Malibu Creek State Park

Malibu Creek State Park, located in Calabasas, CA within the Santa Monica Mountains, and former site of the 20^th Century Fox movie ranch. Park features hiking, fishing, bird watching, mountain biking, rock climbing and horseback riding opportunities. The park is composed of Kaslow Nature Preserve, Liberty canyon Nature Preserve, Tapia Park, and Udell George Nature Preserve.

Fourteen-mile Malibu Creek is the principal watercourse of the Santa Monica Mountains that ends at Malibu Lagoon. . There are 15 miles of streamside trail through oak and sycamore woodlands on chaparral-covered slopes. Following the trail along Malibu Creek, the visitor will be treated to spectacular vistas, including volcanic rock gorges, scenic pools, and breathtaking views of the Las Virgenes Valley and Malibu Canyon.

Culturally, this area was the center of Chumash Native American life for centuries.  One of the park's most significant points of interest is the Sepulveda Adobe, which was constructed in 1863 on what had been part of an early Spanish land grant.  This historic structure was restored in 2003, but unfortunately was destroyed in the 2018 Woolsey fire. In the early 1900's another adobe was built along Malibu Creek by Johnny Mott, a famous LA attorney.  With only the dramatic stone fireplace left standing, it is known today as the Mott Adobe ruins.  Perhaps the most prominent frequent guest at the Mott Adobe was President Herbert Hoover. 

Previous to being opened to the public in 1976, the park was used extensively to film numerous movies and TV shows, such as Planet of the Apes and M*A*S*H.  Most of the park’s land holdings were acquired from 20^th Century Fox, which purchased the former Crags Country Club for on-location film and television filming. The original Planet of the Apes movie and the beloved M*A*S*H TV show were among dozens or perhaps hundreds of productions filmed here continuing to this day.

Location:
The park is located four miles south of Highway 101 on Las Virgenes/Malibu Canyon Road.
1925 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas, CA 91302

Driving Directions:

• From the 101 exit on Las Virgenes Road.
• Go south on Las Virgenes Road (toward the ocean)
• Continue straight.
• Park entrance will be on the right, a little past the Mullholland Drive intersection.

Parking fees:

• All day – $12.00 per car, per day
• 3 hrs – $9.00 per car
• 2 hrs – $6.00 per car
• 1 hr – $3.00 per car
• Large Bus- $125 per bus
• Small Bus- $50 per bus

Popular trails and hikes:

• Rock Pool (easy)
• Century Lake (easy)
• M*A*S*H site (moderate)
• Lookout Trail (moderate)

No Dogs on Trails at Malibu Creek State Park - Nearby Dog Friendly Trails

Dogs are NOT permitted on the trails in Malibu Creek State Park. Here are some places nearby where dogs are allowed: 

Why aren’t dogs allowed on trails at Malibu Creek State Park?

1. To Protect Resources: Dogs are predators by nature - presence or lingering scent of dogs can cause wildlife to move away, temporarily or permanently reducing the amount of available habitat in which to feed, breed and rest. Dogs can transmit diseases and other parasites to native animals. Dogs that run loose or become lost often harass or kill park wildlife.

2. To Protect You and Your Dog: Dogs in wild areas can be bitten by rattlesnakes or other wildlife. Dogs frequently pick up ticks. If your dog comes in contact with with poison oak it can easily transfer the irritating oils to you.

3. For the Safety and Enjoyment of Others: Some people are intmidated by dogs, even friendly ones. Dogs reduce the amount of wildlife that hikers are likely to see.

Visitor Services

Picnic reservations currently are first-come, first-served and reservations are not required. If you have 25 or more people in your group, plan to bring in special equipment, or hire someone - you will need to apply for a Special Event Permit by contacting the Special events office at:  Malibu.SpecialEvents@parks.ca.gov.

Campground Information

Anything relating to Campground Reservations:

contact Reserve California online or 1-800-444-7275.

Showers: The park's showers are token-operated. The token machines accept ONLY one dollar bills. Change for larger bills is not available at this time.

Firewood policy: Firewood is allowed to be burned in a fire rings in the campground on LOW (Green) level Fire Safety Day(s). Burning firelogs (ex: Duraflame log) and charcoal briquettes in the fire rings is allowed when fire level is at Medium (Yellow) and weather permits. On a HIGH (Red) level wood, firelogs, or briquettes are NOT allowed to be burned. Check the sign near the campground entrance to see the day's fire level.

For camp host opportunity inquiries, email angelescamphost@parks.ca.gov.

School Field Trips

Thank you for your interest in a field trip to Malibu Creek State Park! We offer two options for your school to experience the park: 

1. Self-guided field trip: Bring your students to our parks for a self-guided field trip. Please contact us for more information at Malibu.FieldTrips@parks.ca.gov and fill out this form
2. Guided field trips: State Park Staff and volunteers lead students on a guided field trip exploring the park. For more information about this guided field trip and to sign up, please go to this website. 

Guidelines for all field trips: 

1. Reservations, made at least 1 month in advance, are required. Approved K-12 schools may have parking fees waived. 
2. Teachers are strongly encouraged to visit the park prior to their program to orient themselves. 
3. Chaperone ratio of 1:10 is required

Special Events and Filming

Special Event Information

Please email the Special Event Coordinator at Malibu.SpecialEvents@parks.ca.gov  for the most up-to-date pricing, guidelines, and availability.

Filming Permits

If you would like to perform commercial or student filming or photography at the park, you need to contact the State Park film permit coordinator at (818) 880-0358.