1 min
Overview
Don’t skip tiny hikes. Getting lost in a national park or the backcountry has overwhelming charm and mystery—but sometimes, to jar us loose from the day-to-day, little gems work best. The 1.5-mile trail at Point Dume is full of them, made all the more special by the initial frustration of navigating the area itself. The trailhead abuts Cliffside Drive, facing residential homes and flanked by ten two-hour parking spaces, the only available options within walking distance. Timing is key, as there are often a few other would-be hikers waiting for a spot to open up, but there’s turnover every ten minutes or so. Walking in past the sign that marks the entrance, California coastal scrub gives way to a spectacular view of the Malibu coastline. The path splits in two not far along: left toward rusty fences and a staircase down toward the base of the cliffs, and right toward the highest point of the hike. Bearing right, the path splits again: right, upwards to an overlook, or left, along a walkway of wooden planks out along the point itself. This area is well known for its whale watching in spring, but managed some magnificent wildlife even in early September. Dozens of sea lions sunned themselves on ledges at the cliff’s base, while a few rogue individuals played in the waves crashing around the rocks. Further out into the bay, a pair of dorsal fins lazily chased each other, occasionally breaching enough to showcase the dolphin underneath. The couple on the promontory sat and watched until the dolphins swam out of sight, and stayed a little longer to listen to the sea lions. From there the path curves back around towards the street, passing an offshoot on the left that leads down to Point Dume State Beach. There is paid parking abutting the beach, a potential option if the line on Cliffside Drive is too long. Walking along the street, another path opens into the reserve halfway back to the initial trailhead. This will take you up to the overlook that was bypassed earlier, featuring a better view of the coast and a shor
Trail Stats
2.1 km
60 m
61 m
11 m
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