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Zuma and Trancas Canyons in Malibu | Map and Routes

5 (40 ratings)

Discover the natural beauty of Zuma and Trancas Canyons in Malibu, a sprawling 6775.9-acre park that offers an ideal setting for walking and hiking enthusiasts. With a variety of trails ...

Discover the natural beauty of Zuma and Trancas Canyons in Malibu, a sprawling 6775.9-acre park that offers an ideal setting for walking and hiking enthusiasts. With a variety of trails catering to different skill levels, this park provides the perfect opportunity for outdoor activity and exploration. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, the park's diverse landscapes and well-maintained trails make it a haven for walking and hiking enthusiasts. As you venture through Zuma and Trancas Canyons, you'll encounter an array of captivating routes, including the popular Backbone Trail, Zuma Canyon Trail, Zuma Ridge Motorway, and Backbone Trail - Zuma Canyon. Each trail offers its own unique blend of scenic vistas, ranging from coastal views to lush canyons. With options like these, hikers and walkers can embark on memorable journeys that showcase the natural splendor of Malibu. The park's well-marked routes, combined with its peaceful surroundings, make it an inviting destination for outdoor activity. For walkers and hikers seeking a comprehensive resource for park and route information, the Pacer Pedometer app is a valuable tool. By downloading Pacer Pedometer, you can access detailed insights into the park's routes, distances, and estimated times, empowering you to plan and track your walking and hiking activities with ease. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a casual walker, Zuma and Trancas Canyons in Malibu promise an enriching experience amidst breathtaking natural landscapes, inviting you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the great outdoors.

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Reviews (7)
Photos (7)

Walking and Hiking in Zuma and Trancas Canyons

Zuma and Trancas Canyons in Malibu offer an incredible setting for walking and hiking enthusiasts. The park is a haven for those seeking outdoor activity, with its well-maintained trails and stunning natural beauty. Whether you are an avid hiker or simply enjoy a leisurely walk, this park has something to ...

Zuma and Trancas Canyons in Malibu offer an incredible setting for walking and hiking enthusiasts. The park is a haven for those seeking outdoor activity, with its well-maintained trails and stunning natural beauty. Whether you are an avid hiker or simply enjoy a leisurely walk, this park has something to suit everyone's needs. The park provides essential amenities such as multiple parking lots, picnic sites, and restrooms, ensuring visitors have a comfortable and convenient experience. While walking or hiking through the park, you will be treated to breathtaking viewpoints that offer unparalleled vistas of the surrounding natural landscape. With its ample amenities and captivating natural features, Zuma and Trancas Canyons in Malibu are the ideal destination for anyone seeking an enriching outdoor experience.

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Other Info about Zuma and Trancas Canyons

Websitehttps://www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/zumatrancascanyons.htm

Essential Amenities in Zuma and Trancas Canyons

phonePicnic Site
phoneRestroom
phoneParking lot

Best Walking Routes in Zuma and Trancas Canyons

#1 - Backbone Trail
4
Length: 3.5 milesEst. Time: 59m

Backbone Trail is a 3.5 mile (8,000-step) route located near Malibu, California, USA. This route has an elevation gain of about 711.8 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

route
#2 - Zuma Canyon Trail
3
Length: 3.8 milesEst. Time: 1h22m

Zuma Canyon Trail is a 3.8 mile (8,500-step) route located near Malibu, California, USA. This route has an elevation gain of about 961 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

route
#3 - Zuma Ridge Motorway
1
Length: 6 milesEst. Time: 1h57m

Zuma Ridge Motorway is a 6 mile (14,000-step) route located near Malibu, California, USA. This route has an elevation gain of about 1226.7 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

route
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Reviews of Zuma and Trancas Canyons

5/5
40 ratings
LindaJul 27, 2025
5

This is one of my favorite hiking trails… When you park there’s two trails one is for a Ridge Canyon and the other one is Zuma Ridge, I like Zuma Ridge because it’s mainly incline but with beautiful constant views of the ocean… The incline is not tough neither, it’s just pretty casual type of incline. The other one goes down into the mountain valley and then up incline so depends what you’re looking for.

Patricia LynnOct 6, 2020
5

This trail is almost all uphill. About 2 miles. It’s a good challenge. We want to go all six miles up but, this time it was really hot. We decided this hike needs to start early. After, we go to the beach and jump in the water

RobertoAug 16, 2021
5

Lots of bushes and wildlife. Nice views. Got here early to avoid the sun. Great workout!

See All Reviews (7)
See All Reviews (7)

Zuma and Trancas Canyons Leaderboard

RankingCheck-ins
Alex
6
David
4
Sara
2
4Henry
2
5Justin
2
6
2
7Linda
1
8icemenlax
1
9margo.lane
1
106lana12
1
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Nearby Parks
Trancas Canyon Park
Rocky Oaks
Charmlee Wilderness Park
La Sierra Preserve
La Sierra Canyon Wetlands
Arroyo Sequit
Point Dume State Beach & Preserve
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
Solstice Canyon

FAQs About Zuma and Trancas Canyons

Where is the best place to walk in Zuma Canyon and Trancas Canyons in Malibu, United States?

The best place to walk in Zuma Canyon and Trancas Canyons in Malibu, United States is along the Zuma Ridge Motorway. This trail is highly recommended by the Pacer community with a rating of 4.0 and 1 review. It's a 6-mile trail that takes an estimated time of 1 hour and 43 minutes to complete.

How many routes are in Zuma Canyon and Trancas Canyons in Malibu, United States?

There are a total of 4 routes in Zuma Canyon and Trancas Canyons in Malibu, United States. These routes include the Backbone Trail, Zuma Canyon Trail, Zuma Ridge Motorway, and Backbone Trail - Zuma Canyon.

