Up from the Ashes: Springs Fire Loop Hike

Here is your chance to see the burn area from the recent huge Springs Fire, where more than 24,000 acres were burned. There are some trail closures due to the devastation, but from the trailhead we'll go a mile to the Satwiwa Native American Culture Center (restrooms are there), then down the Sycamore Canyon fire road to the bottom of the canyon, where we'll walk across a scorched, but still serviceable bridge. From there we'll get onto the Upper Sycamore Canyon trail which will take us straight through a heavily burned area up to the overlook trail for a final view of Boney Mountain and Sycamore Canyon before heading back to our vehicles.

You will see mostly charred vegetation and scorched earth, yet already there are new shoots of plants coming right up from the ashes, and are quite beautiful in their green contrast with the black and charcoal surroundings. Coming down into the canyon from the fire road you will have amazing views of the destruction and lots of good photo opportunities.

Click HERE (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10201350072892819.1073741828.1203427940&type=1&l=1d6f766d60) to see an extensive photo album of the pictures I took on this hike. The first picture was taken long BEFORE the fire so you can see the contrast with how it looks today.

Once we get onto the single-track trail to go back up, you'll see the burn area up close and personal, including ample signs of the firefighters cutting branches to make fire breaks. It burned through the canyon from Newbury Park all the way to the ocean. But even with all this destruction both the canyon and Boney Mountain remain truly beautiful, as you can see in the pictures below.

Distance: 4 miles
Elevation Gain: 770'
Difficulty: Beginners will be ok.
Restrooms: Yes, about 1 mile into the hike.
Parking: Free!
Dogs: Most of this hike is in Pt Mugu State Park, and dogs are not allowed there.

Important: Make sure you bring plenty of water for this hike, especially if it is hot.

Known Dangers: I suppose rattlesnakes are possible, but the only animal life I saw when I did this hike on June 21 were spiders. Not sure how they survived the fire, but perhaps by being underground? They were those large ground spiders with funnel-like webs around their big entrance holes into the ground.

Driving Directions: Take the Wendy exit from the 101 in Newbury Park and go South toward the ocean just a few miles until it ends. There is lots of free parking just across the intersection where the trailhead is.

Disclaimer / Release of Liability:
You must RSVP to attend this event, no exceptions. Hiking and other outdoor events are inherently dangerous and accidents can happen. By participating in any posted event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. This 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. You are responsible for you. If you choose to sign up for any events, you are releasing the Group and its organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgement and experience. This applies to any guests you may invite.

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Boney Mountain is in the background.

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Can you see the mountain saying 'HI' to us from the

totally denuded slopes?

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Life is already coming up from the ashes.

See the 3rd paragraph above for a link to a complete photo album I took for this hike.