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Chumash Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 436 Google reviews · Running trail in Malibu, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Chumash Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Steep summit trail with ocean views, inclines and a flag, featuring a moderate pace in some parts.
What runners say about Chumash Trailhead
“It’s a steep climb, but the reward is incredible—some of the best scenic views, especially at sunrise and sunset.”
This is a beautiful trail. I had not hiked in a long time and did not want timo hike after sunset but hikers said it takes 45 min to one hour to the top. At the split, the right side is longer but not as steep as the left side
Great hike its a bit steep after the halfway mark if you go left. If you go right it's an easy steady pace. Great view of the ocean and it gets windy up top. Make sure to bring some good traction shoes or boots. Bring some water, sunblock, snacks, a sweater and a good attitude. Loved it.
This is one of the tough hiking spot. You will enjoy this hike if you plan well. Reaching out to top will give you best feeling. Make sure to carry little bit of snack and water to enjoy the tour and view from top.
Challenging hike. I'm not an expert hiker. I hike for fun and the views. Decent inclines in some areas. But really worth the view when you get to the top. There is a flag pole with no flag. An amazing view.
Trail conditions & character
“All in all I feel it’s worth it cause you’ll get to see some architectural digest-type views so long as you’re willing to sweat it out.”
“Once you get to the fork in the path you can go left (fastest way to get to the top with an incline) OR you can go right (longer way with a gradual incline).”
“I took the Chumash trail to the La Jolla Valley Loop trail to the Mugu Peak trail.”
“parking was full so we parked along PCH, and it was busy (for a hiking trail) but everyone was cool.”
Plan your run at Chumash Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Malibu
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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