Which is the longest route in Zuma Canyon and Trancas Canyons in Malibu, United States?

The longest route in Zuma Canyon and Trancas Canyons in Malibu, United States is the Zuma Ridge Motorway. It is a 6-mile trail that offers stunning views and a great hiking experience, as recommended by the Pacer community.

Are there facilities or amenities for walkers/hikers in Zuma and Trancas Canyons in Malibu, United States?

Yes, there are essential amenities available for walkers and hikers in Zuma and Trancas Canyons, including parking lots, picnic sites, and restrooms.

How accessible is Zuma and Trancas Canyons in Malibu, United States?

Zuma and Trancas Canyons are accessible for walkers and hikers, with parking lots provided for convenience.

What kind of sports can I do in Zuma and Trancas Canyons in Malibu, United States?

In Zuma and Trancas Canyons, you can engage in activities such as walking, hiking, and picnicking to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

What is the best season to walk in Zuma and Trancas Canyons?

The best season to walk in Zuma and Trancas Canyons is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the landscape is lush and green.

What are the typical weather conditions to prepare for in Zuma and Trancas Canyons?

Visitors should prepare for warm and dry summers, with temperatures often reaching the upper 80s and 90s Fahrenheit. Winters are mild and can be wet, so it's important to check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.

What kind of wildlife might you encounter in Zuma and Trancas Canyons?

Zuma and Trancas Canyons are home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, coyotes, rabbits, and a diverse range of bird species. Visitors should be respectful of the wildlife and maintain a safe distance if encountered.

Last updated: Sep 1, 2025

Parks Near Zuma and Trancas Canyons

walking in Trancas Canyon Park map in Malibu
Trancas Canyon Park
walking in Rocky Oaks map in Malibu
Rocky Oaks
walking in Charmlee Wilderness Park map in Malibu
Charmlee Wilderness Park
walking in La Sierra Preserve map in Malibu
La Sierra Preserve
La Sierra Canyon Wetlands
Arroyo Sequit
Point Dume State Beach & Preserve
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
Solstice Canyon

Latest Check-ins at Zuma and Trancas Canyons

LindaJul 27, 2025
Jul 27, 2025Hiking
icemenlaxJun 12, 2025
Jun 12, 2025Walking
margo.laneJun 11, 2025
Jun 11, 2025Walking
6lana12Jun 8, 2025
Jun 8, 2025Walking
Alicia G. 高宇Feb 22, 2025
Feb 22, 2025Walking
LizDec 29, 2024
Dec 29, 2024Walking
Nov 29, 2024
Nov 29, 2024Walking
AlexApr 9, 2024
Apr 9, 2024Walking
AlexFeb 20, 2024
Feb 20, 2024Walking
AlexFeb 9, 2024
Feb 9, 2024Walking
*Latest check-in only shows the last 10 users. Only public activities are eligible. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.

Total Check-ins at Zuma and Trancas Canyons

RankingCheck-ins
Alex
6
David
4
Sara
2
4Henry
2
5Justin
2
6
2
7Linda
1
8icemenlax
1
9margo.lane
1
106lana12
1
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Best Walking Routes in Zuma and Trancas Canyons
#1- Backbone Trail
4
Length: 3.5 milesEst. Time: 59m

Backbone Trail is a 3.5 mile (8,000-step) route located near Malibu, California, USA. This route has an elevation gain of about 711.8 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#2- Zuma Canyon Trail
3
Length: 3.8 milesEst. Time: 1h22m

Zuma Canyon Trail is a 3.8 mile (8,500-step) route located near Malibu, California, USA. This route has an elevation gain of about 961 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#3- Zuma Ridge Motorway
1
Length: 6 milesEst. Time: 1h57m

Zuma Ridge Motorway is a 6 mile (14,000-step) route located near Malibu, California, USA. This route has an elevation gain of about 1226.7 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#4- Backbone Trail - Zuma Canyon
1
Length: 2.5 milesEst. Time: 43m

Backbone Trail - Zuma Canyon is a 2.5 mile (6,000-step) route located near Malibu, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 232.9 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#5- Backbone Trail - Encinal to Mulholland
1
Length: 1.1 milesEst. Time: 19m

Backbone Trail - Encinal to Mulholland is a 1.1 mile (2,500-step) route located near Malibu, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 213.2 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#6- Backbone Trail - Zuma Ridge Motorway
1
Length: 0.3 milesEst. Time: 5m

Backbone Trail - Zuma Ridge Motorway is a 0.3 mile (1,000-step) route located near Malibu, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#7- Backbone Trail - Mulholland to Etz Meloy
1
Length: 2.6 milesEst. Time: 45m

Backbone Trail - Mulholland to Etz Meloy is a 2.6 mile (6,000-step) route located near Malibu, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 616.6 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

Reviews of Zuma and Trancas Canyons

LindaJul 27, 2025
5

This is one of my favorite hiking trails… When you park there’s two trails one is for a Ridge Canyon and the other one is Zuma Ridge, I like Zuma Ridge because it’s mainly incline but with beautiful constant views of the ocean… The incline is not tough neither, it’s just pretty casual type of incline. The other one goes down into the mountain valley and then up incline so depends what you’re looking for.

Patricia LynnOct 6, 2020
5

This trail is almost all uphill. About 2 miles. It’s a good challenge. We want to go all six miles up but, this time it was really hot. We decided this hike needs to start early. After, we go to the beach and jump in the water

RobertoAug 16, 2021
5

Lots of bushes and wildlife. Nice views. Got here early to avoid the sun. Great workout!

PacerPalApr 16, 2023
5
VictorAug 5, 2022
5
ScottMar 25, 2022
5
SlavDec 1, 2021
5
5/5
40 ratings

Photos of Zuma and Trancas Canyons

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