Hiking Trail Guide: Zuma Canyon to Newton Falls

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Zuma Canyon to Newton Falls

Distance
4 miles

Elevation
1400 feet gain

Difficulty
4/10

City
Malibu ,CA (90264) 30.55 miles from you Weather Map

Trailhead
From the Ventura Freeway (101) in Agoura, take Kanan-Dume Road towards the beach for about 8 miles. With two cars leave one car at the Backbone trailhead parking area between the second and third tunnels (Newton Canyon). Take Kanan-Dume Road 4.1 miles south to Pacific Coast Highway, turn right and drive 0.8 miles, turn right on Bonsall Drive and 1mile to where the road ends in a broad, dirt parking area. This is Zuma Canyon trailhead. Park the second car here.

Description

This is a stunning adventure hike with swimming holes, rocky cascades, wonderful geologic formations and car-size boulders to negotiate around. This hike is at it loveliest after it rains, although also at its most challenging.

The route follows the wooded flood plain near the coast, up through lower Zuma Canyon, bushwacking through the narrows, past the Edison fire road, eventually hitting a junction with Newton Canyon. The final half mile of the hike includes 3 seasonal waterfalls including the 40 ft Newton Falls and the lovely lower Zuma Falls (up a short side trail). For detailed directions go to Chris Brennens Adventure Hike web site.

You must have excellent outdoor skills and carry the 10 essentials to safely complete this hike. Afoot & Afield shows an alternate loop hike that doubles back to the parking area via the Edison fire road and Zuma Ridge Trail.

Map / Directions: