the studio (1927-1953). Parts of the ranch were, and still are, used for movie and television filming. Many of the trails pass through real-life set locations, and there is still Western Town (constructed by William Hertz after buying part of the ranch from Paramount Studios). Hike up Medea Creek Trail to reach a spur trail to an overlook to get a view of the ranch and the “town” used to represent the west. National Parks acquired a portion of the ranch in the 1980s.
Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash.
Happy Hollow Trail
April 11thLocation: Circle X Ranch
Length: 4-mile out-and-back
Challenge level: Moderate
Explore this 4 mile moderately challenging trail near Malibu, California. Popular for camping, hiking, and running, the trail can be busy, especially during weekends.
The trail begins near the group campground and leads through open terrain with expansive views as it approaches the base of the mountains. It ends just before a narrow, rocky section where a creek flows through the canyon—marked clearly by a wooden barricade.
Be aware that poison oak is common along this route, so it’s important to stay alert and avoid contact with vegetation along the trail edges. Open year-round, it offers scenic views no matter the season.
Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash.
Ocean View Trail
May 16thLength: 3-mile loop
Challenge level: Moderate
Take on this 3 mile moderately challenging loop trail near Malibu, California. This trail can be busy especially during peak hours as it is popular for birding, hiking, and horseback riding. This trail offers a unique adventurous experience, featuring swimming holes, rocky cascades, unique geological formations, and massive boulders you’ll need to navigate around. It’s especially striking after rainfall, though conditions can become more difficult.
There are sections of steep incline however they make for stunning views of the Malibu coast.
Dogs are welcome but must be leashed.
Waterfall Trail
June 13thLength: 3.5 mile out-and-back
Challenge level: Moderate
Explore this 3.5-mile out-and-back trail near Newbury Park, California. Generally rated as moderately challenging, this hike is a popular route for strolling through the grasslands and chaparral of the Santa Monica Mountains.
The trail begins with a small descent to a tree-lined creek bed, which may have a small flow depending on recent rainfall. Before long, you’ll find yourself on a trail running along the north rim of Sycamore Canyon. To your left is the Hidden Valley Overlook Trail, but continue to the right to meet Danielson Road a few hundred yards ahead.
Use caution as you scramble over rocks to reach the base of the waterfall. Note that dogs are not allowed on this trail.
Backbone Trail to Sandstone Peak
July 18thLocation: Circle X Ranch
Length: 6.1-mile loop
Challenge level: Moderate
This is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Santa Monica Mountains. Highlights include the spectacular Echo Cliffs, where rock climbers ascend the cliffs. There are stunning sandstone formations and breathtaking views from the top of Sandstone Peak and Inspiration Point. The trail is known for its steep and rocky path, and the last section to the summit of Sandstone Peak requires a bit of a scramble. Be prepared for a challenge, and wear sturdy hiking boots to help with the rugged terrain.
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash.
Other Ways to Explore
Santa Monica Mountains Fund offers many opportunities for members of the community to learn about the environment that they live in
Hit the Trails with a Ranger
Ready for an adventure? Join us for an exciting new way to explore the Santa Monica Mountains!
This free program invites you to hike specially selected trails, showcasing the stunning beauty of the region—from easy strolls to moderately challenging treks. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just getting started, there’s something for everyone.
Explore Your Park
Spark your creativity, de-stress, move your body!
Getting outside can help keep your mood up, which helps your brain to be less overwhelmed by the life’s stressors. Walking a trail is also an excellent way to boost your health and stay fit.
volunteer to care for the many SMMNRA trails
Give back to the land you love!
Trails need constant maintenance to keep them clear, safe, and beautiful. Volunteer with the Trails Team to give the trails your TLC.