Dog-Friendly Trails: Charmlee Wilderness Park
View from the trails
It seems fitting that the first post for this blog would be of one of our favorite hikes to take during any season. Charmlee Wilderness Park is incredibly dog-friendly with lots of intersecting trails to explore.
Charmlee Wilderness Park
Unlike some of the other trails in Malibu, Charmlee Wilderness Park still seems to be somewhat of a secret spot. Despite the occasional influencer trying to get their perfect shot at one of the lookout points (you’ll know ‘em when you see ‘em), you can often find yourself alone on the trails for long stretches. In fact, I think we see more dogs than people here. I almost hesitate to write anything that might change it, but I also know hidden gems don’t stay hidden forever.
Taking a hiking break
The great thing about coming here is that you can make the trails as long or short as you’d like by choosing different paths and terrain. The map near the parking lot can be a bit confusing, so it's advisable to familiarize yourself with the general layout before your visit. Cell reception can be unreliable near the park, making it challenging to rely on navigation apps.
I have given many confused hikers directions, but it is hard to get too lost given everything connects at various points. If you have any sense of direction, you’ll probably be fine and you can always use the ocean as your guide.
As with most trails out here, there is a sign near the parking lot warning you of rattlesnakes in the area. I only mention it because of all of the trails I’ve hiked out west, this is the only spot where I encountered one in the middle of the trail. The snake didn’t seem to care that I was there—he was really quite calm and a beautiful creature in his own right—and I let him decide where he wanted to go, which was (thankfully!) back into the shrubs from which he emerged.
Things to keep in mind
These signs are in the parking lot, but don’t let them discourage you from hitting the trails.
We did not have our dog with us that time, but it’s definitely made me more cautious when walking with him. This is especially true when you hit points where the trail narrows during seasons when the overgrowth is thick. You can look into rattlesnake vaccines as a precaution. The second time Archer received one, though, he had a reaction to it and the vet advised we not continue, so it hasn’t been an option for us.
I think the risk is still generally low if you keep your dog close to you, stay on the trail, and take extra caution around rocks and brush. Dogs should be on a leash anyway. In addition to the snakes, I have seen the occasional coyote roaming out in the fields. They didn’t seem to pay attention to my dog, but a smaller pet might be of more interest. As with most places, just be aware and respect the wildlife.
One of the many lookout points in Charmlee
The drive to Charmlee Wilderness Park takes you up winding roads regardless of which direction you’re coming from. It’s also worth mentioning that the entrance is on what I’d consider a nearly blind curve, so be careful about oncoming traffic when turning in.
Ready, Set, Know
Address: 2577 Encinal Canyon Rd, Malibu, CA 90265
Parking Hours: 8 AM - Sunset
Admission: Free
Dogs Allowed: Yes, on a leash
Restrooms: Yes, permanent facilities with running water
Water: Yes, there is a refill fountain at the Carmichael and Botany Trail split
Picnic Tables: Yes, there are several tables near the parking lot and by the refill fountain
Other Malibu Hikes
If you’re in the area and looking for other places to consider along the PCH (or not too far from it), here’s a quick roundup of some other dog-friendly hikes nearby.
Tuna Canyon offers some fantastic ocean views and open space. The parking “lot” is really made up of just a few spaces to pull in along the road leading to it, so you can find yourself out of luck if you hit it at the wrong time.
Solstice Canyon used to be a spot for mostly locals but that isn’t the case these days. There are a few parking spots at the entrance and a larger lot closer to the main trailhead. It does fill up fast! People also park along the road on the hill overlooking the PCH.
Escondido Falls is another trail that has a tiny parking lot that fills up fast. You can also park along the PCH. The falls are sometimes non-existent depending on the rain we’ve had. If the falls are running, be prepared to cross several creeks that can be a bit treacherous with your dog depending on HOW much rain has fallen.
Zuma Ridge Trail is a very long trail that is mostly exposed, so I’d recommend this for only cooler temps as it can be a lot of sun for your pup. Bring lots of water for you both, even if you’re only planning on doing part of it.
Corral Canyon Loop (Sara Wan Trailhead) shares a pay lot with Malibu Seafood. The trail has a lot of switchbacks and not much in the way of shade. Much like Zuma Ridge, I’d recommend it during cooler temps and times of day. Also, parts of the trail have eroded and can be a little tricky to navigate, so keep an eye on your pet to avoid any trips or falls.
Driving the PCH
Nearby Eats
If you’ve worked up an appetite from your hike, there are a few dog-friendly places to consider along the PCH. We have been to all of them still dressed in our dusty hiking gear without a second glance from anyone.
Malibu Brewing Company is a casual sit-down brewery with good food and a lively outdoor patio. Though it hasn’t been around that long, it’s become a favorite stop of ours. Fair warning, there is usually a wait to get an outdoor seat since it’s pretty popular with locals, too. You might even spot a celeb or two.
Spruzzo Restaurant and Bar has an upstairs patio with a view of Zuma Beach and Italian food. Since the brewery opened, we haven’t spent as much time here, but it’s a decent option if you’re looking for something with a view.
OLLO is another semi-casual restaurant with a large patio and a pretty solid bar. This place can get busy during brunch and lunch hours. The menu is pretty large with something for everyone.
Caffe Luxxe is a friendly coffee spot with some baked goods and sandwiches (until they sell out) and pet-friendly seating out back. Coffee is solid and we can usually find a spot to sit outside.
The Country Kitchen is a walk-up stand with a few seats in the parking lot. They have a surprisingly large menu with everything from breakfast burritos to buffalo burgers. Eat there or take it with you to have a picnic at one of the benches in Charmlee.
The Reel Inn has been around for a long time. Their sign, with its daily ocean-themed puns, can’t be missed from the road. The food is a little hit or miss, but people mainly come for the atmosphere. The second back patio outside allows for dogs and is accessed through the large fence off to the side of the building.
The Reel Inn and its famous sign
