Hiking and climbing opportunities abound at the California state park situated in the Santa Monica Mountains, providing breathtaking vistas.
Discovering California's Hidden Gems: Underrated State Parks Worth Exploring
Malibu Creek State Park, nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, offers a captivating blend of hiking trails, scenic beauty, and a rich history. With over 35 miles of trails, it's a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. However, if you're seeking more seclusion, California has several underrated state parks that share Malibu's charm.
One such park is Calaveras Big Trees State Park, located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Famous for its ancient giant sequoia groves, peaceful rivers, wildflower meadows, and quiet campgrounds, it provides a serene forest experience similar to Yosemite but with fewer crowds.
Another hidden gem is Lassen Volcanic National Park, although it's a national park rather than a state park. Known for its volcanic landscapes, alpine lakes, and varied hiking trails, Lassen offers a remote and wild experience for nature lovers interested in geology and solitude.
Pinnacles National Park is another underrated volcanic park, known for its rugged rock formations, caves, and over 30 miles of hiking trails. With less visitor traffic than popular California parks, Pinnacles is ideal for exploring diverse geology and wildlife in a quiet setting.
Death Valley National Park may be better known, but it's still considered underrated compared to more famous parks. It offers unique desert hiking opportunities, incredible rock formations, and low visitor density outside of peak heat seasons.
Lastly, Big Bear, though more of a mountain resort area, provides excellent hiking, mountain biking, and water activities with a more local vibe. It's less crowded than Lake Tahoe or Mammoth Lakes.
All these parks share with Malibu Creek State Park the qualities of dramatic natural scenery, hiking opportunities, and relatively low visitation, making them worthwhile escapes for those seeking California’s beauty minus large crowds.
Back to Malibu Creek State Park, the park is home to mountain lions and ticks, and dogs are not allowed on any of the trails. All-day parking costs $12. Fishing is allowed, but only with a license, and no lower than Rindge Dam. The park has a history dating back to the Chumash Native Americans who lived there 9,000 years ago.
The park is split into two by a 14-mile stretch of Malibu Creek and covers around 8,200 acres. It has a campsite with a group campground and a main campsite with 62 spots, RV access, firepits, picnic tables, toilets, and showers. The park is open all year-round, with gates opening from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Some popular trails include the Rock Pool and Century Lake Trail, a 4.5-mile walk through sycamore and oak woodlands, and the Bulldog Loop, a 15.4-mile trail popular for hiking, horse riding, and mountain biking. The Bulldog Loop passes MacAuley Peak and a "MAS*H" filming location. It's also a good spot for birdwatching, with golden eagles, nanday parakeets, and great blue herons sometimes seen in the park.
The park has been used as a filming location for various productions, including "MAS*H" and the original "Planet of the Apes" film. It's located in the region of Los Angeles, specifically in the Santa Monica Mountains. The Bulldog Loop even boasts over 100 bolted sport climbs, including the Planet of the Apes Wall.
So, after a day at Malibu Creek State Park, consider planning a trip to one of California's other underrated state parks for a unique and less crowded outdoor adventure.
- For those who prefer a tranquil forest experience with fewer crowds, they might find solace in Calaveras Big Trees State Park, sharing similarities to Yosemite while offering more peacefulness.
- After concluding a day of exploration at Malibu Creek State Park, weekend getaways to unexplored destinations like California's Lassen Volcanic National Park could offer a remote and wild experience for nature enthusiasts eager for an underrated adventure.
