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Still green water of the Rock Pool beneath pocketed volcanic cliffs at Malibu Creek

Santa Monica Mountains

Malibu Creek State Park

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Photo: Connar L'Ecuyer / National Park Service (Public domain)

Steep, pocketed volcanic walls above a creek-carved gorge. The classic LA crag.

About Malibu Creek State Park

Tucked into the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains, Malibu Creek is one of LA's classic sport crags. Bands of pocketed volcanic rock line the creek gorge around the famous Rock Pool, with sycamores overhead and the Goat Buttes on the skyline. It's only 45 minutes from downtown but feels a world away.

Much of the climbing here is steep and pumpy in the 5.10–5.12 range, which makes it a great step up for gym climbers. The Planet of the Apes Wall has bolted top anchors and classic 5.10–5.11 top-ropes, and first-timers start on slabbier walls like Toddler Terrace and the Stumbling Blocks, a little farther up the canyon, where the moderates are perfect for learning.

Highlights

  • Iconic pocketed volcanic rock
  • Bolted top-rope anchors on the Planet of the Apes Wall
  • Beautiful creek-side setting by the Rock Pool
  • Great for gym climbers trying real rock

Good for

  • Gym climbers
  • Intermediate climbers
  • First-timers
  • Full days

Classic easier routes

Toddler Terrace 5.7s (Banana Phone, Bunny Hop), Grabnabber (5.8), Grape Ape (5.9)

Your guide picks routes on the day to suit your group, the conditions and how busy the walls are.

Access and permits

Access
Day-use fee per vehicle (we cover one carpool vehicle). The pockets stay wet for 2–3 days after rain, and the park can close on Red Flag fire-weather days, so we check conditions the evening before.
Permits
California State Parks requires a permit for any commercial activity in the park.

We only guide where we're authorized. We follow the land manager's rules on group size, closures and fire weather. If weather, fire danger or a closure means we have to cancel, you get a full refund or a free reschedule (see our cancellation policy).

Sources and further reading

Access changes often, with fires, storms and closures all common. Check the land manager's alerts before you go.

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