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Leo Carrillo State Park wilderness guide
State Park · CA

Leo Carrillo State Park

Leo Carrillo State Park offers a unique combination of beach and coastal activities along the scenic California coast, known for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

State Park2,5133+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

2,513

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Leo Carrillo State Park

Leo Carrillo State Park offers a unique combination of beach and coastal activities along the scenic California coast, known for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Leo Carrillo State Park is located in the Santa Monica Mountains within Los Angeles County, California. Spanning both beachfront and inland areas, this state park provides a diverse landscape where visitors can enjoy sandy shores, tide pools, and rocky coastal features. Its coastal climate supports unique ecosystems including kelp forests and coastal sage scrub. Named after actor and conservationist Leo Carrillo, the park has a historical significance, serving both recreational and educational purposes. Visitors can engage in a variety of activities such as surfing, hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Leo Carrillo is notable for its extensive tide pools teeming with marine life, as well as lush backcountry trails offering a glimpse into the California wilderness. The park's popularity is bolstered by its picturesque setting, accessible campgrounds, and proximity to Los Angeles.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Leo Carrillo State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Discover the Wonders of El Matador State Beach★ 8.7⌖ 3 miPhotography
El Matador State Beach

Discover the Wonders of El Matador State Beach

Explore El Matador State Beach in Malibu with dramatic rock formations and sea caves. Ideal for photography, especially at sunset, with easy drive-in access. Enjoy a peaceful picnic surrounded by stunning natural beauty.

PhotographyView Details→
Majestic Waterfall Adventure at Escondido Falls★ 8.5⌖ 9 miHiking
Escondido Falls

Majestic Waterfall Adventure at Escondido Falls

Explore the 3.8-mile Escondido Canyon Trail to the stunning Escondido Falls in Malibu. With moderate difficulty, it's a popular spot for hiking and photography, especially in spring and winter. Enjoy a peaceful hike through lush greenery and capture the breathtaking waterfall.

Wilderness Wonders in the Santa Monica Mountains★ 8.5⌖ 12 miHiking
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Wilderness Wonders in the Santa Monica Mountains

Explore Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, a vast park near Calabasas, CA. Perfect for hiking and wildlife viewing, this area offers trails with historical sites and stunning views. Visit during spring for wildflowers.

Malibu: A Coastal Paradise★ 8.0⌖ 14 miBeachgoing
Malibu

Malibu: A Coastal Paradise

Explore Malibu's stunning beaches and trails with breathtaking ocean views. Popular for beachgoers and hikers, enjoy Point Dume's majestic cliffs or the Santa Monica Mountains. Best visited in spring and fall for fewer crowds.

BeachgoingView Details→
Coastal Charm of Hollywood Beach, Oxnard★ 7.2⌖ 19 miBeach Walking
Hollywood Beach

Coastal Charm of Hollywood Beach, Oxnard

Hollywood Beach in Oxnard offers an easy, family-friendly coastal destination with broad sandy shores and gentle waves. Enjoy beach walking, tide pooling, paddleboarding, and running in a peaceful setting near Channel Islands National Park with scenic mountain views.

Beach WalkingView Details→
Beachfront Serenity at Harbor View Park, Oxnard★ 6.8⌖ 19 miPaddleboarding
Harbor View Park

Beachfront Serenity at Harbor View Park, Oxnard

Harbor View Park in Oxnard features easy access to sandy beaches and calm ocean conditions ideal for paddleboarding, kayaking, picnicking, and birdwatching. This quiet coastal park offers scenic views, gentle tides, and family-friendly grassy areas just a short drive from the city.

PaddleboardingView Details→

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Tide pools along Sequit Point revealing colorful marine life.✦ Unique sandstone formations providing excellent photography opportunities.✦ The famous tunnel where films and TV shows have been shot.✦ Staircases leading to hidden coves perfect for exploration.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Leo Carrillo State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Leo Carrillo State Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Leo Carrillo State Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Leo Carrillo State Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Leo Carrillo State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Leo Carrillo State Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Leo Carrillo State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Day-use fees apply; No permit required for general access.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Leo Carrillo State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Leo Carrillo Campground

Located within walking distance to the beach, offers facilities and hookups for a comfortable camping experience.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Leo Carrillo State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Sea Ranch
⌖ 8.02 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Sea Ranch, California

A rugged coastal community offering serene seaside landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and peaceful nature escapes favored by outdoor enthusiasts seeking quiet adventure.

Late Spring through FallExplore Town
Newbury Park
⌖ 9.80 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Newbury Park, California

A nature-rich gateway that offers easy access to coastal sage scrub, oak woodlands, and rugged hills, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing.

Fall through SpringExplore Town
Westlake Village
⌖ 9.95 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Westlake Village, California

A scenic suburban retreat offering accessible outdoor activities with lakefront charm and mild Southern California weather year-round.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Thousand Oaks
⌖ 10.07 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Thousand Oaks, California

A scenic Southern California town offering accessible trails, open spaces, and mild weather ideal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking hiking, biking, and nature exploration.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Agoura Hills
⌖ 12.07 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Agoura Hills, California

A scenic Southern California town offering a mix of rugged hills, oak woodlands, and accessible trails perfect for relaxed outdoor adventures near Los Angeles.

Fall through SpringExplore Town
Camarillo
⌖ 13.15 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Camarillo, California

A relaxed coastal town offering easy access to trails, open spaces, and water activities with a mild Mediterranean climate perfect for year-round outdoor fun.

Fall and SpringExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Leo Carrillo State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.