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 Reporter |
Summary: This is a stunning adventure hike with swimming holes, rocky cascades, wonderful geologic formations and car-size boulders to negotiate around. This hike is at it loveliest after it rains, although also at its most challenging. The route follows the wooded flood plain near the coast, up through lower Zuma Canyon, bushwacking through the narrows, past the Edison fire road, eventually hitting a junction with Newton Canyon. The final half mile of the hike includes 3 seasonal waterfalls including the 40 ft Newton Falls and the lovely lower Zuma Falls (up a short side trail). For detailed directions go to Chris Brennens Adventure Hike web site. You must have excellent outdoor skills and carry the 10 essentials to safely complete this hike. Afoot & Afield shows an alternate loop hike that doubles back to the parking area via the Edison fire road and Zuma Ridge Trail. Trailhead: From the Ventura Freeway (101) in Agoura, take Kanan-Dume Road towards the beach for about 8 miles. With two cars leave one car at the Backbone trailhead parking area between the second and third tunnels (Newton Canyon). Take Kanan-Dume Road 4.1 miles south to Pacific Coast Highway, turn right and drive 0.8 miles, turn right on Bonsall Drive and 1mile to where the road ends in a broad, dirt parking area. This is Zuma Canyon trailhead. Park the second car here. (Lat:34.07631 Lon:-118.81524) Trail Guides for Zuma Canyon to Newton Falls: Afoot and Afield in Los Angeles by Jerry Schad (Wilderness Press) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Santa Monica Recreation Area - (805) 370- 2301 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Eric Altizer, who has posted 13 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 2 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Pinki on 1/20/2008 Wonderful hike. Beautiful views. Extremely challenging! The change in elevation does not come only once. You will ascend 1400 ft, descend 1400 ft and then repeat once more. Beware of doing the 4.11 off the fire trail hike from Zuma canyon to Newton Canyon. You will slip on the algae covered and may need rope to climb over large rocks and may end up crawling on you stomach for 1/2 an hour beneath shrubs. The 10 mile loop is doable in one day for a relatively fit person. Beautiful ocean views. Do the 10 mile loop! 
Reviewed by Derek on 5/9/2005 Hiked it again on 5/8. Water is still very high, almost waist deep in places, knee deep everywhere else. Saw salamanders in the pools, and a little snake (not a rattler). Lots of ticks and poison oak. Edison fire road is overgrown and has major rain damage, but is perfectly fine to hike up. Still a very tough hike though. After the power lines were overhead it took us at least 1 hour to get to the fire road as well. If you want to see what all these canyons looked like before roads were built, go through Zuma.
Reviewed by Leslie on 3/7/2005 Parked on Busch Dr. and took Zuma Cyn upstream to (unmarked) Edison fire road to ridge then back down to Busch Dr for an 8 mile loop on 3/6/05. Took 4.5 hours alone to get up the canyon to the fire road. Water was to our waists in spots, lots of poison oak, rock climbing and bush wacking required. Afoot and Afield states once you see the power lines directly overhead it's a half mile to the fire road but it took us 1.5 hours to reach it from that spot. Either the mileage is wrong or this is one tough hike! I am sure its much easier when the water is lower. Edison fire road is straight up then straight down for about 4-5 miles to complete the loop. Total hike time 6.5 hours incl two snack breaks. A challenging and fun hike.
Reviewed by Derek on 3/4/2005 This really is a personal favorite. I have some variations on this hike - when it is not dangerous in the canyon, I take follow the creek fro miles until I get to the fire road, and I take that left (North), back up over the ridge. Alternatively, when the water is high and there is too much risk in the canyon, I go down to the valley, climb up on the southern ridge overlooking kanan road, take the fire road in one big loop down in the canyon and back out again. about 11 miles, with LOTS of elevation gain. A good workout with stunnign views.
Reviewed by RESQME on 1/25/2005 I agree with Jim Z...I am one of the Sheriff rescuers that spends much time in this area. The terrain is beautiful and scenic but hikers must allow much extra time, carry whistles, cell phones and plenty of food, water and clothing for the unexpected. A great trail/gorge to hike but one needs to be prepared especially now because of the the higher water levels, it is extra beautiful and extra dangerous.
Reviewed by Jim Z. on 1/25/2005 I spoke to a ranger today that reported 3 rescues in the canyon in the past couple of weeks. This is a serious adventure hike requiring proper equipment, experience, and physical conditioning. Make sure to take the 10 essentials, plus a cell phone, and leave plenty of extra time incase you encounter more difficult conditions than expected. The water is quite high right now, so it may take longer that the times posted. 
Reviewed by RC on 11/22/2004 Im with Kat on this one, my group couldnt make it out of zuma canyon on time. There are fewer sunlight hours in the canyon, plan ahead very far ahead. It truely is bush wacking, its heavy brush and boulder hopping. It was sure a heck of a lot of fun trying though. The rock formations are really nice, and there is a small peak on your right hand side in the begining of the canyon that is excellent for a side rock climbing adventure.
Reviewed by Kat on 5/17/2003 I hiked this "trail" on 5/13/03 - water was plentiful, and the scenery was gorgeous although we did not make it to Zuma Falls before it was time to turn around. Lots of frogs and salamanders, and even some toe biters (see guide - it's a strange looking huge water bug that carries eggs on it's back). LOTS of ticks on connecting fire road (to Zuma Mtn. way - Please, beware and check constantly. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||