Memorial Day Hike - Zuma Canyon Loop

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/4/d/f/event_28097631.jpegZuma Canyon is distinguished for being one of the deepest gorges in the Santa Monica Mountains and unlike Topanga or Malibu Canyons has never suffered incursion by a major road.

We'll start at Lower Zuma Canyon and take the Zuma Loop trail west to the Zuma Ridge trail. The views improve as the trail climbs, and there are several great lookouts of Zuma Beach, Point Dume, and the ocean beyond. Turning north and climbing further will provide views of Trancas Canyon and Upper Zuma Canyon.

After a brief rest to catch our breath and take in the views, we turn east and descend a lush trail into Zuma Canyon proper. Here we will enjoy a snack break beside the shady Zuma Creek before hiking up the opposite ridge. We continue on this ridge for while then turn south on the Zuma Canyon Connection trail, take this to Ocean View Trail and descend to the Bonsall Trailhead and back to our starting point.

We'll proceed at a pace that will allow us to enjoy the scenery. The hike will be about 11 miles. There is a net elevation gain of about 1700 feet. This occurs during the first 3.5 miles -- a good workout, but not a death march. Later there is a 900 foot gain between mile 6 and mile 8.

Enjoy the photos from last Memorial Day (https://www.meetup.com/localhikers/photos/937675/15378573/#15378573)

Our optional post-hike lunch is at: The Coral Beach Cantina (http://www.coralbeachcantina.net/)

Bring 2 qt water, snacks, hat, sunscreen, camera.

Carpooling is highly recommended. There is a convenient park-and-ride at Kanan & Canwood and Kanan & Roadside

All hikers must stay on established trails

Practice "Leave No Trace" – take only pictures and leave only footprints

Directions to trail head:

We will be starting the hike promptly at 9:00am. If you want to start at 9:00 am with us plan your trip so that you arrive at least 20 minutes early.

Make additional adjustments for holiday traffic, getting lost, finding a parking space and using the facilities upon arrival.

Again, plan your trip accordingly. We will not wait for tardies.

Take 101 and exit Kanan Rd. Head south toward beaches and turn right on PCH. After about 1/4 mile turn right on Bonsall Dr. Proceed 1 mile up Bonsall until it ends and continue into dirt parking lot.

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/c/6/1/event_27611361.jpeg

We will be hiking in a clockwise direction. Turn right down into canyon when you get to power lines.

Complete map and brochure (http://files.meetup.com/454296/Zuma.pdf)