Circle X Ranch

Tucked in the canyons above Malibu and nestled below majestic Boney Mountain, you will find Circle X Ranch. This former Boy Scout camp offers many opportunities for exploration and leisure.

Hike one of the many trails that wind through this rare coastal Mediterranean ecosystem. Experience our chaparral plant community and look for red shank chamise, a tree-like shrub with reddish-brown bark, clusters of thread-like leaves and small bunches of white flowers that bloom in July and August. Keep an eye out for blue-bellied lizards and scrub jays during the daytime, and gray foxes and bats at twilight.

You can journey to Sandstone Peak, the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains, or hike down the Happy Hollow Loop Trail, enjoying a creek-side picnic at Oak Grove.

Activities

• Hiking
• Picnicking
• Climbing
• Mountain Biking
• Horseback Riding
• Dog walking
• Wildlife Viewing

Directions

12896 Yerba Buena Road, Malibu, CA, 90265
GPS Coordinates: N 34.1100 W -118.9374
Circle X Ranger Station: Pacific Coast Hwy to Yerba Buena Rd. Turn inland; go 5.4 miles to Circle X Ranch contact station.
Sandstone Peak Trailhead: 1 mile north of Circle X Ranch contact station on Yerba Buena Rd. Parking lot is on left.
Mishe Mokwa Trailhead: 1.75 miles north of the Circle X contact station along Yerba Buena Road. Parking lot is on right.

Site Map

Circle X Ranch

Good to Know

Parking	Yes
Restrooms	Yes
Water	Yes	Bring enough water on very warm days.
Pets	Yes	Dogs are allowed but must remain on a leash at all times. Please pick­ up after your dog.
Accessibility	No	Parking lots and trails are unpaved. Moderate to strenuous trails, and steep trails.
Cell Service	No	Depends on cell service provider. Unreliable cell service in the backcountry.

Stop by our ranger station located at Circle X Ranch. It is a great place to ask about hiking and spending time in the backcountry.