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 Reporter |
Summary: On a clear day, this hike has spectacular vistas of the Channel Islands, Catalina, and much of the Malibu coast. During the spring, wildflowers abound in the wide open meadowland. While most of this hike is through scrub land, there are oak groves here and there to picnic under the shade. I visited this park on a hazy day with fog on the coast, so I may not have given as high a rating as it deserves. Pick up a trail map at the information board on your way into the park. Note that I found the trails rather confusing, although there is no chance of getting really lost. Trailhead: From the Pacific Coast Highway, about 12 miles north of Malibu, head inland on Encinal Canyon about 4.5 miles to Charmlee Park. (Lat:34.061 Lon:-118.876) Trail Guides for Charmlee Park Loop: Day Hikers Guide to Southern California by John McKinney (Olympus Press) 101 Hikes in Southern California by Jerry Schad (Wilderness Press) California Hiking by Tom Stienstra & Ann Marie Brown (Foghorn Press) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs Ranger Contact: Charmlee Natural Area (310) 457-7247 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jim Zuber, who has posted 104 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Lisa on 2/19/2008 Great family hike for a wide range of ages and skill levels. We enjoyed the scenery, especially the coyote in the meadow who didn't seem to mind us watching him at all! Trails were easy to follow if you had the map (you can download from the Charmlee Park website or pick one up at the kiosk). Adequate incline/decline to keep it interesting. Our group included kids, so we really appreciated the clean restrooms. Small Nature Center was also enjoyable, the ranger was very nice. Would definitely do this one again; excellent picnic spots.
Reviewed by Angie on 2/7/2008 I hiked this on 2/5/08, and found it very pleasant. It had rained a few days prior, and was still a little muddy in some places. I spotted mountain lion tracks and scat zigzaging across the trail and saw a couple of coyotes in the meadow, so be careful. Definitely grab a map either from the nature center or from the parking area below it, since the trails are not well marked. The views are great though. I'll hike it again.
Reviewed by Jeffrey on 1/15/2008 It was an absolutely beautiful day and I could very clearly make out the Channel Islands. Unfortunately the smog had crept out from LA and hid all but the highest peak of Catalina. While the trails are not well marked, other than one that leads off onto another set of hills, all the trails loop back around. I managed to hike almost two full hours almost never re-tracing my steps. Beautiful meadows and views of the coast and a few very cool and shaded oak groves make his hike a winner. My dog and I had a blast. Watch out for ticks, I found one on my leg, luckily before it had burrowed in.
Reviewed by Gretchen on 12/28/2007 What's up with Tricia. Chill out, Ms Negativity! 
Reviewed by Tricia on 8/12/2007 We went up here on a weekday about a month ago. The only good thing about this hike would be the ocean view if it had not been so hazy. The trails are not marked at all and there are several forks all over the place. This is the first and only time so far I've gotten lost hiking. Luckily it only took us about an extra 15 minutes to find our way back. There are way better trails to be found in this area, don't waste your time on this one.
Reviewed by wendyo96 on 3/12/2007 Beautiful location with limited population. Very diverse with awesome coastal views, a green meadow, rocks to climb, a very friendly visitor's station, clean restrooms and you can't get lost! Great hike for newbies.
Reviewed by J.D. Funari on 12/31/2006 Hiked this trail twice - first time in summer, second in winter (on a beautiful, clear, cool day). Views minus smog are fantastic. Not very long of a hike but definitely enjoyable. Saw horse riders on both visits from I assume a local ranch.
Reviewed by Scott on 5/9/2005 A nice spot, one of the gems of the Santa Monica mountains, what with the tall grass, oak picnic groves, ocean views, easy hiking, and a comprehensive Nature Center. On the downside, trail signage is poor at best. Maybe raising the parking fee from $3 to $5 would help them. I for one would pay it. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Los Angeles County Hiking, Los Angeles County Trails, Los Angeles County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
