La Jolla Canyon

Overview

NOTE: The La Jolla Canyon Trail was heavily damaged in the 2013 Springs Fire and subsequent fires and mudslides. As of February 2018, it has still not been repaired and is impassable. To access this region, please use alternate routes, such as the trek to Mugu Peak from the Chumash Trail. We will update this as we hear further news on the trail work or plans to abandon the trail completely. What follows is a description before the fires — as noted, the interior is still accessible from other routes, but the La Jolla Canyon Trail is not currently passable. Note that conditions are likely to be different from the way they are described here. La Jolla Canyon is a beautiful hike in the coastal Santa Monica Mountains. This route features phenomenal flower blooms in the spring, strong sun in the summer, and a small spring and waterfall (during wet years), but the main attraction is a large swath of native California grassland — some of the last remaining in the state. This is a well-traveled area with lots of trail options that can give users in the area an easy couple of hours or a full day excursion. La Jolla Canyon was one of the first hikes I did when I started “taking hiking seriously.” I remember two things — one, that it was gorgeous, and two, that it was about 100 degrees out and the trail had a total of four shaded areas. I don’t think I’ve ever been covered in more sweat. And so, on a hot, sunny weekend, I figured this would be an appropriate reintroduction to hiking, after being forbidden by my doctor for over a month. After a long and relaxing drive down the Pacific Coast Highway, you’ll enter Ventura County and pass the so-called “Great Sand Dune.” Across the street from Thornhill Broome Beach is the entrance to La Jolla Canyon. It’s a popular trailhead and a nice campground, too – so it’s very clearly marked. Park on the PCH or in a small lot inside the park. When you see the gate posted with ominous signs about ticks and mountain lions, take the small trail to your immediate right — the Ray Miller Trai

Trail Stats

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