Lower Virgenes vista
This moderate hike is a straightforward journey with a big payoff: a bench with commanding views of the Malibu Creek watershed and its multilayered landscape of chaparral, coastal sage scrub, grasslands and oak woodland. It begins at a busy intersection near Mulholland Highway and Las Virgenes Road, yet traffic noise soon gets nudged away by the surroundings: the endless rolling hills and open space that attracted razor blade magnate King C. Gillette and others in the early 20th century. Groves of ancient oaks that have survived centuries of natural disasters and development provide intermittent shade, and gentle ascents and descents keep things interesting for hikers and mountain bikers.
The bench appears after a final burst of elevation gain – a welcome spot to re-energize and connect with the spirit of Old California before returning to the highway. [September 2025]
Bench coordinates: 34°06'56.2"N 118°42'06.5"W
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This 4.8-mile out-and-back hike follows a single-track trail with long switchbacks and moderate elevation gain to a ridge with sweeping views of the Santa Monica Mountains.
The majority of the trail is exposed; a hat, sunscreen, and lots of water are recommended. WiFi and cell service are intermittently available.
Barbed wire fence separates public property from private along parts of the trail. Do not attempt to cross it.
The trail is rarely crowded, but be prepared to share it with mountain bikers and equestrians; leashed dogs are also allowed.
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There is a small dirt lot at the southeast corner of Mulholland Highway and Las Virgenes Road. Paid parking is also available at nearby King Gillette Ranch across Mulholland Highway.
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Walk past the kiosk in the parking lot and pick up the single-track trail that rises above Las Virgenes Road and parallels it for about a half mile.
The trail has a couple of brief descents, but it is mostly a gradual climb of 2 miles via long switchbacks to the ridge.
At the ridge, follow the unmarked trail right (west) another 0.4 mile uphill to a clearing with the bench.
From here, you can retrace your steps back to the parking lot.
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From U.S. Route 101:
Exit at Las Virgenes Road in Calabasas and head west 3.3 miles to Mulholland Highway.
Turn left at the light on Mulholland and make an immediate left into the dirt parking lot with a large Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy Zone Parkland sign.
If the lot is full, continue another 0.2 mile and turn right into the parking lot of the visitor center of King Gillette Ranch at 26876 Mulholland Highway. There are rest rooms and maps of the area here.
From Pacific Coast Highway:
Head east on Malibu Canyon Road/Las Virgenes Road to the southeast corner of Mulholland Highway. Park in the dirt lot on the southeast corner, or turn right (south) on Mulholland Drive and park in the lot at the visitor center of King Gillette Ranch at 26876 Mulholland Highway.