Point Mugu State Park preserves a stunningly picturesque portion of the Santa Monica Mountains at the west end of Malibu. When you see park trails with names like Scenic Trail and Overlook Trail, you anticipate first class ocean views. Scenic and Overlook Trails Loop delivers the goods! This 2.7-mile hike climbs 450 feet to tremendous vistas atop a ridge west of Big Sycamore Canyon. The trek can (and should) be stretched to 3.5 miles by traveling down a ridge trail that parts from the loop to present ocean views typically reserved for exotic vacation destinations.

Begin the hike from the day use area at the bottom of Big Sycamore Canyon in Point Mugu State Park. Walk a quarter mile through Big Sycamore Canyon Campground to the start of a dirt service road named Big Sycamore Canyon Trail. Pass through the gate and shuffle forward about fifty steps to a dirt single track departing on the left dubbed Scenic Trail. Turn here and make your way across Big Sycamore Creek (which is typically dry) to the west wall of the canyon where the climb begins. Occasional wooden steeps assist the ascent up a slope dominated by coastal sage. The thigh-high vegetation allows for open views both up Big Sycamore Canyon and down on the blue waters beyond the mouth of the canyon.

Looking down Scenic Trail into Big Sycamore Canyon

Two-thirds of a mile from the start, you will reach the top of Scenic Trail in a saddle on a bluff 450 feet above the surf. There is a sign at the junction offering an arrow to the right toward the connector to Overlook Trail. There are several other paths branching off from the top of Scenic Trail, and before you continue the loop, you owe it to yourself to explore at least a couple.

The shortest extension brings you to a viewpoint on the bluff where you will find a hitching post and a sweeping panorama along the coast toward Point Mugu. Beneath the bluff, PCH can be seen cutting across a sandy beach. Reach the landing by hiking straight from the junction for a few hundred feet, curving to the left down to the overlook.

Viewpoints off the end of Scenic Trail

For a bit more exercise and overwhelming ocean views, make a hard left at the top of Scenic Trail on a path that traverses the ridge framing the west side of the bottom of Big Sycamore Canyon. This 0.4-mile long bonus track gains another 100 feet and is easy to follow as it crosses the spine of a rugged undulating ridge bordered by dramatic drop-offs. To the west there is a dangerously steep drop to a sandy beach running between the ridge and the rocky point that gives the state park its name. To the east, there is a slightly less steep slope giving way to Big Sycamore Canyon.

Looking down on Big Sycamore Canyon Campground from the end of the ridge trail

The trail ends atop a prominence at the end of the ridge. The towering terminus offers striking sea breezes and views to see. You have a bird’s eye perspective of the campground to the left, shaded by hearty sycamores. To the right, beneath a 400-foot bluff, there is a slope of sand feeding into the Pacific. Point Mugu juts into the blue water on the horizon to the west. It is a rare and stunning vista. Even if you only made a short trip to the park from Los Angeles, this trail will have you feeling like you took a vacation to a faraway paradise.

Looking back down the ridge trail extending from the top of Scenic Trail

From the top of Scenic Trail, is it less than a tenth of a mile on the connector to Overlook Trail. Turn right on this wide fire road and begin hiking downhill. With the ocean views behind you, the back half of the loop serves up scintillating inland views of Big Sycamore Canyon. To the northeast, the highest peaks in the range, the Boney Mountains, make a brief appearance.

Looking up Big Sycamore Canyon from Overlook Trail

After 0.9 miles of canyon views, Overlook Trail comes to an end. Turn right on Big Sycamore Canyon Trail and hike 0.45 level miles back to the gate at the bottom of the trail to close out the loop. If you aren’t spending the night at Big Sycamore Canyon, hike a quarter mile back to the day use parking area. If you’d like a closer view of the ocean, take the path beneath the bridge and enjoy a relaxing moment on the beach.

There is a $10 fee to park in the Big Sycamore Canyon Day Use Area, and there is free parking along PCH outside the entrance. Dogs are not allowed on the trails. Mountain bikes are allowed on Overlook Trail and Big Sycamore Canyon Trail but not on Scenic Trail. No permit is required to hike Scenic and Overlook Trails Loop, so get out and enjoy.

