Epic Travel → North America → The West Coast → Southern California → Los Angeles Area → Point Dume

Location: Santa Monica Mountains Area, West of Los Angeles

Time Required: 4 hours

Red Tape/Notes: Open sunrise to sunset; no fee required to use the area, but there is a $5 fee to park in the parking area (you can also park outside and you’ll just have a slightly further walk). For additional information on the area’s climbing routes, check out the Mountain Project page.

What’s Nearby?: Malibu Creek State Park, Echo Cliffs, Hueco Wall, The Grotto, Paradise Falls

Most people come here for the beach – the beach is nice and the surfing and swimming are pretty reasonable, and you can watch for grey whales during the migration period (December to April). You’ll be rewarded with great views if you hike to the top of the ancient coastal bluff sand dune (aka, the top of a big hill). None of these is why we came here – the real reason this place is interesting is because it’s a really easy spot to take beginners (or visiting family/friends) for some extremely scenic climbing. It has an absurdly brief approach and the west wall has 5 low-angle easy top rope climbs (5.6 – 5.9). Around the corner, on the wall facing the ocean, you can find some harder routes (10a/b-ish). And, if you’re really lucky like we were, you’ll find yourself in the midst of a photo shoot, with models climbing in 4 inch stilettos. God bless Los Angeles.

Epic Travel → North America → The West Coast → Southern California → Los Angeles Area → Point Dume