A rustic amble down to the beach

Depending on the time of year, pelicans, dolphins, whales or wildflowers may accompany hikers on the grand descent from the bluffs of Malibu to Santa Monica Bay -- a memorable ramble with great views up and down the coast.

The starting point for the journey is Malibu Bluffs Park, operated by the city of Malibu on land owned by the state. Much of the 6-acre park is taken by two beautiful baseball diamonds, but other amenities include a walking path, a whale-watching perch and the Michael Landon Community Building. Fans who remember TV’s “Bonanza” will note this hike leads from a building named for Landon (Little Joe) to a beach named for Dan Blocker (Hoss).

Driving to the park can be half the fun. It’s at the southern end of Malibu Canyon Road, designated by the state Legislature last year as a protected scenic highway. The route, which starts as Las Virgenes Road by the Ventura Freeway near Calabasas, changes names to Malibu Canyon Road as it snakes through deep gorges and rugged ravines.

The road delivers views of the ocean and Surfrider County Beach, winds past Pepperdine University and ends at Malibu Bluffs Park.

From here, choose one of two footpaths. The first is behind the centerfield fence of the western baseball diamond. The second (and better) trail begins by the Michael Landon Community Building. (The trails eventually join and lead to the water, a trip of about a mile each way.)

The bluffs put on quite a wildflower show in spring, when members of the California Native Plant Society lead hikes. But they’re pleasant in summer too, dropping to Malibu Road and, across the street, a public stairway to the beach.

Much of the beach in either direction is lined with expensive homes built on pilings. You may legally walk this beach -- and any beach in California -- up to the mean high-tide line. Respect the privacy of property owners by walking along the tide line. Four public stairways connect Malibu Road to the beach. They offer an escape route for hikers threatened by rising water.

One way of extending the hike is to walk about two miles up the coast (toward Point Dume) to Dan Blocker County Beach, a mix of sand and rock backed by a stone barrier that shields Highway 1 from the pounding surf.

If you prefer to walk down the coast (toward Santa Monica), a trek of about two miles will bring you to Malibu Lagoon State Beach. Follow nature trails around the lagoon and continue along the shore to Malibu Pier, or simply retrace your steps.

John McKinney offers more tips at www.thetrailmaster.com.