Zuma Canyon is distinguished for being one of the deepest gorges in the Santa Monica Mountains and, unlike Topanga or Malibu Canyons, has never suffered incursion by a major road.
We’ll start at Lower Zuma Canyon and take the Zuma Loop trail west to the Zuma Ridge trail. The views improve as the trail climbs, and there are several great lookouts of Zuma Beach, Point Dume, and the ocean beyond. Turning north and climbing further will provide views of Trancas Canyon and Upper Zuma Canyon.
After a brief rest to catch our breath and take in the views, we turn east and descend a lush trail into Zuma Canyon proper. Here we will enjoy a snack break beside the shady Zuma Creek before hiking up the opposite ridge. We continue on this ridge for while then turn south on the Zuma Canyon Connection trail, take this to Ocean View Trail and descend to the Bonsall Trailhead and back to our starting point.
🌄The hike will be about 11 miles with a total ascent of about 2900 ft. 1700 of that is in the first 3 miles. Later there is a 1000 foot gain between mile 5.5 and mile 7.5. Hike is rated DIFFICULT. See the Hike Rating Guide
Bring at least 2 qt water, snacks, hat, sunscreen, camera.
🚗Carpooling is highly recommended. There is a convenient park-and-ride by Kanan & 101
👉All hikers must stay on established trails. Practice “Leave No Trace” – take only pictures and leave only footprints
Directions to trail head:
We will be starting the hike promptly at 9:00am. If you want to start at 9:00 am with us plan your trip so that you arrive at least 20 minutes early.
Take 101 and exit Kanan Rd. Head south toward beaches and turn right on PCH. After about 1/4 mile turn right on Bonsall Dr. Proceed 1 mile up Bonsall until it ends and continue into dirt parking lot.
👉Important
Trail statistics are approximate and based on previous hikes. Current conditions are unknown until arrival. Expect the unexpected and plan accordingly.
For safety purposes always assume they are underestimated. But don’t be disappointed if they are overestimated. Bring more water and snacks than you think you’ll need.
The Organizers and members of Hiking With Dean are not professional leaders, guides, or mountaineers. The function of the member or organizer is only to organize the trip. Each person who shows up for a trip/meetup (and their guest or guests) is responsible for his or her own safety. By attending a hike, or any other event organized by this group, you are acknowledging that you and any guests that you bring are aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with the activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge the Organizers, Members of the Hiking With Dean Meetup Group from and against any and all liability arising from your participation in the group activities per our ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND LIABILITY WAIVER and Section 6.2 of the Meetup.com Terms of Service.
