Malibu Creek State Park

Malibu Creek State Park has a rich history, once inhabited by the native Chumash people. Archaeologists have uncovered the site of their village, Talepop, in the park’s northeast corner. The Chumash were known for their redwood canoes, used to travel the coastline.

In 1900, wealthy Los Angeles businessmen founded the Crags Country Club, acquiring 2,000 acres along Malibu Creek. They built a dam in 1903, creating a lake later named Century Lake by 20th Century Fox. The Crags Club Lodge was completed in 1910, and redwood trees were planted near the lake. The Rindge Dam, built in 1926, is also within the park. The Crags Country Club ceased operations in 1936, and the lodge was demolished in 1955.

Most of the park’s land was donated by Bob Hope, with additional parcels previously owned by Paramount Pictures and 20th Century Fox. Part of the former 20th Century Fox Ranch was purchased from Ronald Reagan in 1966. Additional parcels have been connected by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and National Recreation Area.

In 2014, the Cameron Nature Preserve in Puerco Canyon was acquired, creating a contiguous block of public parkland from Malibu Creek State Park to Corral Canyon Park. The 703-acre property was purchased from director James Cameron.

In 2018, the Woolsey Fire burned and destroyed substantial portions of the park, including the Reagan Ranch and the Fox Ranch.

Accessibility Note: There is a parking lot with handicap spaces, and the restrooms are accessible. While our normal route is not particularly easy, it might be manageable with a rugged wheelchair. The main road is wide but mostly dirt. However, we occasionally take a shorter morning route through the campground area. If someone in a wheelchair wishes to join us — and we warmly invite their participation — we can adjust our routine to accommodate this route.