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History of Saddle Peak Lodge<
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History of Saddle Peak Lodge

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For more than 100 years, Saddle Peak Lodge has been a place of enchantment, romance and great dining for generations of those who seek a unique experience.

Nestled deep in the hills of Malibu, along the creek that flows through Las Virgenes Canyon to the Pacific Ocean, the Lodge stands under Saddle Peak ­ a majestic rock formation made, according to local legend, when God’s first horsemen sat upon the Santa Monica mountains.

A colorful mix of cowboys, hunters, fishermen, oil riggers and miners bound for gold stopped at the Lodge, then a one-room cabin for supplies, to swap stories or quench their thirst with some “hillbilly brew.” From its origins as a waystop and general store along rugged mountain trail, the area surrounding Saddle Peak Lodge evolved in the twenties into a summer resort known as Crater Camp complete with rustic cabins, fishing camps, motorcycle runs and healthful recreation in the mountains.

Hollywood discovered the Lodge after it had become a simple dry goods, beer and sandwich shop ­ this began a new era of its wildly romantic history. Featured in many movie classics, it served as a resting place and roadhouse for stars from the nearby ranches of Warner Brothers, Paramount and Twentieth Century Fox. Errol Flynn and Clark Gable were frequent guests and brought with them the glamour and mystery of the silver screen. From Mary Pickford and Charlie Chaplin to Herbert Hoover and Milton Berle to Richard Burton and the Rat Pack, the Lodge has remained a Hollywood inplace.

In the post-War era, the Lodge started to emerge as the establishment it is today offering unmatched rustic elegance and romantic warmth ­ a hidden gem amongst the California coast. Saddle Peak Lodge’s spectacular natural surroundings of stone terraces, vintage log architecture and native year-round vegetation add a homey comfort to its sophistication.

Recognized for its significant culinary excellence, Saddle Peak Lodge earns culinary and service awards year after year. To name a few, Gourmet Magazine, Los Angeles Magazine, Conde Nast Traveler, Gourmet Guide, Distinguished Restaurants of North America, Wine Spectator, Bon Appetite and was quoted to be one of “the best places to kiss and romantic hideaways.”

Approximately 35 minutes from Pasadena, 15 minutes from Malibu, and 30 minutes from Santa Monica.