Exploring Calabasas: Top 5 Loops to Hike

From the Las Virgenes Open Space Preserve to the historic , the beauty Calabasas has to offer can be better appreciated from the vantage point of one of its many trails that bisect its bountiful rolling hills, riparian woodlands and cactus-studded corridors.

Often referred to as a day-hiker’s paradise, this western-most edge of the San Fernando Valley and the nearby areas it touches are filled with a wide variety of idyllic settings that lend a glimpse into the past while providing a place to just be. Often traversing the sites of movie sets both past and present, villages of Native American tribes long gone and refuges for everpresent wildlife, the real face of Calabasas is better viewed when there’s no windshield in the way.

One way to see as much as possible is to opt for loops in lieu of straight lines that must be backtracked, so listed below is a compilation celebrating local ecological diversity, history and stunning scenery.

So get off the historic El Camino Real that’s now a freeway, strap on some boots and delve deeper into the natural state of Calabasas.

1.
While some translate the moniker given by Native Chumash to mean a bear, and others, a  beast, one thing’s for sure; this six-mile challenging trek to the lofty heights of the Santa Monica Mountain’s magnificent ridges is a monstrous undertaking for most, but well worth the effort. Situated in the ocean breeze, a phenomenon of clouds and mists surging over the trail and off the cliffs is a constant possibility. Touring sandstone peaks, shady woodlands and the aptly named Echo Cliffs, the Mishe Mokwa Trail is one of the most diverse and spectacular journeys in the area, and should not be missed.

2.

Malibu Creek State Park has numerous trails that can be trekked as loops but one of the most popular and scenic is the Crags Road loop, about two to three miles in length. From Mulholland Highway, the Grasslands Lands trailhead leads directly into the park, moving through an open and picturesque landscape of rolling hills studded with large savannah oaks. Meeting with Crags Road in less than a quarter mile, the path moves toward the visitors center and straddles Malibu Creek throughout its entire length. Enjoy the picturesque scenery, which has been used on numerous movies, commercials, and television shows. 

3.

Located in the Las Virgenes Open Space Preserve, the treacherous-sounding El Scorpion Trail is actually rich with life and offers caves to explore as well as stellar views of the San Fernando Valley. The lush landscape offers some hallmarks of Calabasas plant life, such as California Sage, sunflowers and California Oaks. Situated amongst rolling hills, the trail is easygoing, gentle flowing up and down as it tours the ridge line. The length of the loop depends on the side trail chosen, and can range anywhere from five to 10 miles. Click here for a map. 

4.

On the Topanga Ridge Trail, which offers a stunning landscape of sandstone formations, it’s rare to see even one other human. That is, after parking near the old Nike missile silo on top of Stunt Road, an area frequented by motorists who park to take in the view of the valley below. After descending into the ancient landscape of stone and scrub oak, the only face likely to be seen is that of Lady Face, a large outcropping resembling a female face forever staring out into the horizon. The initial descent into the twisted contortions of stones resembling an alien landing site is two to three miles. The entire loop, which requires trekking back up the mountain, is about eight miles, consisting of scrub-shrouded switchbacks carving up the cliff sides, an enjoyable albeit arduous accomplishment.   

5.

An easygoing two-mile loop on a wide, flat path, this trail is popular with hikers and mountains bikers alike. Located at the Juan Batista de Anza Park on Lost Hills Road, the De Anza Loop tours the golden-hued hills of chaparral brush looming over the playground. Rich with wildlife, the area is also rich with history and there are several historical markers providing information about the past. In 1776, the same year America was fighting to be born as a free nation, Lt. Juan Batista de Anza of New Spain led an expedition of 240 people more than 1200 miles from Nogales, AZ to San Francisco with the goal of colonization. On his way, he camped at the site in Calabasas now named after him. The area was also previously the site of villages for Native American tribes.