Just off the ocean, Sycamore Canyon is a wide, seemingly flat stroll among grasses, wildflower, and sycamore trees, surrounded by mountains on both sides.
Rather than letting that lull you into a false sense of complacency, we’ll take a left turn just after we start, and hike up the southern fork of Overlook Trail to its intersection with the top of the Ray Miller Trail, then back down to Sycamore Canyon, and maybe up the canyon a little further for a total of 7.5 miles and 1,500 feet of elevation gain and loss, more or less. Leader’s choice! And we have two, so will likely have two lengths of hikes going!
We’re almost certain to spy (and hear) wild parakeets along our route. Far from the petite parakeets we’re familiar with, these birds closely resemble their parrot cousins. There are several stories floating around about their origin, including that they were released from the old LA Zoo, but we certainly know where they are now.
Directions:
Get yourself onto PCH, near the Port Hueneme end of Malibu. You can take Kanan Rd and turn right on PCH, or Las Posas Rd and turn left on PCH, whichever works best for you.
The trailhead is located 5 miles south/east of Point Mugu off of Pacific Coast Highway (between Point Mugu and Neptune’s Net), in the Sycamore Canyon campground (across from Sycamore Canyon Beach). The address listed is approximate, just to get you in the general area – turn onto Sycamore Canyon Rd. away from the ocean and head to the day use parking lot.
Parking is available in the campground for $12 (or free with a State Parking Permit), so you may want to carpool. Free parking may be available on PCH, 1/4 mile from the campground – allow a few extra minutes if you park on PCH.
See you there!
DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY
IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:
The hike hosts are volunteers and not responsible for the group. Safety should be a priority for everyone in the group. Please treat this meet-up as hiking with a group of friends. If you become fatigued and unable to continue the hike, it is expected you will advise the hike host of this and return to our starting point on your own. If you are able to proceed, it is expected that you will maintain line of sight with other members of the group at all times and help to promote the group’s safety and fitness goals.
Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Weekday Trailblazers Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions.
If you choose to sign up for this or any Group event, you are releasing the Group and its organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. You take personal responsibility for keeping up with the group, or finding your way back to the trailhead and your own transportation in case you lose sight of the other hikers.
Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.
All participants must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Sorry, no dogs, or Plus Ones on this event. We’ll be hiking on State Park land (where dogs are not allowed). By now, your friends should already have registered for The Weekday Trailblazers, and can sign up on their own.
