Corral Canyon

Corral Canyon Park was unrecognizable not long ago, its lush coastal hillsides decimated by the Woolsey Fire in 2018 and, to a lesser degree, by the Franklin Fire in 2024. Today, Corral Canyon is alive with hikers and a rich diversity of plants and flowers at various stages of replenishment, a fascinating reminder of post-wildfire recovery and resilience. 

The moderate Corral Canyon Loop Trail begins near Pacific Coast Highway and winds north via switchbacks, giving way to multi-layered canyon views.

The bench appears at a crossroads, where the loop trail meets the Puerco Canyon connector trail. Pause a moment to appreciate the ever-present Pacific Ocean, the heady scent of California sage mixed with salt air, and the layered beauty of the Santa Monica Mountains.

The Woolsey Fire swept through Corral Canyon in 2018, leaving scorched landscapes and utter devastation throughout the Santa Monica Mountains. Regrowth started almost immediately, as winter rains arrived and ubiquitous non-native mustard and spurge flowers blanketed hillsides. But replenishment takes time. By spring 2024, the 1,000-acre park’s regrowth was strikingly apparent, its trails flanked by native California sage, scorpion weed (Phacelia), laurel sumac and many non-native species as well. 

The Franklin fire in late 2024 wiped out much of the regrowth, but today signs of recovery are evident. Low-lying Corral Creek is flowing, upholding its role as a critical corridor that flows from its headwaters in Malibu Creek State Park to the ocean. Laurel sumac and elderberry are resprouting green and strong from their bases. Much of coastal sage scrub has evolved to adapt to cycles of fire and drought by regenerating through seed germination from underground seed banks. Some species such as California sage, however, are weak re-sprouters and can convert to weedy, fire-prone invasives if the intervals between wildfires are too close together. Time will tell.

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Bench coordinates - 34°02'09.6"N 118°43'56.8"W

    • This moderate 2.5-mile loop hike follows a single-track trail to a bench with views of the Pacific Ocean and Malibu coast. It can be hiked clockwise or counter-clockwise.

    • There is no shade; bring sunscreen, hats and plenty of water. 

    • Expect 1 shallow creek crossing and seasonal wildflowers framed by green hillsides in the spring following winter rains. Summer brings dry brush, early-morning fog and ocean breezes.

    • Long pants are recommended, especially in late winter and spring, when tall grasses and bushes sometimes encroach upon the narrow trail.

    • Those looking for a longer trek can pick up the single-track connector trail that meets Corral Canyon Loop near the bench and follow it north into Cameron Nature Preserve and Puerco Canyon. It is part of the Zev Yaroslavsky Coastal Slope Trail, a trail designed to eventually connect public spaces between Topanga State Park and Point Mugu State Park in the far western Santa Monica Mountains.

    • 25623 Pacific Coast Highway, across from Dan Blocker State Beach; there is a parking lot ($12 per car) next to the trailhead and free parking along PCH (be sure to park behind the white lines and heed the signs). 

    • Picnic tables and port-a-potties are available at trailhead. Dan Blocker State Beach is across the highway.

    • The bench sits approximately 0.6 mile from the Sara Wan Trailhead at the intersection of the loop trail and the unmarked Puerco Canyon Motorway connector trail. 

    • Begin your hike at the Sara Wan Trailhead at the northeast corner of the parking lot.

    • The trail descends to cross seasonal Corral Creek, then veers to the left (away from PCH). For the clockwise loop, continue left at the Y and follow the single-track trail north into the canyon. This takes you on a moderate 2.5 mile loop with gradual elevation gains that leads back to the creek and parking lot. 

    • For the counterclockwise loop, turn right at the Y after the creek and follow it uphill approximately 0.6 mile to the bench. From here, the loop trail winds north into the canyon for about 1 mile before veering south and back to the parking lot. 

    • Follow Pacific Coast Highway north toward Malibu. Approximately 3.5 miles north of the Malibu Pier, turn right into the driveway before Malibu Seafood. Parking lot is on the right. 

    • The MTA 134 bus line (Santa Monica-Malibu) stops near the parking lot entrance. For updates and schedules, visit metro.net.

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