Malibu Creek Basecamp: A Family Rock Climbing + Camping Adventure
Looking for a first overnight trip that blends adventure with simplicity? Malibu Creek delivered. With an easy hike-in, beginner-friendly climbing routes, and creekside camping under the stars, this trip had all the ingredients for a perfect family escape. No cell service, no rush, just boulders to scramble, trails to explore, and tired, happy kids at the end of the day.
ROCK CLIMBING ADVENTURES IN MALIBU, CALIF.
🪖 Get Out & Go
This hike-in basecamp is all about easy access and big payoff. No tram, no long haul—just a short, scenic walk into open space. Expect scramble-worthy rock formations, grassy meadows for running wild, and a quick stroll to the old MASH filming site (the rusted vehicles are a hit with kids). Start at the ranger station for maps and Junior Ranger badges before heading in.
Wildlife Watch
Bring binoculars—hawks and vultures circle overhead, and you might spot deer at dusk or hear coyotes at night.
🗒️ Trip Planning
🏕 Basecamp
✍️ Trip Report
Malibu Creek is an ideal half-day adventure for families curious about outdoor climbing. The hike in is easy and scenic, framed by golden cliffs and oak trees, with plenty of room for kids to explore.
We set up a casual base near the creek, then made the short walk to the Planet of the Apes wall. Beginner-friendly routes—especially with a guide—make climbing approachable, while kids scramble on nearby boulders, play by the water, and cheer between climbs.
A few hours later, we packed up happy, dusty, and energized—just enough adventure to feel accomplished without overdoing it.
ROCK CLIMBING — MALIBU, CALIF
HIKING BY MALIBU CREEK
THE KIDS HAVING A GREAT TIME ROCK CLIMBING
HIKING
🌱 Seed Planting
This trip sparks so much more than an interest in the outdoors. It introduces young adventurers to climbing in a place that's wild yet accessible. It encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and the joy of trying something new. Next up? Maybe a lead climbing course or a longer backcountry route.
⛰️ Trailblazer Essentials
Small daypack for your kid (they’ll want to carry something!)
Sleeping pad + real pillow
📍 Local Favorites
Cornell Wine Co.
Old Place Cornell Country Store
Malibu Creek Rock Pool
Topanga State Park trails