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Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 7,267 Google reviews · Running trail in Calabasas, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area'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.
500+ miles of flat & mountainous hiking trails through coastal chaparral, with views & picnic stops.
What runners say about Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
“The facilities are wonderful with plenty of picnic tables, clean restrooms, hot water, and showers.”
“The diverse terrain, including thrilling downhill runs and scenic ridges, ensures that every ride is an exhilarating and memorable experience.”
I love this place. It's so serene and calm, not to mention the fact that the views there are amazing. You can see the whole Valley from there. The best part is that you'll be surprised by the great trails that this place has!!!
The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is an absolute paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, and it offers an incredible blend of natural beauty, history, and adventure that is truly unmatched. This place deserves all the stars and more! For mountain biking enthusiasts, this is a dream come true.
In stark contrast to the sprawling urban and suburban landscapes of nearby LA, the Santa Monica Mountains are a gorgeous range of dramatic rocky mountains with plenty of sites, parks, quirky small towns and trails hidden in its canyons.
Oh man the hiking here is seriously incredible. Everything is so beautiful you have the beach right there and mountains to hike right behind it. It gets really dry and Dusty so make sure you are wearing the proper clothing. They don't allow dogs on the hiking trail so you might want to leave doggo at home.
Trail conditions & character
“The diverse terrain, including thrilling downhill runs and scenic ridges, ensures that every ride is an exhilarating and memorable experience.”
“The facilities are wonderful with plenty of picnic tables, clean restrooms, hot water, and showers.”
Plan your run at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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 trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- Websitenps.gov
- Phone+1 805-370-2301
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 9 am–4 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–4 pm |
| Friday | 9 am–4 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–4 pm |
| Sunday | 9 am–4 pm |
Running trails near Calabasas
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Malibu Creek State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 3,616 reviews
Rugged state park in the Santa Monica Mountains with hiking trails & a rock pool swimming hole.
Malibu Creek State Park Trailhead SMHC
4.8 ★★★★★ 142 reviews
Kid-friendly hiking area offering wildlife sightings and a trail to the historic M*A*S*H site.
Ladyface Trail Head
4.5 ★★★★★ 64 reviews
Strenuous hike up a steep trail with great views and even rock climbing.