Ah! It’s fitting that my first official blog entry be about this delightful little secret in the  Santa Monica Mountains.

I first discovered Charmlee Wilderness Park from flipping through the pages of the book Southern California: A Day Hiker’s Guide by John McKinney. I was intrigued that there was another area of the Santa Monica Mountain range, waiting for me to explore.

Plus, as dogs are allowed, it was a golden opportunity that I couldn’t pass up.

My first trip was in May. Armed with the Wonder Puppy, Cheyenne Big Sur, I meandered around the trails, steered her away from lizards, photographed the ocean, birds and trees, and marveled at the jewel above Pacific Coast Highway.

After finding is so personally enjoyable, I decided to organize the location as an event for the LA Hiking and Photography group in June. So, on a crisp Saturday morning, myself and a few fellow group members took the roughly three mile round trip walk through groves of California coastal oaks, bushes of Yellow and Southern Red and Yellow Monkey Flowers, bees buzzing and horses with riders.

During my two times at Charmlee, I learned a few amusing tips and tricks regarding photography and life. I learned how to spot poison oak and poison ivy, how to properly photograph a landscape for a striking 180 degree panorama image and I got re-familiarized with shooting with aperture priority. Even with a 300mm lens, aperture priority still makes a difference relative to subject isolation /  bokeh.

As an added bonus, due to the previous semi rainy days in Southern Cal, the clouds were fluffy, white and held a beautiful shading of depth to them.

Overall, exploring Charmlee resulted in splendid photographic opportunities. Here are selected results.

Gallery:

Panorama of the Pacific Ocean and Malibu Coastline

May Photo Gallery	June Photo Gallery

Information:

A lovely wilderness park set in the Santa Monica Mountain range overlooking Malibu and the Pacific Ocean, Charmlee Wilderness Park is a hidden gem of varied landscapes. From open meadows, oak woodlands, lizards, rabbits and ocean views, you’re sure to find something to photograph and enjoy.

Directions:

Charmlee Wilderness Park (Main Entrance)
2500 Encinal Canyon Rd
Malibu, CA 90265

Google Maps: Main Entrance Point

My suggestion is to NOT use the GPS system on your photo (VZ Navigator or Google Maps) to find Charmlee. You will most likely get lost, as I and a fair amount of others did during their first visit. For some reason, Google Maps via computer is your best bet, as the route is slightly tricky.

Parking:

Parking at the trail head, when I visited May 1st and June 5th), was $4. However, I parked at the call box / gate at the entrance for free.  As parking is limited both at the trail head and in the free area, please be prepared for either option.

Dogs:

Leashed dogs are allowed.

Helpful Websites:

Modern Hiker: http://www.modernhiker.com/2009/04/04/hiking-charmlee-wilderness-park/
Local Hikes: http://www.localhikes.com/Hikes/CharmleePark_4472.asp
City of Malibu: http://www.ci.malibu.ca.us/index.cfm?fuseaction=DetailGroup&CID=3801&NavID=174