Lower Zuma Canyon Big Loop

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Zuma 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.

This is a strenuous 11 mile hike with about 3,000 ft total ascent

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Our post-hike lunch is on the rooftop of Spruzzo Restaurant and Bar (http://www.spruzzomalibu.com/)

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Bring 3qt 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:

From Agoura: 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.

From Santa Monica: Take PCH towards Malibu. About 1/4 mile past Kanan-Dume Rd make a right on Bonsall Dr. Proceed 1 mile up Bonsall until it ends and continue into dirt parking lot.

Park and Ride Lots in Agoura: https://www.meetup.com/localhikers/photos/26457344/442737309/?title=Agoura+Park+and+Ride+Lots