Pt Mugu State Park after the Flood
Details
Hike Stats: The hike will be 9 miles with 1800' of climbing total.
In May of 2013, the Springs Fire swept through Point Mugu State Park and burned everything except the largest trees to the ground. Just as the vegetation was starting to recover in December of 2014, heavy rains dislodged lots of hillsides, resulting in mud slides that buried the main Sycamore Canyon Road, and damaged many of the trails to a greater or lesser extent. The park was closed for about six weeks while park staff, contractors and volunteers cleaned up the worst of the mess.
Now that the park is open, we have a chance to see what it looks like. We'll start at the parking lot for Rancho Sierra Vista, then hike out to the far end of the Hidden Pond Trail and back, in a lollypop loop. If we're lucky, we'll see some water in the Hidden Pond - I don't think I've seen water in it for the last several years.
Pace: We'll hike at a moderate pace and there will be time to take photos. We'll need to hike together as a group so that nobody gets lost by taking a wrong turn at one of the several forks we'll pass.
Driving Directions: From the 101 Freeway in Thousand Oaks, exit at Wendy Drive and head south (towards the ocean). After 2.3 miles, turn right onto Lynn Rd. Continue for 1.7 miles, then turn left into the drive for the National State Park, across from Via Goleta and just before the horse ranch. Drive 0.6 miles to the end and park. There is a restroom here.
Map: Use this Google Map to help you find your way
Dogs: Please leave your pets at home for this hike. Dogs should only accompany their human companions on hikes that are billed as “Dog Friendly.”