Derek Sedam
Assistant Online Editor
“Here lie the gates of hell” — quite an imposing statement to the destination of a hike, but the hellish entrance into the Corral Canyon cave is one of the many exciting features the area has to offer.
For Pepperdine students, it has been almost of rite of passage to see the cave before concluding their stays in Malibu. It’s on the “bucket-list,” along with surfing or a night on the town in Hollywood. But, students might know the cave by the famous names and stories attached to it and the various rumors surrounding the area.
The Doors’ Jim Morrison frequented the cave to find solace from the everyday rock star life he lived out on Sunset Strip. A few of his lyrics can be found in the cave, the inside of which has also been completely painted over and sculpted by others.
This was also the origin of last year’s Corral Canyon fire that burned 4,900 acres and destroyed 53 homes beyond repair. For centuries, before any celebrities or trouble started to occur, the natural cave was used by the Tongva Indians for religious practices.
Charles Manson and his “family” also roamed the area throughout the late 1960s.
It’s this combination of mystery and beauty make outdoor adventurers flock to the area every weekend. If no other hikers are in the cave, they can likely be found at the many other unique rock formations found throughout the area, accessible by meandering trails.
“I love to run up there and get a nice breath of fresh air on top of the world,” said senior and former cross country runner Tim Hatters. “The entire rock formation is a couple of square miles, so you can always stumble across another path, which leads you deeper into the park.”
The cave is located at the end of Corral Canyon Road in Malibu Creek State Park, a 20-minute drive from campus that features stunning views of the fire-charred canyon below and the Pacific Ocean.
The entrance to the canyon road is only two miles north of campus on Pacific Coast Highway right before the Union 76 gas station.
Before making the long and windy trek to the top of Corral, stop by the 340-acre Solstice Canyon Park. The 2.5 mile loop trail in the park climbs through undeveloped wilderness to the Puerco Canyon watershed, where giant oak trees and seasonal waterfalls give way to spectacular ocean views.
After the short hike at the bottom, head to the top of Corral Canyon, where fire roads and dirt paths lead to a bundle of rock formations and smaller caves. The site gives a breathtaking glimpse of Agoura Hills and Malibu.
Accessing the main cave is quick and simple. A short mile hike along the main fire road brings you to a “Do Not Enter” sign— which tells you exactly where to go — where the famous “birth canal” awaits.
“It’s not your typical cave,” said senior Brenden Rhead. “It’s hidden off the path, and the entrance is menacing. ‘Here lies the gates of hell’ as you enter? Doesn’t get any better than that.”
Sadly, even those who have a severe case of claustrophobia must squeeze through in order to get a glimpse inside. Stay low — like trying to tackle Gary Coleman — and one can see the compressed granite walls around are actually a lot wider than they first seem.
The all-seeing-eye (a depression in the cave wall that was painted) greets visitors out of the “canal” upon entering, revealing an unbelievable view of Malibou Lake — a private community off Mulholland Drive — and as far the eye can see north.
“The best time to see the panoramic views from Morrison’s cave are at sunset and sunrise,” Rhead said. “It’s a great chance to see what else lies beyond Malibu.”
The cave walls have suffered significant smoke damage from illegal bonfires, but take the time to look at the carvings and illustrations former dwellers etched. Some students have been bold enough to add paintings in the alcove.
In accordance with, state park regulations, visitors are not allowed anywhere in the park at night, due to the history of illegal bonfires in the caves.
The top of Corral Canyon has much to offer. From endless hikes and running trails to amazing views and rock formations, Pepperdine students can take advantage of all there is to offer at the top of our world in Malibu.
09-04-2008