Decker Canyon Road

South Westlake Boulevard, Decker Road, CA 23 · Westlake Village → Highway 1

Intense10.6 mi25 min1,400 ft climbHigh point ≈ 1,900 ftOne way

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The drive

Decker Canyon Road is Highway 23 over the Santa Monica Mountains, and it's one of the twistiest roads in the range: narrow, steep and tight from almost the first mile to the last. The drive starts in Westlake Village, on Westlake Boulevard, and climbs over the crest as Decker Road, crossing Mulholland Highway on the way.

South of Mulholland the road drops into Decker Canyon, and the bends get tighter as it nears the coast. It's driven south toward the sea because that's where the views are: the descent looks out over the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific. It ends just short of Pacific Coast Highway near Trancas, at the west end of Malibu.

It's short, about ten and a half miles, but it takes longer than the distance suggests. The Mulholland Highway drive shares about 0.8 mile with it in the middle.

Along the way

Westlake Village (Three Springs Drive)
Decker Road
Highway 1

Elevation

1,400 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 1,900 ft

Westlake VillageHighway 1

Curves

Twisty most of the way

mi 0–11

Westlake VillageHighway 1

GentleHairpins

Good to know

Take it slowly, especially on the descent toward PCH: the road is narrow and steep, with tight blind bends and steep drops.
Rockfall closes the road from time to time, especially in wet weather, while Caltrans crews clear the slopes above it.
Expect motorcycles and cyclists on weekends.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Caltrans highway conditions: Highway 23.

Questions about this drive

How long does Decker Canyon Road take?

Decker Canyon Road (Highway 23) from Westlake Village to Pacific Coast Highway is 10.6 miles and takes about 25 minutes.

Is Decker Canyon Road dangerous?

Decker Canyon Road is steep, narrow and very twisty, with tight bends near PCH; it's safe at sensible speeds, but it isn't a road to rush.

Is Decker Canyon Road open?

Decker Canyon Road is Highway 23, so Caltrans reports closures; it closes now and then for rockfall and slides, especially after rain.

Where does Decker Canyon Road go?

Decker Canyon Road runs from Westlake Boulevard in Westlake Village south over the Santa Monica Mountains, crossing Mulholland Highway, to Pacific Coast Highway near Trancas in Malibu.

What you get in the app

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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