Corral Canyon Park (Sara Wan Trailhead) - Image 1
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Corral Canyon Park Sara Wan Trailhead

4.4
·114 reviews·Malibu, United States

Scenic Malibu hike with panoramic coastal views, offering a peaceful escape and wildlife spotting opportunities.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds & heat

CrowdLow
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Corral Canyon Park (Sara Wan Trailhead) - Image 1

Corral Canyon Park Sara Wan Trailhead

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds & heat

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Scenic Malibu hike with panoramic coastal views, offering a peaceful escape and wildlife spotting opportunities.

4.4
(114 reviews)

"What a wonderful hike with great view. Came around 8am and was the only one here but a great hike."

Vertical photo
TIP

Bring Cash for Parking

The parking machine might be out of order; cash is king for the $8-$12 fee. :moneybag:

Wear Long Sleeves & Pants

Overgrown brush can scratch. Protect your skin and look for wildlife! :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Coastal Views

Panoramic Coastal Views

Along the main loop trail

Breathtaking ocean vistas stretch across the coastline, offering stunning photo opportunities.

InstagramReddit
Wildlife Spotting

Wildlife Spotting

Throughout the park

Keep an eye out for local fauna amidst the coastal shrubbery. Remember to respect their habitat.

Reddit
Picnic Areas

Picnic Areas

Near the trailhead

Enjoy a meal with a view after your hike in the designated picnic spots.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Parking & Fees

The main lot at the Sara Wan Trailhead has limited space and charges a fee (around $8-$12, cash recommended). Free parking is available along the PCH, but can be challenging to find during peak times. Arrive early to secure a spot! Reddit+1

Trail Conditions & What to Wear

The trail is exposed with no shade, so wear sun protection. Overgrown brush can scratch, making long sleeves and pants a good idea, especially if you're looking for wildlife. Watch out for snakes! Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Beat the crowds & heat
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer people on trails
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Went to Malibu ranch and loved it so much I didn’t want to leave! #malibu #maliburanch #Hiking
@mollymholm
72.8K likes • 391.8K views

Bring Cash for Parking

The parking machine might be out of order; cash is king for the $8-$12 fee. Reddit :moneybag:

Wear Long Sleeves & Pants

Overgrown brush can scratch. Protect your skin and look for wildlife! Reddit :athletic_shoe:

Part 2: day 1 of the ranch malibu - featuring 4 hour hikes and 1400 calories of plants #theranchmalibu
@tory.trombley
72.3K likes • 828.3K views
Welcome back to Sara Wan Trailhead at Corral Canyon where you can enjoy coastal views from this 1,000 acre park in Malibu! Trails are brushed and the restroom was just cleaned! The trailhead provides fee parking, picnic areas, restrooms, educational displays, sitting benches, and seasonal access to L.A. County-operated Dan Blocker State Beach. #WelcomeBack #Malibu #PCH #SantaMonicaMountains #Coa...
mrcaparks
59 likes • 2K views

Stay on Marked Trails

Avoid veering off-path to prevent getting lost or damaging the environment. Reddit :world_map:

Hydrate Well

The trail is exposed with no shade, so bring plenty of water. Reddit :droplet:

3 stunning ocean-view hikes in Malibu are officially OPEN again! 🌞🌿 📍Sara Wan Trailhead at Corral Canyon 📍Tuna Canyon Park Cameron Nature Preserve at Puerco Canyon Tag who’s doing them with you this Summer! #LA #LABucketList (🎥: @hikingwithsun )
losangelesbucketlist
4.4K likes • 147.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Bring Cash for Parking

The parking machine might be out of order; cash is king for the $8-$12 fee. Reddit :moneybag:

Wear Long Sleeves & Pants

Overgrown brush can scratch. Protect your skin and look for wildlife! Reddit :athletic_shoe:

Stay on Marked Trails

Avoid veering off-path to prevent getting lost or damaging the environment. Reddit :world_map:

Hydrate Well

The trail is exposed with no shade, so bring plenty of water. Reddit :droplet:

Check for Trail Closures

Recent social media posts indicate trails are open, but always good to double-check. Instagram :information_desk:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(114 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Corral Canyon Park's Sara Wan Trailhead for its stunning coastal views and peaceful atmosphere, making it a family-friendly hike. While parking can be a hassle and the trails are exposed, the scenic rewards and proximity to amenities like Malibu Seafood make it a worthwhile visit for a dose of Malibu's natural beauty.

"What a wonderful hike with great view. Came around 8am and was the only one here but a great hike. Took me about an hour to complete taking my time and enjoy the view and peacefulness of it all.
The parking machine was not working at the time I came so be sure to have at least $12 to pay for the parking in cash."

Luis Garcia

"Family-friendly hike in Malibu. The trailhead is located right off the PCH, next to Malibu Seafood. It’s $12 to park in the small lot, or you can find free parking along the PCH. A porta-potty is available by the trailhead. Though short (~2.5 miles), it’s a nice trail and pretty popular among families with young kids.

The trail is exposed with no shade. It’s narrow and there are lot of tall plants that scratch a bit, so you may wish to wear pants rather than shorts. There is a gradual elevation change, but not challenging. There is a point at the hike where you can veer off path, but that’ll take you to a different trail that’s considerably longer."

Shanelle S

"Great location, clean and clear path. There’s no maps or directions but google maps shows the main path that is almost 3 miles but you can choose 2, 3, or 4 miles path. There are a small parking lot and you have to pay cash but you can park in street too that’s free. After hiking you can enjoy the good seafood place next to the start point."

