By Rosy Banks
Staff Writer
The stress of class and commitments at Pepperdine can make us forget the rolling hills, pristine ocean and unique wildlife surrounding us in Malibu. We live in one of the most beautiful places on earth, founded on a nature-oriented surf atmosphere, yet many of us have not explored the amazing environment that lays just beyond our campus boundaries.
One of the most beautiful hikes in the western United States is but a few miles from Malibu. Ocean views and sandstone cliffs can be seen exclusively near this area, offering well-maintained trails that are the stuff of dreams for many hikers.
“Right now the wildflower season is starting and the early June gloom may be leaving us,” Park Ranger Ken Low said. “Hiking is a nice break away from studying and now is a better time than ever to get outside.”
The Mishe Mokwa Trail contains sandstone peaks, streams and 360-degree views, and is one of the most highly recommended trails in southern California, according to Jim Zuber, founder of localhikes.com. Zuber created the Web site in order to provide information about trails across the United States, and has tracked more than 90 trails in Southern California.
Luckily, the Mishe Mokwa Trail lies just minutes away from Pepperdine. Highlights of the trail include the Echo Cliffs, a rock climber’s haven of shear cliffs and boulders and Inspiration Point, a high sandstone cliff with unbelievable panoramic views.
Rated the best hike in Los Angeles in 2003 by L.A. Weekly, Mishe Mokwa’s views are said to be legendary. The trail is around six miles round trip and the hike should take about three-and-a-half hours, so be ready to take your time, perhaps enjoying lunch and a book at the top of your journey. It’s filled with tough climbs, so you must work for the spectacular views.
Low had some advice for hikers on this potentially dangerous trail.
“Always hike with a partner or at least let someone know where you are going,” he said.
The trailhead lies one mile east of Circle X Ranch, on Yerba Buena Road in Malibu. It is a well-maintained loop, but if hiked in the summer it can get very hot, so come prepared.
“Carry water … and drink it. Don’t just carry it,” Low said.
For a trail a little less intimidating, adventure to Solstice Canyon Loop, which is relatively flat when compared to Mishe Mokwa’s drastic ascents. Instead of peaks, hikers will find a 30-foot waterfall, mansion ruins and ocean views of the Pacific. Only three miles roundtrip, this is a trail any hiker can enjoy.
Located in Solstice Creek State Park, the trail is marked the Rising Sun trail and can be hiked comfortably even during high heat waves in the summer, when most trails are roasting. The start heads up a ridge to panoramic views of the ocean, then drops through shaded foliage into ruins and a waterfall collectively named the Tropical Terrace. Solstice Creek offers a variety of other trials as well, offering numerous potential adventures.
“There are at least 30 spectacular hikes within 15 miles of the campus,” Zuber said. “If you enjoy the outdoors, and want a peaceful interlude from the stress of studying, this is the perfect outlet.”
Another trail contains volcanic walls, reflecting pools, a picturesque lake and is an easy hike for explorers of all levels. The Century Lake Trail in Malibu Creek is a well-maintained, easy hike that’s only about 3.5 miles roundtrip. If you venture past Century Lake, you’ll end up at the filming site of the old “M*A*S*H” television show.
Zuber said one of the most fascinating things about the Century Lake Trail is “the diversity of terrain in such close proximity and the interesting movie background of some locations. ‘Planet of the Apes’ was also filmed at Malibu Creek State Park.”
Malibu Creek State Park lies just through the canyon on Las Virgenes Road, just before the Highway 101 exit. After crossing Mulholland Road, the park entrance will like on your right. Bring cash though, because rangers charge a meager parking fee to support the pristine wilderness that awaits.
Submitted April 1, 2004
