Jim Morrison’s Cave is located at Corral Canyon Park in Malibu. It is doubtful that rocker Jim Morrison visited this sandstone cave, but the name has stuck.
This cave is closed indefinitely due to a massive increase in vandalism. The California Department of Parks has removed the graffiti and returned Jim Morrison’s Cave to its natural state. The entrance to the cave is sealed off!
The cave made news headlines back in November of 2007 when partiers made an illegal campfire and started a wildfire. Nearly 5,000 acres were burned, and 50 homes were destroyed.
Today Jim Morrison’s Cave attracts hikers and mountain bikers who visit Corral Canyon Park to explore nature. There is also a steady stream of social media-driven visitors looking for adventure.
The hike to the cave from Corral Canyon Road is an easy half-mile hike. Finding the entrance to the cave can be a little more complicated.
Jim Morrison Cave What to expect
After crawling through the narrow cave entrance, you can gaze at the vast collection of graffiti: some exciting art, most random tags. Look for a skull-shaped formation on the sidewall, but it is hard to find because of the sheer amount of graffiti.
Gaze out at the fantastic beauty of Corral Canyon Park and the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Take pictures and selfies. Leave no trash or graffiti. There has been some discussion about closing the caves due to vandalism and litter.
After visiting the cave check out Backbone Trail. This excellent hiking trail cuts through the Santa Monica Mountains and passes before Jim Morrison’s shelter.
Jim Morrison Cave Before you go
The cave and surrounding area are part of the California State Parks system and are patrolled by park rangers and local volunteers.
Spraying graffiti, tagging, or defacing any natural objects in Corral Canyon Park is prohibited. Corral Canyon Park closes at sundown and anyone entering the cave at night is subject to arrest.
Directions to Jim Morrison Cave
Take Corral Canyon Road off PCH, drive to the end of the paved road, and park. Follow the trail (Backbone Trail) from the parking area for about a half-mile.
On your left, you will see circles of concentric rocks below a rock formation. A trail leads to the cave, and a very narrow opening called the birth canal. Parking is available at the end of Corral Canyon Road.