Malibu Canyon

Hidden gem!
It was adventure to finally find this spot «Rindge Dam» but it was worth it!
To start you’re going to go along the road until you «arrive» at your location as per your GPS would say. The trail is going to be on mile marker 1.86 exactly, there’ll be a sign that says «closed location» the trail/​hike will be there. To complicate a few things you can’t park right on the mountain cliff where the trail is located so you have to find parking a few miles away and take an über back to mile marker 1.86.
This is where the fun begins. Overlooking the valley of the mountain you’ll see and hear the water flowing through the dam. There’s a narrow kinda steepish trail/​hike you’re gonna see and hike down. Trust me on this I didn’t think it was a trail at first and thought I was gonna be stuck on this trail forever (I’ve only been on like 3 mountains my whole life haha) but that’s the way. Wear sneakers with good grip or boots. The hike down was a lot more challenging then I expected. It took about 20 minutes to hike down at a safe pace. Once there we walked up to the dam and explored around to take pictures from different angles and finally found the way to the cliff where we could jump off from. So before actually reaching the dam you could walk through the shallow part of the river to reach the other side of the dam where you could walk down to the cliff where you jump into the water. Once at the cliff… CANNON BALL!!!
The fun just finding our way to the dam was exciting and the fun we had once there was like something out of a movie. Cliffs that your jumping off into the freezing water! Haha, ropes to swing from and moments to share with those you go with. I do recommend a buddy system for this hike, just incase.
Pack light but with some snacks for a hike and towels for the water. The water is cold and the sun sometimes is blocked by the mountains. Great fun and a challenging hike with a hidden gem at the bottom for you. Have fun!
P. S. Park at a near by park or at the end of the road by Malibu lagoon state beach.

Absolutely one of the most beautiful drives in southern California! I love the gorgeous views while driving from Malibu to Ventura county or vice versa. Taking this scenic drive from the 101 and Westlake area instead of going through the 101 & 405 is such a reprieve from the nerve racking traffic and ugliness of pavement while traveling on the westside. Definitely discover this canyon and get out and experience it. I can never get sick on this place.

The water was gross when I went. Do def no jumping or swimming. I went hiking and it was beautiful! People were rock climbing too, its a really dope spot. Im thinking of camping one weekend there to take advantage. Its close enough but far out enough to feel like you’re away

«DAM» THERE’S POISON OAK IS EVERYWHERE!
BACKGROUND:
The Rindge Dam in Malibu Canyon, located 2.5 miles north of Malibu Lagoon, where Malibu Creek meets the Pacific Ocean. During improvements to the Malibu Rancho, the 100-​foot-​high dam was built in 1925 by May Rindge, with a 574 acre-​foot reservoir to control floods and conserve the water of Malibu Creek. The reservoir filled with silt in less than twenty five years and is under consideration for demolition, part of efforts to restore the Malibu Creek watershed and re-​establish native species, especially the Steelhead Trout. The dam is one of the few vestiges of the Rindge period of Malibu.
STATS:
Distance: 5 – 6 miles.
Elevation Gain: less than 500
Trailish: Out and back.
Numerous creek crossings
Poison Oak
Rock & Boulder Hopping
Slippery Algae Covered Rocks
Great Scenery
ESSENTIALS:
At least 3 liters of water
Know your limits
Hiking boots that can resist water
Layered Clothing
Gloves
High protein food/​snacks
Electrolytes
Camera (waterproof or some form of protection)
Hat (optional)
Sunblock
Technu
OUR ROUTE:
I rarely do the same hike twice, but when I do it’s worth it, I’ve hiked this route twice now and look forward to a good rain to drop much needed water in this area. Our route took us down Malibu Creek which parallels Malibu Canyon Road to the Dam where we explored and stop for breaks and lunch along the way. Me and The Crew began this adventure following a single track trail that lead us though canopies of trees, as well as poison oak that seemed to be growing from the ground up through the trees. It was everywhere.
We come to the canyon where boulders occupied a majority of the stream that runs to the dam. Up and over, scale like a Spidy man, might as well jump we got along till the boulders shrunk to rocks, then it was skip, hippity hop, might as well jump, or just take the plunge and dredged through it in hopes it would rinse off at least some of the PO we plowed through. The water might not potable and might be murky, but sometimes it’s safer to just walk through it than to avoid it, especially when safe rock hopping is virtually impossible or the rocks are covered with green slime. One hiker slipped on a rock and ended up with a non-​functioning cell phone, she was using as a camera.
Once at the dam, the adventure continued. There were re-​bar ladders embedded in the cement blocks to climb down and up with short crossings in between. Then down a bum sliding dirt slope, we eventually arrived at the watering hole, not the bar, an actual watering hole. While some went in the frigid water, the daredevils swam to the far side where they sprang into the water, still others chilled on the rocks, ate lunch, and took pictures. This is a good time to use that Technu, PO breakout prevention.
Disclaimer: Hiking is not something that can be taken lightly. It can be life-​threatening as you see and hear on the news, people die or get lost all time. Please, if you are going to hike, never go alone and prepare for the worst, hope for the best. Remember when going for a hike, no matter how short you think it may be, always be prepared. Carry at least two liters of water for every five miles (more if the weather is warm), protein bar, nuts, and electrolytes. Wear sturdy lug sole shoes and protective clothing. Some areas the weather can change quicker than a fireman can put on his gear. It is also very important, always always always let a family member or friend know where you are going and when you expect to be back. Lastly, have fun when you hike it up.
Review 70 Unilocal 100+ Challenge 2015
#HIKEITUP #WATER #POISONOAK

The parks dept has «closed» the dam. Didn’t think you were ever supposed to be there so not sure what’s different now. Anyway this place is awesome and everyone should jump in at least once in there life. It’s a little tricky getting down there so bring some fit friends.

great drive easier than topanga a little more out of the way but it you have time take this instead of topanga from the valley down to PCH.