Amir Khamesi

What People Like

Beautiful coastal views
Peaceful atmosphere
Family-friendly trail

What People Dislike

Limited parking
No shade
Overgrown brush

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Sara Wan Trailhead is located at 25623 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, right off the PCH. It's easily accessible by car. Instagram Some visitors mention it's near Malibu Seafood. Reddit

Yes, there's a small parking lot at the trailhead that charges a fee (around $8-$12, cash is recommended as machines may not work). Free parking is available along the PCH, but can be difficult to find. Reddit+1

Yes, free parking is available along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). However, finding a spot can be challenging, especially during busy times. Reddit+1

Public transport options to this specific trailhead might be limited. Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach the park. TikTok

The Sara Wan Trailhead is distinct from the entrance that leads to caves. This trailhead offers coastal views and different hiking paths. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is a parking fee for the main lot, typically ranging from $8 to $12. It's advisable to bring cash as the payment machines may not always be functional. Reddit

While specific hours aren't always posted, it's generally best to visit during daylight hours for safety and the best experience. Social media posts indicate the park is open. Instagram+1

No advance booking is typically required for general access to the park. Parking fees are paid on-site. Reddit

The main restrictions involve respecting the natural environment, staying on trails, and being aware of wildlife. Dogs are generally not permitted on the trails. Reddit

The main loop is considered family-friendly and not overly challenging, making it suitable for most ages. Reddit

🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience

The main loop is about 2.5 miles and offers a gradual elevation gain with panoramic coastal views. It's a hard-packed soil trail. Reddit+1

Most visitors complete the main loop in under an hour, with some taking about an hour to enjoy the views and peace. Reddit+1

No, the trails are largely exposed with very little shade. It's crucial to wear sun protection and bring plenty of water. Reddit

There are no maps provided within the park. Google Maps can guide you on the main path, which is approximately 3 miles, but you can choose shorter or longer routes. Reddit

The trailhead offers fee parking, picnic areas, restrooms (porta-potty available), educational displays, and sitting benches. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The panoramic coastal views from the higher points of the trail are spectacular. The golden hour light in the late afternoon can also create beautiful photo opportunities. InstagramReddit

Yes, if you're lucky, you might spot wildlife. Remember to maintain a safe distance and avoid disturbing the animals. Reddit

Late afternoon visits can offer beautiful lighting for photos as the sun begins to set, casting a warm glow over the coast. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. TikTok

Drone usage is typically restricted in state and county parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. It's best to check local regulations. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Sara Wan Trailhead at Corral Canyon Park is a great option for families looking for a relatively short and scenic hike. The main loop is about 2.5 miles with a gradual incline, making it manageable for younger children. Reddit The proximity to Malibu Seafood is a bonus for a post-hike treat. Reddit

Remember to pack plenty of water and apply sunscreen, as the trail is exposed with no shade. Reddit Dressing kids in long sleeves and pants can help protect them from the overgrown brush. Reddit While the main trail is family-friendly, always supervise children closely and stay on marked paths. Reddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious visitors, Corral Canyon Park offers a fantastic free or low-cost outdoor activity. While the main parking lot has a fee (around $8-$12, cash recommended), you can find free parking along the PCH. Reddit+1 This allows you to enjoy the beautiful coastal views and hiking trails without a significant expense. Reddit

Pack your own snacks and water to save money on food and drinks. The picnic areas provide a pleasant spot to enjoy your provisions. Instagram The hike itself is rewarding and offers a genuine taste of the Malibu landscape without the hefty price tag often associated with the area. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Trails

The Sara Wan Trailhead at Corral Canyon Park offers a network of trails, with the main loop being approximately 2.5 miles. This path is well-defined and features a gradual incline, making it accessible for many hikers. Reddit While Google Maps can guide you on the primary 3-mile route, there are options to extend or shorten your hike, allowing for flexibility based on your time and energy. Reddit Remember that the trails are exposed, so proper preparation is key. Reddit

Trail conditions can vary, with overgrown brush being a common observation. Visitors often recommend wearing long sleeves and pants to protect against scratches. Reddit+1 While the main trail is clear, it's wise to stay on marked paths to avoid getting lost and to preserve the natural environment. Reddit Keep an eye out for wildlife, but also be aware of potential hazards like snakes. Reddit

For those seeking a more challenging experience, there are opportunities to veer off the main path, but these can lead to significantly longer and potentially more rugged trails. It's always best to be prepared with adequate water, sun protection, and a sense of adventure. Reddit

The Malibu Coastal Experience

Corral Canyon Park, specifically the Sara Wan Trailhead, offers a quintessential Malibu hiking experience. The park is situated right off the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), providing easy access and stunning ocean views from its elevated position. Instagram+1 This proximity to the coast means you're treated to sweeping panoramas of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding rugged landscape. Reddit

Many visitors highlight the peacefulness of the park, especially during quieter times. Reddit The sound of the ocean and the fresh sea air contribute to a rejuvenating atmosphere. After your hike, the convenience of having Malibu Seafood nearby offers a perfect opportunity to refuel with fresh seafood. Reddit This combination of natural beauty and local amenities makes it a popular spot for both locals and tourists looking for a taste of the Malibu lifestyle. TikTok

While the park is known for its coastal views, it's important to note that it's distinct from other Malibu attractions like those with caves. Instagram The Sara Wan Trailhead focuses on the open coastal trails and the expansive views they provide. Instagram

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