It’s hot, the beaches are completely packed, and finding a relaxed spot on the sand feels practically impossible. However, tucked beneath the volcanic cliffs of the Santa Monica Mountains, the Rock Pool at Malibu Creek State Park is one of L.A.’s most beloved freshwater swimming holes — a favorite for hikers and climbers looking to cool off without heading all the way to the coast.
A natural pool hidden inside a volcanic rock canyon
For decades, Malibu Creek State Park has doubled as a Hollywood filming location — scenes from the original Planet of the Apes, the TV series M*A*S*H, and many other productions were shot within its canyons. The park boasts over 35 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, along with overnight campgrounds. The pool is fed continuously by Malibu Creek. It is most refreshing in the spring and early summer. In late summer or during dry spells, the pool can dry up.
What to do once you’re there
- Swim in the cool, spring-fed water — a welcome break from the summer heat, though jumping or diving into the pool is prohibited under state law, so stick to wading in from the shore.
- Rock climb or boulder along the canyon walls near the pool, which offer routes ranging from beginner-friendly to advanced; the nearby “Planet of the Apes Wall” is a popular spot for climbers.
- Explore further by continuing past the pool toward Century Lake or the old M*A*S*H filming site, both accessible via connecting trails for those who want to extend the hike. Popular hikes include:
- Rock Pool (easy)
- Century Lake (easy)
- M*A*S*H site (moderate)
- Lookout Trail (moderate)
How to get there
- Location: The park entrance sits on Las Virgenes Road in Calabasas, just south of Mulholland Highway.
- Distance from L.A.: Roughly a 45-minute drive from Downtown, depending on traffic.
- The hike: From the main parking lot, the walk to the Rock Pool follows the Crags Road Trail, a wide, mostly flat fire road. Depending on the route you take, the round trip runs about 2 to 2.5 miles.
- Parking: The state park’s day-use lot charges $12, with an additional small fee for a printed trail map if you want one.
