Zuma Loop Trail

Zuma Loop Trail is a 3.3-mile singletrack trail located in Zuma and Trancas Canyons in the Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area. From the Zuma Ridge Trailhead, at the end of Busch Drive, the trail skirts the base of the steep canyon slopes amidst sagebrush and toyon. Hikers can take this loop in whatever direction they prefer. All trails loop together, but the trail that will bring you back to the parking area is called Ridge Canyon Access Trail. It features scenic ocean views, an abundance of native plants and animals and a riparian woodland environment with tall stands of sycamore, oak, willow and black walnut trees. 

This trail is rated as easy to moderate and is open to running, hiking, and horseback riding (bicycles are not permitted on the trails in lower Zuma Canyon). 

TRAILS

Begin by following the Ridge Canyon Access Trail → Next take the Zuma Canyon Trail → Zuma Loop Trail → Follow the Ridge Canyon Access Trail back to your vehicle/parking area. 

WATER

The national park service does not recommend drinking from streams in the area. Visitors should plan to bring sufficient food and water. 

TRAILHEAD

The Zuma Ridge Trailhead is located at the top of Busch Drive. Trailhead amenities include a small dirt parking area, information board, trash can, and recycling bin. There is no potable water at the trailhead. 

PRECAUTIONS

Potentially hazardous plants and animals that are common to the area includes:

• Ticks

• Bees

• Rattlesnakes

• Poison Oak

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

National Park Service: 1-805-370-2301, https://www.nps.gov/samo/contacts.htm.