Malibu Nature at Its Finest
If you are a college student with the privilege of residing on Calamigos Ranch, there are many opportunities to adventure, explore, and grow outside of class - all located directly in your own backyard!
My name is Bradford Holladay, and I am a Junior at Pepperdine double-majoring in International Business and Philosophy. As a Nashville native, the Malibu canyon landscapes are foreign and exciting sights of which I can never get enough. Whether you want a romantic sunset picnic location for date night, or a serene and peaceful cliff upon which to complete your class readings, there are plenty of world-class viewpoints, most of which are located within a 20 minute drive/walk or less. Through this blog, I will share my personal favorite viewpoints that I have discovered thus far in my college experience, and hope to encourage you to uncover your own for future memory making and reflection.
If you have any questions, want EVEN MORE adventure recommendations, or would like some good-vibe catering Spotify playlists to accompany your journeys, feel free to contact me at bradfordholladay34@gmail.com or (615) 939-822. Enjoy and Travel Well!
Viewpoint #1: The Calamigos Rock
The Calamigos Rock is far and away my favorite location in Malibu. I try to visit the location at least twice a week, and its convenient location makes it easy to climb in an hour round trip. To begin your journey, first find your way to the signature Calamigos Ferris Wheel. From there, you’ll notice an old zipline structure and a paved pathway leading into the mountains. Follow this trail, which increases in gradient as you progress, (Watch your step! You may come across some ditches dug in the pathway for a Jeep Commercial. You’re headed the right way!) and eventually you’ll come across a fork in the trail. Keep left, and continue heading in the direction of highest elevation. Before long, you’ll approach The Calamigos Rock. It can be a steep climb, but don’t be discouraged. With a little bit of caution and a good pair of boots or tennis shoes, you’ll be good to go, no problem. Once you’ve arrived, enjoy the view, the breeze, and Malibu at its finest.
Viewpoint #2: Kanan Road Pull-offs
From the drive into the Calamigos property alone, the beautiful mountain views of Malibu are inescapable. After a long day of online class, taking a quick 15 minute drive down
Kanan Road can be incredibly, blissfully therapeutic. There is one pull-off in particular I enjoy visiting to journal and listen to music in my car while on the way in or out of Calamigos. Located only a 4 minute drive down Kanan Road (see map below), this pull-off rewards explorers with incredibly spacious mountain views, complete with an unobstructed spectrum of vision and complemented by a view straight onto the Pacific Ocean (pictured). This location is great for car lovers who may not have the energy or desire to embark upon a hike after a long day of work. Plus, this spot is especially popular with other fellow spectators- so you may get the opportunity to meet some like minded, nature loving adventurers from all over the area.
Viewpoint #3: Latigo Canyon Road
Latigo Canyon Road is the most exhilarating and cinematic road I have ever had the gift of coasting. Shown to me by my roommate Hunter (pictured above) on a night time ride, Latigo Canyon Road is an incredibly curvy, roundabout scenic route pathway that carries you through various scenic pull-off points and eventually drops you off straight onto Pacific Coast Highway so you can immediately hit the beach. If you are driving out of Calamigos Ranch, continue down Kanan Road and you’ll find the opening of Latigo Canyon Road directly across the street from the Pitsch Canyon Road entrance to the property. Be prepared to spend at least 20-25minutes on this road- there are tons of sharp curves, twists, and turns that require slow, controlled driving. This road, especially during the daytime and sunset periods, will offer unparalleled views of the Malibu mountains and the vast Pacific Ocean, all from an elevated perspective. I cannot recommend this detour highly enough if you have some extra time to spare to enjoy the unbelievable scenery that surrounds us everyday in this region of the United States.
By: Guy Bradford Holladay