Newton to Zuma Canyon Loop 9+ Miles (Conditioning Hike)

This will be a fast paced hike of around 9+ miles and hoping to finish in under 3.5 hours before dark.

This hike will start at Newton Canyon trailhead. We continue 2.5 miles to the Backbone Trail and take that up to Buzzards Roost and take a quick break.

From Buzzards Roost, we will drop down to Edison Road and take that all the way to the bottom of Zuma Canyon near the stream. We will cross the stream and then take the trail going straight up the mountain back to Newton Canyon. This section of the trail is little used and can be hard to follow so we will stay close on this section.

These hikes are afternoon conditioning hikes for people hiking at an intermediate level or above, and enjoying time outdoors with fun and friendly people sharing similar interests and fitness goals.

Our hike format emphasizes easy-to-access and scenic 5-12 mile Malibu-area conditioning routes with 1200-2500 foot elevation gains, a relatively fast pace with a single rest stop, and optional technique discussions and conditioning exercises (based on individual and group interest). Total hiking time is normally 2.5-3 hours.

We schedule our hikes as late in the day as the season allows, minimizing hiking in the dark while encouraging people with a variety of schedules to get one or more conditioning hikes in during the week and tune-up for bigger adventures.

Here is info on our scheduled hike…hope to see you there!

Newton to Zuma Canyon Loop

Hike Type: Conditioning

Level: Intermediate

Route Type: Loop

Distance: 10+ Miles

Elevation gain: 2,850+ feet

Terrain: Fire road & ridge trail

Dogs allowed: Yes

Route summary:

Essentials:

Please wear – brush-resistant pants, one or more wicking shirts appropriate to the temperature, comfortable hiking shoes or light boots, your favorite undergarments and accessories, and a light backpack. (On this hike, a long-sleeve shirt and eye protection are recommended to protect against overhanging brush.)

Please bring – at least two liters of water, snacks, an extra layer of clothing, a charged cell phone, identification, a headlamp, a small first-aid kit, bug repellant and sunscreen, a waterproof shell if rain is forecast, and any medications or anything else you might need on the trail.

Parking:

Free parking is available at our meet-up location.

Please do not leave anything of value in your car, at this or any other trailhead.

Directions:

From the 101 – exit at Kanan Road and drive south (toward the ocean) 7.8 miles, going through two of the three tunnels on this road (which changes name to Kanan Dume Road). Turn right into the “Backbone Trail” parking area, just before entering the third tunnel.

From PCH – turn up South Kanan Dume Road. Drive 4.4 miles from PCH, going through one tunnel, and then take a left into the “Backbone Trail” parking area, almost immediately after coming out of the tunnel.

DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY

IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:

The hike host is a volunteer and not responsible for the group. Safety should be a priority for everyone in the group. If you become fatigued and unable to continue the hike, it is expected you will advise the hike host of this and return to our starting point on your own. If you are able to proceed, it is expected that you will maintain line of sight with other members of the group at all times and help to promote the group’s safety and fitness goals.

Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Malibu Hiking Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in events. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.

WAIVER OF LIABILITY: This group, its organizer, assistant organizers, event organizers will not be held responsible for any injuries or accidents that may occur carpooling to and from hikes, or for any injuries or accidents before, during, and after group hikes. If you sign up and come on this hike outing you are acknowledging that you freely and voluntarily assume all risks of injuries and damages and agree to participate in the hike/outing. No +1s or guests allowed at Malibu Hiking events. All attending must be group members.

All participants must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

PLEASE CONTACT ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS!