>> Back to Nicholas Flat Trail -- Nicholas Flat Trail: Hiking Trail Guide
8 miles
1800 feet gain
5/10
Malibu ,CA (90264) 30.55 miles from you Weather Map
From the west end of the Santa Monica Freeway in Santa Monica, head up-coast on Pacific Coast Highway about 25 miles to Leo Carrillo State Beach.. The signed Nicholas Flat Trailhead is located a short distance past the park entry kiosk, opposite the day use parking area.
Although there is not much shade on this hike, the ocean views and spring wildflowers are spectacular. A perfect place for a picnic is Nicholas Pond, which I found to be very beautiful. For the more adventurous, take the rough trail around the pond and peak over the rocks on the far side of the pond for a view of some stunning cliffs and the far off ocean. The first 3 miles of the trail is a steady upward march of about 1600 foot, so make sure you are in shape for this hike.
The topo map shows a slightly longer route than shown in the hiking books, taking a route that traverses the west portion of the flat.