Scenic hiking and climbing opportunities at a California state park nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains.
Malibu Creek State Park, nestled in the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains, is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts. Located in the United States, this park offers a variety of activities, from hiking and birdwatching to rock climbing and fishing. However, California has several other underrated state parks that are worth exploring.
One such park is Calaveras Big Trees State Park, known for its majestic giant sequoia groves. This park, situated in the Sierra Nevada mountains, offers serene rivers, wildflower meadows, and deep forest campgrounds. It's less visited yet provides magnificent old-growth trees and hiking opportunities in a tranquil mountain setting, akin to Malibu Creek's wilderness.
Henry Cowell State Park, located near Santa Cruz, is another hidden treasure. It features stunning redwood groves and is a short drive from the coast, combining forest explorations with coastal day trips. This park is a lesser-known gem for those who want to experience California redwoods without the crowds found in more famous parks.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, though a national park, is relatively underappreciated. It offers dramatic volcanic landscapes, boiling springs, and alpine lakes with excellent hiking and fishing. Like Malibu Creek, it blends diverse terrain and distinctive natural features but at a more remote and quiet venue.
Kelso Dunes, located in Mojave National Preserve, provides a unique hiking experience in a desert setting. These vast dunes offer an unusual natural experience with no entry fees and fewer visitors, paralleling Malibu Creek's spirit of accessible yet unspoiled adventure.
Malibu Creek State Park is home to various wildlife, including mountain lions, and is a popular destination for hiking. The Bulldog Loop, a 15.4-mile hike, is popular for horse riding and mountain biking. It takes hikers past MacAuley Peak and the "MAS*H" filming location. The park is open all year-round, with gates open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The park is split into two by a 14-mile stretch of Malibu Creek. All-day parking at Malibu Creek State Park costs $12. The park contains three nature reserves and has a history of being used as a filming location, including for the TV series "MAS*H" and the original "Planet of the Apes" film. The Planet of the Apes Wall is a popular climbing site within the park, where scenes from the film were shot.
The park's campsite features a group campground and a main campsite with 62 spots, RV access, firepits, picnic tables, toilets, and showers. Stargazing is possible at the Malibu Creek State Park campsite. The Malibu Lake Trail ends at the park's boundary at Malibu Lake, a suitable spot for a picnic. Rock climbing is possible at Malibu Creek State Park, with over 100 bolted sport climbs ranging from easy to advanced.
Ticks are common in long grass within the park, so hikers should be mindful and check themselves after a hike. Fishing is allowed in the park, with a license, but no lower down than Rindge Dam. The Bulldog Loop is an ideal spot for birdwatching, with golden eagles, nanday parakeets, and great blue herons sometimes seen.
Visiting these underrated state parks allows visitors to enjoy California's natural beauty without the heavy tourist traffic found in more famous locations near urban centers. These parks offer diverse natural landscapes, from mountains and forests to deserts and volcanic landscapes, making them perfect destinations for outdoor enthusiasts seeking unique and unspoiled adventures.
Home-and-garden enthusiasts might appreciate the well-manicured trails and serene campgrounds at Calaveras Big Trees State Park, surrounded by wildflower meadows and sequoia groves. Conversely, outdoor-living aficionados could explore the diverse terrains of Lassen Volcanic National Park, featuring volcanic landscapes, alpine lakes, and boiling springs that are perfect for hiking and fishing.
