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 Reporter |
Summary: The trail starts out along the relatively easy La Jolla Canyon, moving through a little canyon carved by the stream running down the canyon. After about a mile and a half, rolling hills and grasslands of La Jolla Valley will spread out before you. You will see a lovely pond on you left, then will head west across the entire expanse of the valley. During the spring, this valley covered with wildflowers. At about the 4 mile mark, the trail begins to swing around the north flank of mugu peak, eventually traversing along the steep hillside facing the ocean. This is a breathtaking section of trail with wonderful views of the ocean and the Navy base. At about 6 miles you will find a cutoff trail that take you up to the top of the 1266 foot Mugu peak. There are great views of both the ocean and La Jolla Valley, and even an inspiring American flag flying. After enjoying the peak, rejoin the main trail for an easy 2 mile trek back to the car. Trailhead: Drive up the coast north on Pacific Coast Highway from Malibu. About 1.5 miles north of Big Sycamore Canyon camp ground is the Ray Miller Trailhead, which is used to access La Jolla Valley. (Lat:34.08396 Lon:-119.03565) Trail Guides for Mugu Peak - La Jolla Valley Loop: 101 Hikes in Southern California by Jerry Schad (Wilderness Press) Afoot & Afield In Los Angeles by Jerry Schad (Wilderness Press) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Horses, Ranger Contact: Santa Monica Mtn Recreation Area, 818-597-9192 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jim Zuber, who has posted 104 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 4 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Scott on 10/10/2009 We did a slightly smaller loop but this area is spectacular. Entered the valley by the Chumash Trail (brutally steep, gorgeous, slightly further north up PCH across from the gun range). Took a right on the valley trail and then a right up the peak trail. Perfect views of the coast, the Naval base, and some dolphins. Tricky descent down from the peak and down Chumash Trail. 4-5 miles. No mosquitos and no water in mid-October.
Reviewed by Diana on 5/29/2009 It's late May..many ticks on the grassland sections. Stop for a full tick-check before entering the canyon and stream area. They are quick climbers, but brush off easily.
Reviewed by unity on 4/11/2009 the meadow was green, lush. alive with butterflies, kestrels darted,bleu dick,lupines, indian paint brush brush against our ankles, steep exit if you head down above the rifle range. energizing walk, would have been best if we stashed our bikes at the north end to ride back a quick jaunt towards the campground.
Reviewed by craigc on 3/2/2009 Guys - here is an easier (better) way... Keep going past Sycamore Canyon camp ground, round Point Mugu, and look for a small parking lot on the right (east) side. It will be directly across from the shooting range. Park here. Trailhead is right in front of where you park. By doing this its free, and you basically hike the trail in a reverse direction.
Reviewed by Anna on 11/24/2008 It was beautiful today, the weather was perfect. No water at all anywhere, which was a little sad, but I guess we avoided all the mosquitoes plaguing people earlier this season. Nice hike, I loved the grassy meadow, so different from most other hikes around.
Reviewed by Bill on 10/3/2008 I really love this hiking area and have been hiking it for years. You can put in any where from 3 to 6 miles hikes for quick in and out after work type hikes, or you can connect many of the trails for longer week-end hikes. They're all good with a variety of levels of technicality. This year, 2008 Spring, Summer and Fall, found this area to be absolutely swarming with mosquitos, unlike any year prior. The creek was never flowing at all this year so I believe there pockets and pools of water that were stagnate making a breeding eutopia for the little blood suckers. I hope next year is not the same. I don't know if the creek water is controlled or is natural, meaning, was it a dry year or did somebody shut it down?
Reviewed by BB on 8/23/2008 Went early morning around 7am on 8/23 so the marine layer was still around which made for avery comfortable hike. Trail is very moderate with only a few sections I'd consider steep. As the clouds started to burn off, we had some great ocean views but could not sea Pt. Mugu yet by the time we left. Overall, a nice hike but there were TONS of mosquitos so don't forget your deet!
Reviewed by Dave on 8/3/2008 Did this hike Sat around 8:30 am. Nice to have the fog as cover on the way up. Advice: Bring a lot of water, sunscreen and bug repellant and a hat, the baby mosquitos will have you for breakfast for sure! Saw alot of people suffering heading up in the afternoon heat as I was heading down the canyon. I will definetly be back in the spring for sure check my link for current photos. http://www.pbase.com/dsograph/mugu_peak_2008 Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Los Angeles County Hiking, Los Angeles County Trails, Los Angeles County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||