Malibu Biking - Zuma

Zuma and neighboring Trancas Canyons are a breathtaking place to spend a Saturday on your bike. You can begin your ride off of Busch Dr. (1/2 a mile N of PCH). There is ample parking at the end of Busch Drive, with the trail head clearly marked. You begin by heading north for about a mile on a slowly winding trail (Zuma/Trancas CanyonTrail). After a gradual downgrade, you have the option of continuing north on Zuma Ridge Trail or turning left and heading south on the Cheemash indian trail. My personal opinion is that the northern route is more of an enjoyable ride, but if you are looking for a shorter trip, then the Zuma ridge may not be for you.

You then continue north for approximately another mile until you hit the Trancas Edison road/trail running east and west. Taking the trail east brings you to a fairly challenging downhill trail full of curves and rough terrain. This route will connect with the Ocean View Trail which will then take you back to your car at the Zuma trailhead. While this route is definately one to try, I advise staying away from the westward trail. It is an incredibly twisted path offering little in the way of scenery and no exit point (so if you head down this trail, be prepared to double back to find your way home!).

After the Trancas trail split, the Zuma Ridge ride becomes incredibly enjoyable. For the next two miles, you feel as if its just you and the animals. While venturing through this section of the canyons, look and listen for the signs of life around you. Ride carefully along the trails and discover tracks of deer, rabbit and coyote. Along with the animals that you will definately hear and hopefully see, the landscape is worthy of an extended look as well. Streams abound and the sound of the running water mixes wonderfully with the relaxing silence. The sights and sounds can easily let you forget that your so close to Los Angeles. This section alone is definately worth the trip to Malibu.

After the second mile, you can either exit at Encinal Canyon Road and meet your ride there, or you can turn right and venture south on the Backbone Trail (see earlier blog entries for more detailed descriptions of this great ride) to Kanan-Dume Road or Latigo Canyon Road (farther east).

With 6 connecting trails covering almost 5 square miles, the riding in Zuma and the Trancas Canyons are not to be missed.