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 Reporter |
Summary: This hike starts out moving north on the pleasant Sycamore Canyon trail for about a mile and a half, where you come to the junction with Serrano Canyon Trail. The Serrano trail takes you east into a densely wooded narrow canyon, with a lovely seasonal stream criss-crossing the trail numerous times, and abundant wildlife. As the trail begins to gain elevation and move north away from the stream, a stunning vista begins to emerge. Gently rolling grasslands set against the steep outlines of Boney Mountain. Simply wonderful! The trail traverses the grassland, passing an abandoned aluminum shack, our suggested turn around point. Most guide books suggest that you continue through the valley, eventually connecting up with Old Boney Trail, which drops back into Sycamore Canyon, forming a loop. I tried this route and found the trail beyond the valley very overgrown and ridiculously steep. I wouldn't recommend it. Trailhead: The trailhead is located about 5 miles south of Point Mugu on highway 1 (PCH), in the Big Sycamore Canyon Campground. Drive into the campground and park in the day use area, then hike north through the campground to the trailhead at the end of the campground. (Lat:34.07167 Lon:-119.01484) Trail Guides for Serrano Canyon: Day Hikers Guide to Southern California by John McKinney (Olympus Press) Afoot & Afield In Los Angeles by Jerry Schad (Wilderness Press) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Horses, Bikes Ranger Contact: Point Mugu State Park, (805) 986-8591 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jim Zuber, who has posted 104 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 3 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by David L. on 11/4/2010 I did the complete loop (10 miles) and did find that while the trail was steep in spots, it was certainly passable (easier terrain, arguably, than in Serrano Canyon). If you are pressed for time and energy the meadow makes a good turnaround spot, but if you can, try to do the whole thing. Check out my pictures and trip report here. 
Reviewed by Ryan M on 8/22/2010 I did the loop with the Old Boney trail. Unlike the original poster, I did not find the trail overgrown or particularly steep. If anything, it was less overgrown and steep than the Serrano Canyon trail. Furthermore, the part of the loop past the old water tank is by far the nicest part of the loop. This hike was nice, but I wouldn't do it very often because it is nowhere near as scenic or interesting as Mishe Mokwa, Ray MIller, and the trail up out of Solstice Canyon.
Reviewed by Eddie on 4/6/2010 Very pretty plato at the end.
Reviewed by Scott on 2/18/2010 Like KN below, I did this hike starting from the end of Serrano Road. Wow, what a drive! Narrow, one-lane road with fallen rocks and overhanging branches. I could BARELY turn my car around near the gate. The hike itself: wonderful. Love the old ranch site ruins. Lots of poison oak and some overgrowth where the Serrano Valley Trail meets the Serrano Canyon Trail, just beyond a large rusty piece of what looks like an old water tank - the aluminum shed of the OP's write-up. No one out here, peaceful and very green.
Reviewed by KellyK on 5/18/2009 Partially hiked on 05/09/09. The trail is very overgrown. Lots of ticks and poison oak. I went early morning and kept running into spider webs and picking up ticks. The mosquitos were obnoxious. I came across a ton of poison oak and decided to turn around. I've hiked this trail before and really enjoyed it (on 09/28/09). It's a great trail... nice single-track, lots of ups and downs, and it gets very little foot traffic so you're usually alone.
Reviewed by KN on 8/29/2008 I did the Serrano Loop, entering from Serrano Road. About a six mile hike. Pretty easy, some ankle turning craked earth. Kind of spooky. I was the only person out there, and the road in is seems post apocalyptic, overgrown and neglected. Cool breeze, even in the heart of summer. Some poison oak. Beware. Neat relics of a former ranch? House? Who knows. Very pretty. The Serrano Road in gets a bit dicey in your car. I used a turnout before the gate to park. Nice place to have lunch after and look down at the valley. 
Reviewed by Marlon on 3/24/2008 I hiked this trail on Saturday (easter weekend). There were plenty of wild flowers in bloom and the weather was great. Watch out for mosquitoes in the lower part of the trail and unlike my last visit here... i didn't get any ticks! I hate ticks so this was great. see my photos here: http://unveilus.blogspot.com/2008/03/serrano-canyon-hike-photos.html
Reviewed by Bill and Diane on 3/24/2008 We hiked this trail on Easter Sunday. It was hot and dry (85F) which made the hike a little harderthan usual. We started from teh beach, up Serrano Canyon, through the valeey, and down Backbone Trail to Danielson Ranch. According to my GPS, that was 7.7 miles. Serrano Canyon was thick and green; the nats and mosquitos plentiful. Backbone was steep and slightly rutted, but doable. From Danielson back to the parking lot at the beach was flat and easy (4.5 mi). Bring lots of water and check for ticks. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
