Murphy Ranch trail, Casale Road, Pacific Palisades, CA
Open Hours
- Daily: Sunrise - Sunset
Murphy Ranch Trail nestled within Rustic Canyon in Los Angeles is known for its abandoned structures and scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica mountains. The 3.4-mile trail covers some steep inclines and declines down the canyon taking you to an abandoned compound.
The first mile goes through a winding road along a canyon. Once you see an opening in the fence, look out for the stairway leading to the canyon’s bottom. The bottom of the stairs has more shade and is more rugged in terrain compared to the first mile.
Despite its beauty, Murphy Ranch has a dark history. It was initially built to house a Nazi sympathizer group in the 1930s before local police raided it. In the later years, the ranch became an artist retreat before being abandoned in the 90s. Today, this dog-friendly trail features a lush forest with structures full of graffiti.
What to Expect
Dogs required on leash Lots of shade No benches or tables Street parking only No restroom facilities No drinking water available Limited wheelchair access Creek Steep inclines and declines, Dirt, Grass, Paved surface, Stairway
Things to Know
- Ticks are common in this area. Always check your dog and your clothes before leaving.
- The stairway is narrow and the steps are small so take your time climbing down. There is also an option to continue down the concrete road instead of using the stairs.
- The structures have been deemed unsafe so avoid climbing on them or be careful where you are stepping.
- Bikes share the trail and there are plenty of blind curves. Make sure to supervise your dog or keep them close at all times.
Reviews (3)
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Great33%
Okay0%
NopeI found a flea on my dog after hiking here. 🙁 Thankfully, I only found one. Beware.
Bagel, my active dog, really enjoyed this place. The abandoned buildings were fun to explore and there was even running water to cool down. I definitely will go again.
The rains have made the trails sooo green. Going down the stairs to the bottom of the canyon was fun but it was a little scary. There are no railings so be careful.