To get to the trailhead: From Los Angeles, take the 10 Freeway west through Santa Monica and follow PCH northwest for 32 miles through Malibu to Point Mugu State Park. Drive 3.2 miles past Yerba Buena Road, and turn right into Sycamore Canyon Campground. Just past the park entrance station, turn left into the day use parking area.

From Oxnard, head southeast on PCH for twelve miles and turn left into Sycamore Canyon Campground.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

                                                                     

These photos were taken in January of 2012. Click to enlarge.

 

Nearby Trails

 

	La Jolla Canyon Loop This 11.75-mile hike explores Point Mugu State Park on the west end of the Santa Monica Mountains, offering extraordinary ocean views (while still visiting La Jolla Canyon Falls).
	Mugu Peak This 6.5-mile hike ascends from the bottom of La Jolla Canyon to the top of a 1,266-foot peak, providing exceptional ocean and canyon views.
	La Jolla Canyon Falls This 1.5-mile hike visits a short seasonal waterfall in Point Mugu State Park.
	Sandstone Peak This 6.25-mile loop summits the tallest peak in the Santa Monica Mountains.
	The Grotto This 3-mile out and back visits a remote grotto in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.
	More trails in the Santa Monica Mountains Explore other destinations in the range.

 

More Info

 

Point Mugu State Park trails on venturacountytrails.com

The official website for Point Mugu State Park

 

Tuna Canyon Park preserves 1,255 beautiful acres in the mountains between Topanga and Malibu. Despite being relatively unknown and under-visited, the park delivers some of the grandest ocean views to be found anywhere in the Santa Monica Mountains. From ridges 1,500 feet above a silken Pacific Ocean, Tuna Canyon Park looks east toward Santa Monica Bay and west up the coast of Malibu. There are two main viewpoints in Tuna Canyon Park, found at the ends of Hearst Tank Mountainway and Big Rock Lateral. From the main trailhead, it is 1.6 miles roundtrip to the east-facing viewpoint on Hearst Tank Mountainway, and 3.8 miles roundtrip to the west-facing viewpoint on Big Rock Lateral. Take in both vistas on a combined 5.1 mile hike with 900 feet of elevation change.

The trailhead for Tuna Canyon Park is barely marked (perhaps why it receives so few visitors), but can be found in the mountains between Malibu and Topanga on the outside of a bend in Tuna Canyon Road. Hike south down a dirt service road named Big Rock Mountainway for 0.15 miles to an unmarked junction. Turn left to hike up Hearst Tank Mountainway to the highest point in park at approximately 1,775 feet. Oaks along the bottom of this dirt service road are some of the only shade-providers in the park. Elsewhere, the sagebrush and chaparral allow for incredible open views.

Santa Monica Bay from the end of Hearst Tank Mountainway

Halfway up the 275-foot ascent, the 2/3 of a mile long service road passes a saddle that looks down on the Pacific. From the saddle it is another 0.2 miles to a level spot on the top of the ridge. Walk to the right, to a point that looks south and west over Malibu. Get an eyeful and continue east to the end of the trail for a compelling panorama down the mountains toward Santa Monica Bay and inland toward downtown Los Angeles. To the northeast there is even a view of Eagle Rock in Topanga State Park. The higher peaks of the San Gabriel Mountains can be seen in the distance. On a clear day this is one of the best viewpoints anywhere in the range. To get you to linger even longer, some visitors have built a stone maze at the end of the point.

Return down Hearst Tank Mountainway to the junction with Big Rock Mountainway and continue south to reach Big Rock Lateral. You will gain about 50 feet of elevation, passing a junction with Budwood Mountainway, which break off to the left heading down to the Pacific. As Big Rock Mountainway turns downhill, a 180-degree view of the ocean spreads out below. The trail also looks west over Las Flores Canyon toward Saddle Peak, which looms above at 2,805 feet, making it the 6th tallest summit in the Santa Monica Mountains.

