Malibu Lake

Back when it was cool to build dams, the "Malibu Lake Mountain Club" stopped up the river that ran through here. Surprise surprise, the river's gone. But, the lake remains for us to marvel at. I'd say we could boat around, but it's not open for public recreation.

San Vicente Mountain Park

Remnants of the Cold War Nike-Ajax anti-aircraft base furnish aeriel views of the city, ocean, mountains and valley. Quite impressive. There's also a self-guided tour with signs that announce war slogans like "we will bury you." For more about the park check here: http://www.lamountains.com/parks.asp?parkid=54

Franklin Canyon

Somehow, amongst millionaires' mansions and traffic trying to escape the 405, there are two nooks of untainted land at the intersection of Mulholland and Coldwater Canyon. On the valley side we have Tree People. On the city side is Franklin Canyon. There's all kinds of hiking trails, a little "lake," a nature center, and an amphitheater. For a map of the park check here: http://www.lamountains.com/maps/franklinCanyon.pdf