Murphy Ranch

Murphy Ranch is an abandoned property in Rustic Canyon near Pacific Palisades, featuring concrete structures built in the 1930s. The site includes a power station, water tank, and remnants of raised garden beds scattered among the canyon's vegetation.

The property was built in the 1930s by Winona and Norman Stevens as a planned retreat on private land. Between 1950 and 1965, the site became an artists' colony before eventually being left to decay.

Street art covers the concrete walls throughout the property, showing decades of creative work by visitors and artists who have left their mark. The overlapping layers of murals and tags tell the story of how the abandoned structures became a canvas for the community.

The hike involves a round trip path of several miles with many stairs and significant elevation gain from the trailhead near Sullivan Ridge Road. Bring plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes, as the terrain can be steep and uneven in places.

The property features concrete terraces and non-native plants that stand out from the natural canyon landscape. These elements remain from the original planned design of the retreat, creating an unusual contrast between built structures and wild surroundings.

GPS coordinates: 34.07200,-118.51300

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:00