Looking down Big Rock Mountainway toward Saddle Peak

The views are nonstop as you drop 200 feet over 0.9 miles from Hearst Tank Mountainway to a Y-junction with Big Rock Lateral. Turn right to progress down the mountainside, descending 400 feet over 3/4 of a mile to a landing that peers west over Las Flores Canyon. Cleared landings along Big Rock Lateral deliver knockout views up the winding Malibu coast. From this peaceful vantage high above the surf, the oceanfront below looks quiet and calm. Yes you have to hike back uphill after the trail dead-ends, but the view is worth it. It is 1.9 miles back to the trailhead on Tuna Canyon Road with 700 feet of elevation gain.

The bottom of Big Rock Lateral

From the junction at the top of Big Rock Lateral, Big Rock Mountainway angles east a short distance to a holding tank on the ridge. The dirt trail meets a paved service road coming up from Big Rock Road. This is another access point to Tuna Canyon Park. Though the paved road is steep, it packs even more views of the Pacific. It is 0.6 miles from Big Rock Drive to the junction with Big Rock Lateral with 400 feet of elevation change. Those who don’t mind the climb, and aren’t worried about overdosing on ocean views, may wish to start their hike from Big Rock Drive.

No matter where you begin your hike or how many trails you explore, there is no fee or permit required to visit Tuna Canyon Park. Dogs and mountain bikes are welcome. The ocean views are extraordinary, so give Tuna a try!

Looking east across Santa Monica Bay

To get to the trailhead: Drive 0.6 miles west of Topanga Canyon Road on PCH to Tuna Canyon Road. Turn north and drive 3.2 miles to the trailhead on the left. There is free roadside parking. Tuna Canyon Road continues another mile to Saddle Peak Road.

To get to the Big Rock Drive trailhead, drive 1.7 miles west of Topanga Canyon Road, and turn north off PCH onto Big Rock Drive, which carves up the mountain for another 1.7 miles. There is space for a few cars to park at the end of the road. The service road continues to the left.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

                                                                             

These photos were taken in January of 2012. Click to enlarge.

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Saddle Peak from the Backbone Trail This 2-mile hike summits Saddle Peak, the 6th tallest summit in the Santa Monica Mountains.
	Topanga Lookout This 2-mile visits the site of an old fire tower that still offers great views of the surrounding mountains.
	Hondo Canyon This fairly well maintained section of the Backbone Trail crosses fields of grains and forests of Bays, climbing 1500 feet over 3.8 miles.
	Eagle Rock from Trippet Ranch This 4.5-mile loop takes Musch Trail and Eagle Springs Fire Road to visit an exceptional sandstone summit in Topanga State Park.
	More trails in the Santa Monica Mountains Explore other destinations in the range.

 

More Info

 

Tuna Canyon Park on nobodyhikesinla.com

The official website of Tuna Canyon Park

 

Dune Succession Trail in the West Beach area of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore offers a mile-long look at the stages of dune development, starting with a beach on the shore of Lake Michigan and ending with a boardwalk through a forest that has risen from the sand. There is 125 feet of elevation gain along the loop, covered by 250 boardwalk steps. In addition to the ecology lesson, the self-guided nature trail delivers great lake views.

Start from the large parking area for West Beach and walk north on a paved walkway toward the shore of Lake Michigan. Pass through the park beach house and walk down a short boardwalk to the sand. Blue water and a view of the Chicago skyline to the west may seduce you into abandoning the hike all together. Resist the siren song and walk east along the beach for about a tenth of a mile to a sign pointing inland for Succession Trail. Turn right off the beach, knowing that Dune Succession Trail is easy to follow from this point on.

Dune Succession Trail leaves Lake Michigan

The next quarter mile is somewhat slow going as you trudge through loose sand. Once you reach the boardwalk, travel becomes easier. Climb the steps and look over your shoulder for an excellent view of Lake Michigan. Go up and down the steps for the next third of a mile through an oak forest that has risen from the dunes. At the end of the boardwalk, it is another tenth of a mile over sand to return to the parking lot and complete the loop. Stay on the trail to protect the dunes and avoid poison ivy.

