Lower Zuma Canyon with EZ Option

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/4/b/d/event_44154461.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.

Our 5.5 mile loop hike begins in a deep cleft of the Santa Monica Mnts., then winds up a mellow ridgeline with gorgeous ocean views, statuesque sycamores, tall laurel sumac and scattered wildflowers. The first 1.5 miles is slightly strenuous with an 800 ft gain. If that does not leave you breathless, the views will.

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Beginners can skip the first hill and enjoy a nice easy hike creekside along the canyon floor. Our paths will cross up the canyon a ways where we will continue the hike together. There will be a 400 ft gain along this segment. I will post a map soon with the directions

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While venturing through the canyon, look and listen for the signs of life around you. Walk carefully along the trails and discover tracks of deer, rabbit and coyote. Marvel at the delicate homes of funnel web spiders hiding in the earth’s tiny crevices. Listen for the shy wren-tit, the “voice of the chaparral.” Though rarely seen, its call sounds like a ping-pong ball echoing throughout the canyon.

Below is a trail map for our hike

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This is how are hike with EZ option will work:

(1) We start out together on Zuma Canyon Trail

(2) At the first fork, experienced hikers will turn east onto Ocean View Trail (800 ft gain) while the EZ hikers continue north on the Zuma Canyon Trail until its end where they will wait for the the other hikers.

(3) Experienced hikers will return to Zuma Canyon Trail via the Canyon View Trail and meetup with the EZ hikers at the north end of the trail.

(4) We all turn around and hike the rest of the way together, climb the western ridge along the Zuma Loop Trail (400 ft gain) and then back down to the parking lot.

After-hike shenanigans will take place at the Coral Beach Cantina (http://www.coralbeachcantina.net/)

Directions: From Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, one mile west of Kanan Dume Road, turn north on Bonsall Drive. Follow Bonsall to its dead end at the mouth of Zuma Canyon. Ample, free parking.

Bring at least one qt water, hiking shoes/boots, hat, sunscreen, snacks