Home › California › Malibu › Zuma Canyon Trailhead
Zuma Canyon Trailhead
4.5 ★★★★★ 147 Google reviews · Running trail in Malibu, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Zuma Canyon 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.
Outdoor space with ocean-view hiking & horse-riding trails, plus a picnic area & portable toilets.
What runners say about Zuma Canyon Trailhead
“Good trail, is not to heavy, is really beautiful you can see the ocean, I spent two hours hiking there but I really enjoy the view of the canyon😍”
I climbed on the Ocean View trail and looped back on the Canyon View trail. Very nice hike, not difficult at all. Lots of spring flowers along the trail. Bring plenty of water as it gets hot and dusty!
One of my favorites at zuma beach is point dume. I usually go to the sunset cafe first then this gorgeous walk. Due to restrictions I just went to walk but it was heavily trafficked. Don’t let that stop you from getting this breath taking experience. The flowers are still much alive🌼🌼
Zuma Canyon is an easy to moderate trail, depending upon which trail you choose. The main trail is nearly flat, heading alongside a usually dry stream bed. A ocean view trail to the right heads up steeply toward Kanan Road, with spectacular ocean views of Zuma Beach.
We got here very early and we had the trails all to ourselves. We started left on Zuma Loop trail, unfortunately there were too many horse dropping and it smelled very bad. When we were finally half way through the hike, the odor went away.
Trail conditions & character
“Good trail, is not to heavy, is really beautiful you can see the ocean, I spent two hours hiking there but I really enjoy the view of the canyon😍”
“Dogs on leash and horseback riding is allowed here, but not biking, unfortunately.”
“Zuma Canyon is a very nice set of trails with something for everyone and a very large (free) parking lot.”
“Make sure you review the trail and map before taking it on - I had to do a retake because I ended up doing the same loop twice!”
“A major plus is free parking, portable bathrooms, with hand washing station, picnic tables.”
“The main trail is nearly flat, heading alongside a usually dry stream bed.”
Plan your run at Zuma Canyon Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitenps.gov
- Phone(805) 370-2301
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–7 PM |
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.
Zuma Ridge Trailhead
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Point Dume Natural Preserve
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Izumi Trail Coastal Overlook
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Backbone Trail Access at Kanan
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Popular hiking area with waterfalls, streams, and views of hills and valleys, plus wildflowers in season.