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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 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
Reviewed by MPK Meanderers on 7/3/2008 We hiked up the Chumash trail to Mugu Peak yesterday. It was beautiful! Did a bit of the loop, but it was too hot to finish, so we concentrated on the ocean side and enjoyed the breezes. We'll go back for the loop when the heat lets up. Nice views of kelp beds. Might be good for whale watching in the spring.
Reviewed by Ian on 4/19/2008 Hiked yesterday. Mosquitos plentiful, but so were wildflowers and wildlife -- saw a hawk, a rabbit, a hummingbird, and countless lizards. Grasslands were wonderfully peaceful; I had no idea such places existed so close to LA. 
Reviewed by Gabe on 4/14/2008 This hike is truly awesome. I do want to report on current conditions on this hike so you can be prepared: -it's rattlesnake season. Saw 2 on Sunday, one adult that was kind enough to rattle before it was too late, and one baby. Both were on the coastal leg of the loop, near the military base. -it's mosquito season. My friends and I were devoured, even wearing repellant. Bring a mosquito net to at least get them off your head. -it was crazy hot on Sunday, so do wear a big hat and bring more water than you think you'll need That being said, it's absolutely amazing. Flowers are in full bloom everywhere, the pond just south of the walk in camp is full(!), and the relative lack of other hikers on the trail make it a local treasure.
Reviewed by Bill and Diane on 3/24/2008 I have done this hike 5 times now and still love doing it. The trail along the cost gives breathtaking views on a clear day. We once saw two F-14 jets fly by. Once you get to the top of Mugu Peak, take a few minutes and enjoy the views. They use to have a logbook to sign but it wasn’t there the last time. From the peak take the loop through the valley. The decent is very steep and rugged but doable. Wear boots for good ankle support!! There are numerous ways out once you get through the valley. The one leading around the pond is very nice providing there is water in the pond.
Reviewed by jflo on 9/10/2007 Did this hike on 9/8 - while not as beautiful as in Spring, if you start out early enough in summer it's still doable. We started hiking just before 9 am, and by the time we really started heating up, we were near the peak and the ocean breezes. Perfect sized day hike when you don't want to punish yourself, but want to be out for awhile and see a bit of everything. A trip to the nearby beach afterward makes for a pretty perfect day.
Reviewed by Britt on 5/14/2007 Mid-April the hike up takes your through a beautiful little canyon splattered with bright yellow blossoms. Once you make it to the valley it opens to grasslands surrounded by low peaks. The campground is big for a backcountry site. Some guide books say there is water in the camp. There is none. You’ll find a well-kept chemical toilet. If you make the loop out to the ocean overlook you will be smiling into the ocean breeze at a view of the Channel Islands. As you drop down and approach the trickle of water at the bottom, you will find a lot of poison oak. All of it is cut back from the trail. Spring is a great time to see the valley: wildflowers, tall wind-blown grasses. However, some locals called it tick valley. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||