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Zuma Ridge Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 51 Google reviews · Running trail in Malibu, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Zuma Ridge 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.
Hiking area with dirt roads featuring views of mountains, canyons, and the ocean.
What runners say about Zuma Ridge Trailhead
“Beautiful hike, but make sure you use a trail map because there are many options to the loop and you don't want to short yourself or get lost.”
“There isn't a lot of shade along the trail so plan accordingly.”
“The trail is well marked and it was not busy at all when I visited.”
This was a beautiful hike! Constant uphill to the top which can be tiring but the views are worth it! I came on a Saturday afternoon and it was moderately busy. We had packed a lunch and ate it at the top. There's not much shade on the trail and no bathrooms.
Hard if you do the Zuma Canyon Loop (clockwise) which takes you on the Zuma Edison Road from the Zuma Ridge Trail, then the Kanan Edison Road, Ocean View Trail, Zuma Loop Trail, and then finally the Ridge Canyon Access Trail.
Access to Zuma and Trancas canyons. Several routes from easy to strenuous. The parking lot is not big. The Zuma canyon trailhead parking lot is bigger but often has horse trailers parked there.
Well maintained trail with stunning views of the water and mountain range. There isn't a lot of shade along the trail so plan accordingly.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful hike, but make sure you use a trail map because there are many options to the loop and you don't want to short yourself or get lost.”
“There is just small space for parking, but no one there was.”
“There isn't a lot of shade along the trail so plan accordingly.”
“Beautiful hike, but make sure you use a trail map because there are many options to the loop and you don't want to short yourself or get lost.”
“Great panoramic view at the end that makes the climb so worth it.”
Plan your run at Zuma Ridge Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- 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
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