Driving here is so calming. I love nature. I love how beautiful it is and the feeling I get when I’m here. When I don’t like taking the freeways or driving to PCH to Pepperdine, I take this route.

I never knew canyon was so beautiful till I drove here. The drive itself is so awesome, it makes the trip worthwhile while coming from the city.
The Canyon is the chief pass though the mountains, and Malibu Canyon Road is a major north/​south route connecting the coast to the inland valley. The creek starts at Malibu Lake, which is held back by the Malibu Lake Dam. Further downstream, Malibu Creek waterfalls 100 feet over the Rindge Dam, then carves its final path into Malibu Lagoon.
The canyon itself is deep and very beautiful. One can actually make a stop and take some pictures too. The area is heavily guarded by the state police so be careful while speeding. This is a place to stop and just enjoy the awesome scenic beauty around.

This was a great and easy hike– recommended for people who just want to get away from the city for a couple hours. Although I prefer to hike Topanga or Temescal Canyon, this hike had great views of the ocean and mountainside. On our hike, we saw deer, lizards and even a gopher!
Overall, a great hike for beginners or just a leisurely adventure to get out of the city. Bring a snack to enjoy in the picnic area, drive into the Country Mart for a bite to eat or stop into the farmer’s market located just north of the Country Mart is on Sunday’s 11 – 3.

Beautiful !

I prefer taking Topanga to the beach… but this will suffice, especially if I need to drive down to the Malibu Courthouse for work… so from Calabasas, it’s an easy drive.
The scenery is lovely… and I love just losing myself in the «country»…
Yes, you end up by Pepperdine and there’s this random church that always has the most hilarious marquee. I don’t know… they’re just funny.
I don’t really know what else to say about this road… it’s the way I take to Malibu. and around the 4^th of July, they do a fireworks show off of this road in Malibu… which is lovely.

love the canyon! its a lot faster than Topanga Cyn. It’s a breeze to get too the University and you get to enjoy the view while getting there.

mm the drive itself is awesome. very beautiful scenery and just full of peace. the trail however I shall not go again.
coming back from the trail and back into the car (only did about 20 min on trail yeah i got lazy)
i read a review about dogs being on a leash so that I did. and boy oh boy. i so regret coming to the trail (not the canyon though)
on our way home to our spot on malibu i found ticks. yes ticks… sigh…
ended up taking them to a self wash station and washed the hell out of em and picked at those little blood suckers… sigh. total: 10 i think. my maltese looks like he just got raped with hickeys all over haha. sad but funny thought. never again though :(

Malibu Canyon is beautiful. I feel like people often stereotype Southern California by either snarling traffic or by the beaches but for some reason fewer people talk about the beautiful mountains and canyons. It is am amazing place to go and hike and get out of the city. You can be close to one of the biggest metro areas in the world but totally out on your own. As someone else said, it is a great place to clear your head.

A gorgeous gorge, only a short drive from the city! I had NO IDEA there was such scenery in LA county. I’ve driven along Kanan and Topanga Canyon roads, but never Malibu canyon until this past week. The canyon is deep, and Malibu Canyon road winds right along the side of the of it, with turnouts every quarter to half a mile or so, plenty of options to take in the breathtaking vistas! Extremely scenic, another place to add to your list of hidden LA gems!

Malibu Canyon is beautiful. There’s several trails along the way. Parking just south of Piuma Road on the west side of Malibu Canyon is the Backbone Trail. A nice climb up a single track trail that connects to a dirt road and continues up and around the hill top for excellent view of Malibu Canyon toward the south.

Yes, this is still LA. Hard to believe, I know!
This is a great place to just take a drive, but WATCH for cyclists!
One of the good hook-​ups is to hit the trails on the other side of the tunnel (if you are driving from the PCH). Make an immediate left into the small parking lot. Walk up the rock path that is next to the tunnel. Then make a left at the top and cross the tunnel. That trail will blow you away. Watch out for mountain bikers, but you’ll hear them before you see them… most times.
Don’t half step. If you bring a dog out there without a leash you will be tortured by the mountain people that live in the bushes.

There isn’t much I can add to the lovely description given by Joan S., other than to note that the turnouts are perfect for watching the summertime meteor showers!
Get out and enjoy the scenery.
Drive safe folks.

If you need to get the hell out of Dodge, put the pedal to the metal, and clear your head, this is the place. The turns are not über tight like Old Topanga Road. It’s perfect for motorcycles. It’s also fairly heavily patrolled and I was lucky I didn’t get nailed for crazy ass speed today. The guy ahead of me did.
There are many turnouts and overlooks for viewing the canyon in all its glory. Turn down Mulholland Hwy. and go through Las Virgenes Valley for more Santa Monica Mountains scenery. You will wind up in Calabasas, where you can get back to PCH via Topanga Canyon Blvd. or Old Topanga Canyon Road. Either is magnificent. Check out the photos.