Directions to Trailhead: The trailhead is at Leo Carrillo State Beach which is about 10 miles west of Malibu Canyon Road on the PCH. There is a charge for parking and there are restrooms nearby.
The Hike: The Nicholas Flat trail takes us up a steep path gaining the 1700 ft. in the first 2.4 miles. Once achieving the 1700 ft., there is a nice up and down stroll the rest of the way with the possible exception of a short distance of a tunnel like passage through heavy growth. The trail is well defined with some off-shoots for any peak baggers. Once you reach a rutted road-like trail you will come to a fork, take the right tine to go to the lunch spot which is a rocky outcropping along side the lake with an excellent view of the Pacific Ocean. Return the way you came.
Google Earth Photo - Nicholas Flat from Leo Carillo State Beach
