Old Boney Trail

Overview

A pleasant loop through the low mountains and wide grasslands of northern Point Mugu State Park. This route features a seasonal waterfall, cabin ruins, and great spring wildflower blooms — and while I hiked just under 11 and a half miles, there are plenty of alternate, shorter routes. This area of Point Mugu State Park is at the western end of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area — a loose patchwork of public lands owned carved into state parks, county parks, and National Park Service territory. There is some privately-owned land scattered throughout, but for the most part, it’s basically an open, free, sparsely traveled National Park. It’s one of L.A.’s best little secrets. While the southern La Jolla Canyon is part of the State Park, the northern end of Big Sycamore Canyon is part of the NPS’ Rancho Sierra Vista / Satwiwa unit — the main differences you’ll probably notice are the good parking, abundant signs, and clean bathrooms. From the trailhead, follow a very short .3 mile path from the parking lot to a small pond and recreated Chumash village. On the weekends, the Satwiwa Culture Center is staffed with Native American rangers, and is a worthwhile stop if you’ve got some time — but if you want to get right to the hiking, cross the fire road and head straight for the wide open meadow. There is a network of wide, established trails running through the meadow, and depending on how green the grass is or how much is blooming, you may want to wander around for a bit. When I was there, the grass was very clearly turning from green to gold … … but on an earlier hike — in a much wetter year — everything was bathed in green. There were still plenty of blooming wildflowers this weekend, though — especially some very prominent buckwheat flowers. After you leave the meadow, you’ll officially be out of National Park Service land, and into Point Mugu State Park’s Boney Mountain Wilderness. Stay on the Old Boney Trail as it travels down the northernmost walls of Upper Sycamore Canyon. There’s a seasonal st

Trail Stats

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