Reverse Sycamore/Serrano Canyon Loop in Malibu- Gentler Friendly!

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Let's spin this one around for the first time, reversing our normal route through a varied wonderland by the sea.

Our journey will take us through enough natural wonders for five hikes. We'll begin by gallivanting up the Sycamore Canyon trail. Sycamore Trail is a wide, flat stroll among sycamore trees back to our starting point. All Monarch butterflies west of the Rocky Mountains winter in Southern California or Central America, and Sycamore Canyon is a favorite spot for them. It's also a favorite haunt of giant parakeets, whose squawks will serenade us on our way to the cars.

After that beguiling warm-up, our work will begin in earnest as we turn sharply on the Backbone Trail briefly, then chug up the weathered, steep incline of Old Boney Trail.

Wrapping around and down a prominence, we'll descend into 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 creep into the woods of Serrano Canyon, gradually working our way back down to the Sycamore Trail we entered on.

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

Because we're reversing our normal route, the Gentler option will be a hike we actually do as a Gentler hike, walking straight into Sycamore Canyon for 3 miles before turning around and returning the way we came. 6 miles total, with almost no elevation gain. The Regulars will continue on at the 3 mile mark to complete a loop.

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Directions:

Get yourself onto PCH, near the Port Hueneme end of Malibu. You can take Kanan Rd and turn right on PCH, or Las Posas Rd and turn left on PCH, whichever works best for you.

The trailhead is located 5 miles south/east 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). Turn onto Sycamore Canyon Rd. away from the ocean and head to the day use parking lot, on your left.

Parking is available in the campground for $12 (or free with a State Parking Permit).

Free parking is available on PCH, on the beach side and up the hill a bit. Make sure to leave yourself extra time if you don't want to spend the extra cash.

There is no cell reception at the trailhead- please be on time.

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DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY

IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:

The hike host is a volunteer and not responsible for the group. Safety should be a priority for everyone in the group. Please treat this meet-up as hiking with a group of friends. If you become fatigued and unable to continue the hike, it is expected you will advise the hike host of this and return to our starting point on your own. If you are able to proceed, it is expected that you will maintain line of sight with other members of the group at all times and help to promote the group’s safety and fitness goals.

Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Weekday Trailblazers Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions.

If you choose to sign up for this or any Weekday Trailblazers Meetup event, you are releasing the Weekday Trailblazers Meetup Group and its organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.

All participants must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.