Tuna Canyon Picnic Table
A gentle ascent south on an unmarked fire road leads to a lone coast live oak with outstretched branches. Just beyond it, a picnic table perches at the clearing’s edge, like a mountaintop infinity pool blending into the horizon. The views take in the entire Santa Monica Bay and Santa Catalina Island. It’s the perfect spot to contemplate the ever-changing landscape around you. In late winter and spring, orange California poppies, clusters of golden yarrow, and other native flowers can be spotted from the trails. Fall brings dry hillsides, Technicolor sunsets, and the threat of wildfires, which have left their mark over the decades. Near the picnic table, a stone labyrinth, maintained by locals and once framed by a fence of thick brush, also has unhindered views of the ocean. [January 2026]
FIRE RECOVERY
In January 2025, the Palisades Fire swept through this part of eastern Malibu. A year later, reminders of its devastation, along with many signs of regrowth and nature’s resilience, are present amid the lush green hillsides. Coast live oak leaves are resprouting from burned trunks and branches. Fire followers, such as California manroot, blue-witch nightshade, and island false bindweed (also known as first responders that recolonize scorched landscapes) flank the trails, amid patches of native purple lupine and poppies.
Trailhead: 34°03'36.0"N 118°37'00.5"W
Table coordinates: 34°03'26.8"N 118°36'32.1"W
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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.
This easy-to-navigate hike follows wide fire roads with sweeping views of the Santa Monica Bay. Highlights include a stone labyrinth, seasonal wildflowers, and oak trees in various stages of post-wildfire recovery.
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 left on the unmarked Hearst Tank Motorway and follow it about a half-mile on a gradual ascent to an oak tree and bench. Continue another 0.1 mile to a clearing with the picnic table.
From here, retrace your steps back to the trailhead for an easy 1.4 mile hike.
To extend your hike, follow the trail back to the T and continue straight on Big Rock Motorway southwest toward the ocean. After about 1 mile, turn right on the narrow uphill trail leading to a bench with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and downtown Los Angeles. Return the way you came for a hike totaling 3.4 miles.
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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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Tuna Canyon Park Trailhead