Los Leones Canyon Trailhead

This hike is halfway between Santa Monica and Malibu. When we have friends come to town, we take them here on the first or second day; from the top, you get amazing views of downtown and a good sense of perspective of the city. There’s something about the rhythm of hiking that starts to slow the mind down a bit and allows you to have more clarity. This is the kind of place that really only locals know. You can walk for 20, 30 minutes and not see another person. Aim for sunrise or sunset to appreciate the view and avoid the heat.