Hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Santa Monica Mountains, CA, please refer to the California State website and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

What you get on this adventure:

• • An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  • A half or full day of hiking depending on your chosen itinerary
  • Snacks and lunch (only for the full-day hiking adventure)

What’s not included:

• • Transportation to the trailhead

The best thing about hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains is that there are incredible options for all skill levels. For beginner hikes, if you can walk for a few hours with little elevation gain, you are good to go! Intermediate hikes will see a little more change in elevation and hikes will start to increase in length, hiking anywhere between four to eight miles. Advanced hikes are full-day treks with steep descents and challenging switchbacks. Keep in mind, the weather in summer can be very hot and you’ll also be packing a daypack filled with water and other things you’ll need throughout the day.

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

• • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag)
  • Hiking poles — optional
  • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  • Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
  • Sunhat
  • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera — optional (but recommended)

Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Group sizes and prices:

• • For these private tours, the maximum client to guide ratio is 6:1.
  • The cost per person decreases as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to hike with friends and family!

Hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:

• • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

To get to the Santa Monica Mountains, most people fly into Los Angeles International Airport, which is about an hour away. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service.

Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, very often at the Zuma Canyon. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group prior to the adventure.