Ocean Vista Trail

The Ocean Vista Trail at Leo Carrillo State Park loops above the Pacific Coast Highway along coastal bluffs that reveal spectacular views of the Malibu coastline, sea caves at the base of the cliffs, and dramatic natural tidal arches carved by centuries of wave action into the sandstone bedrock. The trail climbs from the beach campground through native chaparral to a ridgeline that presents a sweeping panorama from Point Mugu in the west to Point Dume in the east, encompassing one of the most iconic stretches of Southern California coastline. The sea caves below are accessible at low tide and have appeared in numerous Hollywood films, reflecting the park status as one of the most-filmed locations in California. Coast live oaks provide welcome shade along the upper portions of the loop, and the chaparral understory blooms with golden yarrow, sticky monkeyflower, and purple sage during the spring season. Coastal scrub habitat along the bluff edge supports loggerhead shrikes, California thrashers, and Bewick wrens year-round, while migrating hawks use the ridgeline as a corridor during fall raptor migration. The moderate rating reflects a sustained climb on the outbound leg that becomes a pleasant ridgeline stroll before the descent. The trail can be combined with a beach walk through the sea cave tunnel at low tide for a more comprehensive experience of the park remarkable coastal scenery.