Sycamore (or less) Canyon Exploratory Hike -- a New Hike for the Trailblazers

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If you are looking for something a little different, join us for this new (to the Weekday Trailblazers) hike over several trails around Sycamore Canyon from the beach side. On Thursday during our Gentler hike up the middle of the Sycamore Canyon, several of us pondered the various trails to the North side of the canyon that we had never really noticed prior to the fire. While we are calling this an exploratory hike, it is all on well established trails in Point Mugu State Park map....it's just that none of us have actually hiked on them before.

We will meet in the parking lot at Sycamore Canyon Campground and start off along the main Sycamore Canyon fire road. Approximately one half mile down the trail we will turn Northeast and climb above the canyon following the Overlook Fire Road on a series of switchbacks to claim the ridge between Sycamore and La Jolla Canyons for about 4.7 miles. The second half of this road is part of the La Jolla Canyon/Ray Miller Trail loop that is one of the Trailblazer's favorite hikes, but we will be traversing it in the opposite direction. We will then descend for about a mile and a half back into Sycamore Canyon on the Wood Canyon Vista Trail, where we will regain the Sycamore Canyon and have a leisurely stroll of about 3 miles back to our starting point. About 40% of the loop is along the Backbone Trail.

Since we haven't actually done this hike, we are estimating the distance at approximately 8 miles and about 1500 feet of elevation gain, mostly in the beginning. Hopefully, some of you will bring your GPS's so we can document the stats for future reference. We expect most of this hike will be through the fire devastated areas of the park, but in Sycamore canyon itself there is a surprising amount of green growth already sprouting up from the ashes. And in case you are worried, we do have the official park map showing our route, so we are unlikely to get lost!! Temperatures should be cooler along the coast and we should get some nice views of the ocean and the islands from the ridge unless it is foggy, as it was today. Much of the trail is exposed, so bring plenty of water and wear sun protection.

We're almost certain to spy (and hear) wild parakeets along the very beginning and ending of our route. Far from the petite parakeets we're familiar with, these birds closely resemble their parrot cousins. There are several stories floating around about their origin, including that they were released from the old LA Zoo, but we certainly know where they are now.

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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). The address listed is approximate, just to get you in the general area- turn onto Sycamore Canyon Rd. away from the ocean and head to the day use parking lot.

Parking is available in the campground for $12 (or free with a State Parking Permit), so you may want to carpool. Free parking is NO longer available on PCH.

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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.