FrontRunners

From rugged mountain bike rides through the Santa Monica Mountains to tranquil hikes leading to Malibu waterfalls, the Westside’s extended backyard offers a fantastic variety of workouts. Ready to enjoy? You’ll find some favorite walks, runs and rides below, along with maps, routes and notes on their level of difficulty.

So grab a bottle of your favorite hydrator, tell a friend what your route is if you plan to travel solo, wear a helmet if you’re riding a bike and… step into Southern California’s playground.

Explore these Trails & Treks...

Trail run, hike, mountain bike

Be elevated, Bulldog Backbone loop takes you higher.

Where: Malibu Creek State Park, Malibu. The entrance to Malibu Creek State Park is located off of Malibu Canyon or Las Virgenes Road, depending on whether you are traveling from the Pacific Coast Highway or the 101 Freeway.

Level of difficulty: Strenuous-use it as a fitness goal.

Route Covers: Bulldog Backbone loop.

Mileage: 13.7 miles, roundtrip

The Route:

Walk to the park's visitor center from the main parking lot.
Take Crags Road over the bridge at Malibu Creek and up the hill. You'll pass Century Lake and the Goat Buttes on the left and travel through the class M*A*S*H* set.
When you hit the fire road, approximately 2.7. miles into your hike-bear left. Even though it's not a paved street it still has a name from the country, Bulldog Road. Though staying on the road doesn't involve technical expertise, get read for some steep climbs to payoff in fitness and satisfaction. You'll be ascending for about three miles.
At Castro Peak Road, which is about 5.8 miles from the start of your journey, turn east (or left), and begin to descend. As your heartbeat slows you'll get a chance to enjoy views of Malibu and the Pacific Ocean.
When you see the Corral Canyon Road trailhead parking lot stay left on a trail. If you're on a mountain bike-keep to the fire road. Take the trail east for half a mile, cruising by some massive sandstone boulders. The Mesa Peak Fire Road is at the east end of the ridge.
When you hit a junction that goes to Mesa Peak on the right side and the Mesa Peak Fire Road bears to the left on the other side, bear left. This junction is approximately 9.4 miles into your hike. Only four miles of outdoor beauty left. You can do it!
Keep descending down Mesa Peak Fire Road.
At 11.2 miles into your workout, man intervenes with the natural environment. Your workout will be stopped by a water-treatment plat! Go east (or right) on an old road/trail-the Backbone Trail which involves a steep descent into the Backbone trailhead parking area.
Take Malibu Canyon Road north (being aware of vehicular traffic), cross the bridge at Malibu Creek and into Tapia Park.
Take the Tapia Spur Trail through a picnic area, Salvation Army Camp and over a ridge to Malibu Creek State Park's Group campground.
Take the access road to your car.