La Jolla Canyon Loop

http://c0278592.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/original/196205.jpgThis loop hike includes panoramic views of coastline and Channel Islands, phenomenal flower blooms in the spring, and a small spring and waterfall (during wet years). The main attraction are large swaths of native California grassland — some of the last remaining unspoiled areas in the state.

There will be a two overlapping hikes. Ken will be leading a slightly strenuous one and I will lead a moderate one for slow hikers. Ken's hike is about 8 miles with 1200 ft of gain, mine 6.5 miles with 800 ft net gain. All of us will start out together hiking up La Jolla Canyon. After about 1.5 miles my group will turn left on the Pond Trail and begin a counterclockwise loop around La Jolla Valley. Ken's group will continue up the canyon to the Backbone Trail (the Overlook and Ray Miller Trails) for a clockwise loop. See map for details. (http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/b/3/0/highres_193655632.jpeg)

Which hike will you be attending? Tell us in your RSVP note.

Direction to trailhead

There is free parking on PCH near park entrance. If you have to park inside there is an iron ranger that accepts credit cards, or maybe even a human at the gate.

From Los Angeles, after a long and relaxing drive down the Pacific Coast Highway (22 miles past Malibu Canyon), you’ll enter Ventura County and pass the so-called “Great Sand Dune.” Across the street from Thornhill Broome Beach is the entrance to La Jolla Canyon. It is very clearly marked. Park on PCH on either side of entrance.

From Ventura: Entrance is a couple miles after Las Posas. Park on land side of PCH on either side of entrance.

Bring hat, sunscreen, plenty of water and snacks.

The Organizers and members of Hiking With Dean are not professional leaders, guides, or mountaineers. The function of the member or organizer is only to organize the trip. Each person who shows up for a trip/meetup (and their guest or guests) is responsible for his or her own safety. By attending a hike, or any other event organized by this group, you are acknowledging that you and any guests that you bring are aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with the activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge the Organizers, Members of the Hiking With Dean Meetup Group from and against any and all liability arising from your participation in the group activities per our ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND LIABILITY WAIVER and Section 6.2 of the Meetup.com Terms of Service.