Please read the full Description below CAREFULLY so you are aware of all meeting time/ location/ directions, details etc. THX
La Jolla Cyn Trailhead/ Ray Miller Backbone Trail / Overlook Trail to La Jolla Valley Trail Camp
TIME(s): Meet at Trailhead (at the back of the parking lot) at 7:45 AM to start hiking at 8:00 AM sharp, details below. Note: Drive time from SCV is ~1 hour 15mins.
DISTANCE: ~ 10.4 mile Round Trip total, out and back style
GAIN/ LOSS: ~ 1580′ total (1000′ in the first 2.7 miles)
RATING: Moderate ++ (NOTE: this is NOT a beginners hike, the rating is due to longer distance and 1000′ gain early in hike). You need to be hiking regularly to enjoy this hike.
HIKE DURATION: ~ 4.5 hours hike + 0.5 hour snack time
Hike should end by ~ 1:00 PM, back in SCV 2:45PM
TRAIL HEAD: Meet your leader at the Ray Miller Trailhead (rear of parking lot) in La Jolla Canyon Parking lot (Google coordinates 34.0837567, -119.0358925). Entrance to Parfking Lot is across from La Jolla beach:
DESCRIPTION:
We start at sea level at the back of the La Jolla Canyon Group Camping Parking Area to head up the Ray Miller Backbone Trail. The trail winds back and forth across the hillside providing spectacular views of Pacific Coast Highway and the Pacific Ocean. We climb almost 1000′ in the first 2.7 miles then it levels off for 1.9 miles as we traverse the ridge, joining the Overlook trail, revealing great views into Sycamore Canyon and the Boney Mountain range off to the South East. The final 0.7 miles is a gradual descent along the Loop trail into the valley below, turning into the La Jolla Valley walk-in campground. Here we take a break and grab a snack before our return to the trailhead along the same route.
DIRECTIONS from Santa Clarita to the La Jolla Canyon trailhead:
Take Newhall Ranch road West until you go over the 5 Freeway and becomes CA-126, heading West toward Ventura.
Follow CA-126 W, 34.4 miles, then use Exit 5 from CA-126 W to merge on to CA-118 East, toward Saticoy. Continue until the road T’s . Turn right on to Santa Clara Ave, which becomes Rice Ave and eventually merges into Route 1 (PCH), turning South along the coast.
Stay on PCH, passing Point Mugu Naval base on the right, beside the ocean. After passing the big Point Mugu Rock, La Jolla Canyon parking entrance is 1.4 miles further, on the left. Be alert, 1/4 mile sooner and watch traffic as you turn in.
PARKING: There are 2 options – park in the La Jolla Canyon Parking lot and pay a $12/ day fee with a credit card to a machine in the lot. Alternatively, you may be able to find free parking out on the PCH, on either side of the entrance (!! obey signs and park behind arrows/ inside whiteline, or risk a hefty ticket!!).
BRING: Hiking boots with good tread, Poles if you have them, lunch/ snacks, at least 2 – 3 liters of water plus some electrolytes, SUN SCREEN/ lip balm.
BATHROOMS/ ADVENTURE PASS: There are bathrooms at the campground / trailhead. Pass not required. PARKING OUTSIDE THE GATE IS FREE. PARKING INSIDE IS $12.
DOG(s): Sorry, dogs are not allowed on this trail (I don’t make up the rules).
Leader: Chris Stratford
