Day Hikes Through the Santa Monica Mountains

The Santa Monica Mountains are a famous stretch of mountains that line southern California, and are famous amongst hikers, climbers, and floral/fauna photographers. A large number of tourist visit the Santa Monica Mountains every year, with the majority of them looking for simple day hikes.

If you're planning a vista to the Santa Monica Mountains, a day trip is a great way to see the mountains without having to pack a large amount of camping equipment and without having to stay over night. Below is a list of different day trip's available throughout the expanse of the mountain range.

Arroyo Sequit Loop Trail - 2 miles

The Arroyo Sequit Loop Trail is a two mile hike through a small area of wilderness near the Mulholland highway, and only takes a hour or two to walk through at a leisurely pace. It is covered in lush plant life and offers a nice scenic view of different types of trees and flowers.

The trail is called the loop trail because it twists and turns around series of meadows and at one point is dips far down through a canyon that was slowly created from headwater from the Arroyo Sequit, the source of the trails name.

Depending on the season you go, you'll find a full waterfall to enjoy. There are also picnic areas for anyone looking to have a calming lunch in the midst of an open meadow or nice plant life.

Backbone Trail - 5 miles

A longer trail for those a looking for a bit more excursion, the Backbone trail at Zuma canyon is a five mile hiking path. The trail connects all of the parks and preserves within the Santa Monica Mountains National Park, allowing hikers to easily visit all of the parks and preserves without difficult traveling.

This hike is strenuous and should only be taken by those physically capable of walking a difficult line. There are a number of fun features you'll come across the this hike, including various-sized swimming holes for a hikers pleasure, and a wide array of boulders to look at and enjoy. Be sure to carry a pack with hiking essentials, and wear sturdy hiking boots that brace your ankles.

Calabasas Peak Trail - 4 miles