
Murphy Ranch Trail Los Angeles
Explore the graffiti-adorned ruins of a historic ranch with an eerie past. An easy hike with a unique blend of art, nature, and mystery.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps

Murphy Ranch Trail Los Angeles
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the graffiti-adorned ruins of a historic ranch with an eerie past. An easy hike with a unique blend of art, nature, and mystery.
"An awesome adventure with a unique blend of history, art, and nature that sparks the imagination."

🗺️ Trailhead Navigation
Use GPS and be ready to explore; signage is minimal. Parking fills up fast!
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Much of the trail is unshaded. Stay hydrated, especially on warmer days.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Graffiti-Covered Structures
Lower sections of the trail
Explore remnants of old buildings adorned with vibrant, ever-changing graffiti art. A unique blend of history and urban expression.

Steep Staircase Descent
Access point to the lower ranch
A challenging but rewarding descent down a steep, narrow staircase. Be cautious, especially with pets or young children.

Creek and Swing
Near the main ranch area
Discover a peaceful creek and a rustic swing, offering a moment of tranquility amidst the historical ruins.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Trailhead
Embrace the Eerie History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗺️ Trailhead Navigation
Use GPS and be ready to explore; signage is minimal. Parking fills up fast!
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Much of the trail is unshaded. Stay hydrated, especially on warmer days.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The terrain can be uneven, and the stairs are steep. Good grip is essential.
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed dogs are welcome! Be extra careful with them on the steep stairs.
Tips
from all over the internet
🗺️ Trailhead Navigation
Use GPS and be ready to explore; signage is minimal. Parking fills up fast!
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Much of the trail is unshaded. Stay hydrated, especially on warmer days.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The terrain can be uneven, and the stairs are steep. Good grip is essential.
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed dogs are welcome! Be extra careful with them on the steep stairs.
👨👩👧👦 Family Adventure
Kid, dog, and stroller-friendly in parts. Great for a family outing.
📸 Capture the Art
The graffiti is a major draw. Explore behind the main house for more art.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Murphy Ranch Trail for its unique blend of history, art, and nature, calling it an 'eerie' yet 'awesome' adventure. The graffiti-covered structures and the intriguing past make it a memorable hike. However, some find the trail signage lacking and the steep stairs challenging, especially with pets.
"It was a great hike. I do wish it had better signs letting you know where each trail is going, but it's nice to experiment nonetheless. The stairs are steep and very small. If you have a dog, be careful. My friend had my dog on the leash going down the stairs, which was tricky with a strong, hyper dog who isn't trained 100%. The first trail along the hike/ road is the one we tried. There was a gate with an opening that led to the stairs. From the stairs, turn left, walk for less than 5 minutes and you'll find the creek a few steps away from the swing. Don't get lost!"
Winter Wyatt
"This trail has an eerie history. It also has paranormal activity. We've experienced such. We never made it to the house further below the trails. Don't go alone but it's definitely a trail for the vivid imagination. Graffiti is cool. There's also a photo, slightly blurred, if a vehicle overturned and trapped down a hill on the trail.
Please bring plenty of water and spray bottles in a backpack as much of the trail is unshaded.
This trail is located in beautiful Pacific Palisades but tucked away."
Dawn Mac
"A hiking place to catch fresh air and spend time in nature. Thank you and God bless you with the Holy Spirit. 🌹🩷"
Clauds2188 (LASweetHeart)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead can be a bit elusive with limited signage. Many visitors use GPS coordinates and are prepared for a short exploration to find the entrance. Parking is often limited, so arriving early is recommended.
Parking is available but can be limited, especially on weekends and during peak hours. It's advisable to arrive early to secure a spot.
Public transportation options to the immediate trailhead are limited. It's generally recommended to drive or use ride-sharing services.
While the trail itself is generally considered easy, finding the exact trailhead can be a challenge due to minimal signage. Using a GPS app and looking for common entry points is helpful.
From the trailhead, you can follow the main road. Look for a gate with an opening that leads to the steep stairs. Turning left after the stairs will guide you towards the creek and the main ranch structures.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Murphy Ranch Trail is a public hiking area and does not require any admission tickets. It's free to access.
As an outdoor trail, Murphy Ranch is generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. However, it's always a good idea to check local park advisories for any specific restrictions.
There is no entrance fee to hike the Murphy Ranch Trail. It's a free public park.
No special permits are required for general hiking and exploration of the Murphy Ranch Trail.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to lack of lighting, potential safety concerns, and the eerie atmosphere. Stick to daylight hours for a safer experience.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The trail is generally considered beginner-friendly and easy, with a round trip of about an hour. However, the descent via the steep stairs can be challenging for some.
Murphy Ranch has an eerie history, rumored to have been a former Nazi sympathizer camp abandoned in the 1940s. The structures are now covered in graffiti.
Much of the trail is unshaded, so it's important to bring plenty of water and sun protection, especially during warmer months.
You'll find a variety of vibrant and artistic graffiti covering the old structures. Some visitors suggest exploring behind the main graffiti house for more art.
There are no official facilities like restrooms or water fountains directly on the trail. It's best to come prepared with all your necessities.
🎫 🐾 Pet & Family Friendliness
Yes, leashed dogs are welcome on the Murphy Ranch Trail. However, be extra cautious with them on the steep and narrow stairs.
Absolutely! The trail is described as kid-friendly, making it a great option for family outings.
Parts of the trail are stroller-friendly, particularly the initial road section. However, the steep stairs are not suitable for strollers.
Keep a close eye on children, especially near the steep stairs and historical structures. The 'eerie history' might also be something to consider depending on their age.
While generally safe, the steep stairs require extra caution. Visitors also mention the 'eerie history' and 'paranormal activity,' which might be a factor for some families.
📸 📸 Photography
The graffiti-covered structures are a major highlight for photographers. The unique blend of urban art and historical ruins offers many interesting shots.
While the focus is often on the graffiti, the surrounding Pacific Palisades area offers natural beauty. The golden hour light in the late afternoon can also create beautiful scenes.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. Consider a wide-angle lens to capture the graffiti art and a sturdy tripod if you plan on longer exposures or low-light shots.
There are no specific restrictions on personal photography at Murphy Ranch Trail. However, always be respectful of the environment and any other visitors.
Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light that can enhance the colors of the graffiti and the natural surroundings. Weekday mornings can provide fewer distractions for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐾 Pet Owners
📸 Photographers and Urban Explorers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Eerie History of Murphy Ranch
The ranch was eventually abandoned in the 1940s, leaving behind its decaying buildings and a lingering sense of mystery. The graffiti art that now adorns the walls adds a modern, urban layer to the historical remnants, creating a unique juxtaposition that draws many hikers and urban explorers. It's a place that sparks the imagination and invites contemplation of its complex past.
Navigating the Trail and Its Features
Once you reach the bottom, you'll find the remnants of the ranch buildings, heavily adorned with graffiti. Beyond the main structures, explorers can discover a creek and a rustic swing, offering a moment of respite. Some visitors also note that there's more graffiti to be found behind the main graffiti house. The trail is largely unshaded, so bringing plenty of water and sun protection is crucial for a comfortable experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit