HIKE TO THE ROCK POOL AT MALIBU CREEK STATE PARK IN AGOURA HILLS! One of the most popular destinations in Malibu Creek State Park is the Rock Pool, a picturesque place that is easily accessible for all ages.
Getting to the Rock Pool
One fun way to get to the Rock Pool is via the Grassland Trail, accessible on Mulholland Highway just west of Las Virgenes Road, where street parking is available. Take the Grassland trail (as seen in the photo below), with moderate hills, .7 miles to the Crags Road main fire road/trail in Malibu Creek State Park, and turn right. Alternatively, you can park in the Park’s lower parking lot, pay $12 for a bit more secure parking, and take the main trail into the park.
Grassland Trail
Soon you’ll see the sign where you can see the Visitor Center is on the left. That’s the direction you’ll be taking to get to the Rock Pool. Veering to the right gets you to another popular site at the Park, the old M*A*S*H television series set.
You’ll see a bridge over the creek (seen below after the winter rains) that takes you to the Visitor Center (open weekends noon to 4pm). The Rock Pool is the trail on the right (west) before reaching the bridge. Look carefully and you may see the little sign that says “Rock Pool.”
California State Parks, which manages the Park, warns visitors not to jump or dive into the Rock Pool as it is dangerous. But it is certainly fun to explore and quite a beautiful area.
1925 Las Virgenes Road, Cornell, CA 91301 , United States
Considered the recreational crown jewel of the Santa Monica Mountains, Malibu Creek State Park has over 8,000 acres of rolling tall grass plains, oak savannahs, and dramatic peaks. It’s no wonder many call it “The Yosemite of Southern California”.
The park, formerly owned by 20th Century Fox Studios, opened in 1976 and has welcomed millions of visitors since. The stunning terrain here that has been seen all over the world in movies and television awaits you. Come hike, ride, climb and explore L.A.’s most spectacular park!
Malibu Creek State Park is accessible in Calabasas, at 1925 Las Virgenes Road, south of Mulholland. The park contains over 8,000 acres of rugged, beautiful hills, trails, and scenery. It stretches from Agoura Hills down to Malibu, down to Malibu Lagoon State Beach, covering much of the 25-mile Malibu Creek that flows from Boney Mountain down to the Lagoon. Malibu Creek is the only stream channel that crosses through the Santa Monica Mountain range.
There are three natural preserves in the park, Liberty Canyon, Udell Gorge, and Kaslow, which protect Valley Oaks, rare plants, and volcanic formations.
HIKING
The park’s trails have something for everyone – from novices to those looking for real challenges. The easy routes wind through the valleys and the challenging trails climb the walls of those valleys.
CAMPING
Urban camping at its best! In the park, you are surrounded by dramatic peaks, majestic oaks, and wild creatures, but just minutes away is a posh Albertsons grocery store and restaurants. The campground contains 62 tent campsites, flush toilets, solar-heated showers, and four RV campsites. Every campsite contains a fire pit and picnic table but no hookups. Summers can be hot, so prime time is Fall, Winter, and Spring. If you get up early, you’ll likely see deer nibbling on grass in the fields near the campground. For full campground information and reservations, use ReserveCalifornia: https://reservecalifornia.com/CaliforniaWebHome/
BIKING
Malibu Creek is a great place for serious mountain bikers because of the plentiful steep terrain – especially Bulldog Road and Mesa Peak Motorway (where there are fewer hikers). Beginners can have fun along Crags Road – the main hiking trail through the park. Those seeking additional challenges on two wheels can take on the dry creek bed between Century Lake and the M*A*S*H set.
ROCK CLIMBING
Lots of great climbs from 5.8 to 5.10c are found around the Rock Pool. The easiest to reach is the Planet of the Apes Wall – so named because scenes from the “Apes” films were filmed on and around it. “Apes” is almost all overhanging routes. Over at the Rock Pool, are another ten routes, some that overhang the water. Fun bouldering here too.
DOGS
Dogs are allowed in the parking lot and campground only. They are not allowed on the backcountry trails.
PARKING
All-day parking is $12.00 (current as of March 2010). On weekdays, there is no one at the entrance booth, so the honor system is employed through a self-pay system. Your day fee covers same-day access/parking to ANY California State Park and/or Beach
SAFETY
FIRE is a constant danger, especially in summer and fall. Smoking and all fires are prohibited outside of the parking area, picnic area, and campground.
Gas and charcoal fires are always allowed in the campground. Due to the long-running California drought, clearance to burn a wood fire in the campground is updated daily by the fire officials using the same method for determining daily fire danger as posted on signs common in our state and national forests.
For additional information, visit the website @
www.malibucreekstatepark.org
Find more
