Serrano Canyon to Sycamore Canyon loop

Ever wonder where the Trailblazers' main photo comes from? Join us in Serrano Canyon and see this amazing scene for yourself!

Our journey will take us through enough natural wonders for five hikes. Interesting geology marks the start of the Serrano Trail, which then skips along and over a forest stream, gradually rising away from it and up. As our ascent stalls, the woodsy curtain rises and reveals an astounding panoramic savannah, ringed like a volcanic caldera by the Santa Monica Mountains, overflowing with swaying grasses.

Picking our way across the prairie island, we'll find the views of the Pacific Ocean and Thousand Oaks before making our way down the steep backside on the Old Boney Trail, to an intersection with the Backbone Trail, then over to Sycamore Canyon. Sycamore Trail is a wide, flat stroll among sycamore trees back to our starting point.

The loop is just shy of 10 miles, with 1250 feet of elevation.

Directions:

The trailhead is located 5 miles south of Point Mugu off of Pacific Coast Highway (between Point Mugu and Neptune's Net), in the Sycamore Canyon campground (across from Sycamore Canyon Beach). The address listed is approximate- turn onto Sycamore Canyon Rd. away from the ocean and head to the day use parking lot.

Parking is available in the campground for $12 (or with a State Parking Permit). Free parking is available on PCH, 1/4 mile north of the campground. If parking on PCH, leave yourself ample time to walk to the trailhead.