Sandstone to Ray Miller Trail
Breathtaking coastal hike in Malibu with stunning ocean vistas and rolling hills, offering a rewarding escape into nature.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildflowers and cooler temps
Sandstone to Ray Miller Trail
Best Time
Wildflowers and cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Breathtaking coastal hike in Malibu with stunning ocean vistas and rolling hills, offering a rewarding escape into nature.
"Absolutely incredible views. You'll see rolling hills, wildflowers, and ocean vistas galore."
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Essential for this sunny trail; hydration is key!
☀️ Sun Protection is a Must
Little to no shade, so sunscreen and hats are vital.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Ocean Vistas
Soak in sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged Malibu coastline. The scenery is absolutely beautiful.
Rolling Hill Landscapes
Explore undulating hills dotted with wildflowers, offering a picturesque natural setting. Spring is a great time to witness nature's bloom.
Ray Miller Backbone Trail
This popular section offers a good distance with significant altitude gain, perfect for a challenging yet rewarding hike.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Malibu Coastline
Parking and Trailhead Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Essential for this sunny trail; hydration is key!
☀️ Sun Protection is a Must
Little to no shade, so sunscreen and hats are vital.
🐍 Watch for Wildlife
Be aware of your surroundings, especially for snakes.
🅿️ Parking Options
Free PCH parking or paid lot ($8/day).
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Essential for this sunny trail; hydration is key!
☀️ Sun Protection is a Must
Little to no shade, so sunscreen and hats are vital.
🐍 Watch for Wildlife
Be aware of your surroundings, especially for snakes.
🅿️ Parking Options
Free PCH parking or paid lot ($8/day).
📶 No Cell Signal
Download maps beforehand; service is unreliable.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the absolutely incredible views, with rolling hills, wildflowers, and ocean vistas galore. It's considered a favorite hiking spot in Southern California due to its beauty and relative lack of crowds. Some note the remote nature means no signal, and advise bringing water and sunscreen, while also being aware of snakes.
"Absolutely incredible views. You'll see rolling hills, wildflowers, and ocean vistas galore. This is definitely one of my favorite hiking spots in southern California. There are remarkably few people since it's fairly remote. That also means there's no signal, so be prepared!
Water and restrooms are at the trailhead. Park on PCH for free or in the lot for a fee."
Christopher Roman
"It’s a slow incline and very easy to hike up there. I found it very enjoyable."
Felix Franco
"Awesome trail, 5 miles up and down, takes about 2.5 hours. Gorgeous view, bring water and sunscreen. Watch out for SNAKES!
Parking fee 3/hr or 8 all day, recommend all day! You can use the same ticket on nearby trails."
Joe Qiao
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is located off the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in Malibu. You can park for free along the PCH or use the paid parking lot at the trailhead.
Public transportation options to this specific trailhead are limited. Driving is the most common way to access the trail.
Look for signs indicating the Ray Miller Trail or Point Mugu State Park along the PCH. GPS coordinates can also be helpful.
Yes, the Ray Miller Backbone Trail is a popular section, and there are various access points within Point Mugu State Park.
Absolutely! The drive along the PCH offers stunning coastal views, making the journey part of the experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can park for free along the PCH. The official trailhead lot has a fee, typically $3/hour or $8 for all day.
Often, the all-day parking ticket can be used for nearby trails within Point Mugu State Park.
The trail itself is generally free to access. The primary cost is for parking if you choose the designated lot.
The parking lot is typically open from sunrise to sunset, but it's always a good idea to check official park information for the most current hours.
Advance reservations for day parking are usually not available. It's first-come, first-served.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The trail is generally considered moderate, with a slow incline and not too steep gradients, making it enjoyable for many hikers.
A common route is about 5 miles up and down, taking approximately 2.5 hours to complete.
There is very little shade on the trail, so sun protection is crucial.
Yes, restrooms are available at the trailhead.
Expect incredible rolling hills, potential wildflowers, and stunning ocean vistas.
📸 📸 Photography
Anywhere with a clear view of the ocean and rolling hills! The overlooks and higher points offer the most dramatic backdrops.
Definitely! The golden hour light can create magical scenes with the coastal landscape. +1
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. Consider a telephoto lens for details of the coastline or wildlife.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. Be mindful of other hikers and avoid disturbing wildlife.
Drone usage is often restricted in state parks. Check the official Point Mugu State Park regulations before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Pack extra snacks and water, as there are no facilities on the trail itself.
🏃♀️ Runners and Fitness Enthusiasts
Many runners appreciate the challenging yet scenic nature of the trail.
📸 Photographers and Nature Lovers
Best times for photography are sunrise and sunset, when the light is soft and dramatic.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails
Key trails include the Backbone Trail, which offers consistent, moderate inclines, and the Sandstone Trail, which can be incorporated for a varied experience. The terrain is mostly well-maintained dirt paths, suitable for most hiking abilities.
Consider starting your hike early in the morning to avoid the midday sun and potentially catch the beautiful coastal fog rolling in.
Capturing the Malibu Magic
Golden hour—sunrise and sunset—is particularly spectacular here. The soft, warm light illuminates the landscape, casting long shadows and creating a dramatic atmosphere.
Be prepared for the bright California sun. While it enhances the colors, it can also lead to harsh shadows. Visiting during the 'blue hour' just after sunset or before sunrise can offer softer light and a more ethereal feel.
Planning Your Visit: Practicalities
Parking offers flexibility: free roadside parking along the PCH is available, or you can opt for the paid lot at the trailhead for convenience. The day-use fee is reasonable and can sometimes be applied to other nearby park trails.
While the trail is generally well-maintained, awareness of local wildlife, including snakes, is important.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit