Tuna Canyon Park
Tuna Canyon Park – an ecologically rich expanse of canyons, ridges and chaparral – links nearly 20,000 acres of protected open space in the western Santa Monica Mountains. It requires a long, winding mountain drive to access, but the payback is immediate: a short walk gives way to wide-open views of the entire Santa Monica Bay and Santa Catalina Island. An easy descent south on an unmarked fire road leads to a spur trail and a small clearing with a lone bench facing the Pacific.
Soak up the glorious views, but also take the opportunity to reflect on the changing landscape around you. The Palisades fire in January 2025 turned the entire park into a moonscape. Over time, the vegetation has returned in the form of shrubs like laurel sumac and sugar bush. Fire-following native plants such as wild morning glory, large-flowered phacelia, and mariposa lilies are plentiful. The mature coast live oaks that survived the fire have been supplemented with hundreds of new plantings by TreePeople Land Trust. The hope is that more trees like this, with their ability to hold water and endure all but the severest fires, will help reduce the presence of flammable invasive grasses and decrease the intensity and danger of wildfires in Southern California.
Trailhead - 34°03'36.0"N 118°37'00.5"W
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This easy-to-navigate hike follows wide fire roads with sweeping views of the Santa Monica Bay. Highlights include seasonal wildflowers such as purple lupine and California poppies, scattered groves of oak trees, and new tree plantings across the landscape.
The majority of the trail is exposed; bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water. There are no bathrooms at the trailhead.
Cell and WiFi service is limited along Tuna Canyon Road and on the trail.
Leashed dogs are allowed.
Do not overshoot the trailhead. Tuna Canyon Road turns into a twisty one-way route down to Pacific Coast Highway just after the dirt pullout, and you won’t be able to turn around.
Do not confuse Tuna Canyon Park in Malibu with La Tuna Canyon Fire Road north of Burbank. They are both hiking destinations, but they are nearly 50 miles apart in separate mountain ranges.
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There is a small dirt lot on the west side of Tuna Canyon Road near the trailhead. Parking is also allowed along either side of Tuna Canyon Road, but be sure to stay inside the white lines.
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Follow the trail entrance sign to a fire road gate at 2807 Tuna Canyon Road.
Take the dirt road 0.2 mile until you come to a T. Turn right on the unmarked fire road and follow it about 1 mile on a gradual descent to an unmarked spur trail on the right. Take the spur trail to the bench at the top overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
From here, retrace your steps back to the trailhead for an easy 1.4-mile hike.
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From Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu:
Head north on Topanga Canyon Boulevard about 4 miles.
Turn left on Fernwood-Pacific Drive, and travel several winding miles through the residential area to the ridgeline.
Turn left on Tuna Canyon Road. Drive 1.2 miles to a dirt pullout near the trail entrance on the right (west) side of the road.
Just south of the dirt pullout, Tuna Canyon Road becomes one-way southbound to Pacific Coast Highway. You may use it to exit the area after your hike, but not to travel up to the area from the coast.
Keep in mind that both Topanga Canyon Boulevard and Tuna Canyon Road sometimes close due to extreme weather conditions and safety concerns.
From U.S.-101:
Exit at CA-27/South Topanga Boulevard.
Follow Topanga Boulevard south 11 miles to Fernwood-Pacific Drive. Turn right, and follow the directions above to the trailhead.
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Skill level 2-3; easy to moderate
Nice broad fire trails
Bring water, a hat, sunscreen, extra jacket, closed toe shoes and printed map
No shade, with limited cell phone access and no WiFi access
Tuna Canyon Park Trailhead