The Malibu Grotto & Beyond

NEW DATE

The Grotto is a maze of large volcanic boulders in a sheer, narrow stream-cut gorge formed from landslides. The West Fork of Arroyo Sequit flows through the caves and caverns of The Grotto, creating cascades and pools. It’s one of the most pleasant hideaways in the Santa Monica Mountains.

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At the base of the grotto, the water tumbles off a rock like a shower head, dropping twelve feet into an enclosed pool. Here a ring of shallow water around a tall rock creates a tube-like semi-circular cave.

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Deep inside the grotto

The typical Grotto hike is about 3 miles and starts out at Circle X Ranch. Unsurprisingly we will not do the typical hike -- we'll leave that one to the weekend masses. Instead we'll start out on the Canyon View Trail near the Sandstone Peak trailhead making the hike at least 7 miles. There is a "upside down" 900' elevation gain. Swimming and wading is ok depending on depth of water. Dress appropriately

Be prepared for an exploratory extension. Bring at least 2 qts water, lugsoles, hat, sunscreen camera and snacks. No beginners

Event rules:

1. Carpooling is desired. There is a convenient park-and-ride at Kanan & 101.

2. All hikers must stay on established trails

3. No use of flour or chalk to mark trails.

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

Directions

Parking lot is on the north side of Yerba Buena Rd, 4.5 miles west of Mulholland or 6.4 miles north of PCH (1 mile past Circle X park office). Yerba Buena is very curvey so drive carfefully. Recommended routes: From points east of Westlake Village, exit 101 at Kanan and go south to Mulholland. Turn west (right) to Yerba Buena

From PCH

Turn onto Yerba Buena (at Neptune's Net). Go 6.3 miles and turn left into parking lot. Narrow curvy road. Drive slowly and carefully

From the 101/Kanan:

Exit and turn south on Kanan

After 6.1 miles bear right onto Mulholland to Encinal Canyon

Continue on Encinal Canyon for 3.6 miles and turn right on Lechusa

Turn right onto CA-23 N (Decker Canyon) for 0.8 miles

Sharp left onto Mulholland Hwy

Turn right at Little Sycamore Canyon Rd 1.9 mi

Slight left at Yerba Buena Rd 2.7 mi

Sandstone Peak Trailhead will be on right

There is a sign at trailhead. If you are on a turnout without the Sandstone Peak sign you are in the wrong place.

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