There are eight numbered markers along Dune Succession Trail corresponding with entries in a pamphlet that accompanies the hike. Ask for a copy at the entrance gate for West Beach. The guide explains how a beach can become a forest over time. The process starts with persistent grasses that grow in the wind-swept sand. Grasses are accompanied by cottonwood trees, which can tolerate being buried by dozens of feet of sand. As the scale tilts in favor of the trees, Jack pines, black oaks, basswoods, and ashes thrive, creating a cool canopy along the shore. At the end of the nature trail, you will understand how a forest can develop from sand dunes over hundreds of years.

The boardwalk along Dune Succession Trail

Dune Succession Trail is a short, relatively easy, and educational. Indian Dunes National Lakeshore is located on Lake Michigan in the northeast corner of Indiana near the cities of Gary and Michigan City. Indian Dunes National Lakeshore is a only 40 miles from Chicago. There is a $6 fee to enter the West Beach area (as of August, 2011), but no permit is required to hike Dune Succession Trail, so get out and enjoy.

To get to the trailhead: Take Interstate 96 to exit 26 and drive north on Route 49 (from Interstate 90/84 take exit 31 to pick up Route 49 further to the south). Drive 1.6 miles north of I-96 to Route 12 and turn left. Proceed 8.6 miles to County Line Road and turn right. Make an immediate right on West Beach Road, drive past the entrance station to the large parking lot and begin hiking north toward the lake.

From the west, take Interstate 90 to Route 20 and drive east 3.2 miles to County Line Road, Turn left and drive 1.2 miles north to West Beach Road.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

                   

These photos were taken in August of 2011. Click to enlarge.

 

Nearby Camping

 

Dunewood Campground This 78-site campground in Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is open seasonally from April to October.

 

More Info

 

The official website of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore on wikipedia.org

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore on summitpost.org

A handout for trails in the West Beach area of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

 

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore protects 15,000 acres of lakefront, dunes, bogs, and marshes on the edge of Lake Michigan in northeastern Indiana. Dunewood Campground is the principal campground in the park with 78 sites (53 drive-up sites and 25-walk-in sites). The first-come first-serve campground is open seasonally from April to October. Sites are $18 per night (as of August, 2011), and amenities include flush toilets, showers, potable water, picnic tables, and fire rings. Firewood is available for purchase just outside the campground. The beach on Lake Michigan is only a mile from the campground, and there are several nearby day hikes including Dune Succession Trail.

A drive-up site at Dunewood Campground

The campground is tucked away in a lush oak forest, but train and freeway noise is pervasive. There are marshes nearby, so don’t be surprised if mosquitoes pay a visit. The drive-up campsites for tents and RVs are well spaced along paved loops to allow ample privacy. The walk-in sites receive fewer visitors and work as overflow space for those who don’t mind packing in their camping gear a short distance.

A walk-in site at Dunewood Campground

The sign-in board for the walk-in sites at Dunewood Campground

To get to the campground: Take Interstate 96 to exit 26 and drive north on Route 49 (from Interstate 90/84 take exit 31 to pick up Route 49 further to the south). Drive 1.6 miles north of I-96 to Route 12 and turn right. Proceed 4.6 miles to Broadway and turn right. Make a quick left and then a right, following signs leading to Dunewood Campground.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Nearby Trails

 

Dune Succession Trail This one-mile loop depicts the ecological transition from sand dunes to forest on the shore of Lake Michigan.

 

More Info

 

The official webpage for Dunewood Campground

Dunewood Campground on indianadunes.com

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore on wikipedia.org

The official website of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

 

Hahn Park’s Community Trail is quite well named. It isn’t the type of hike you would travel a long distance to visit, but if you live nearby, you’re lucky to have it. The highlight of this 2.5-mile hike in the Baldwin Hills is a string of ridge-top viewpoints that looks north over Los Angeles. The 319-acre park is bordered by oil fields that limit the natural charm. Otherwise, this is a pleasant city hike with 75 to 200 feet of elevation gain, depending on your route.

From La Cienega Boulevard, drive southeast through Hahn Park to Janice’s Green Valley, a large bowl-shaped field. Begin hiking counterclockwise around the circular depression, which is the filled-in remains of Baldwin Hills Reservoir. The lining of the reservoir cracked in 1963, flooding houses in the city below, killing five. Stress from nearby oil drilling is thought to have caused the weakness in the reservoir wall. After the flood, the reservoir was covered to create the large field (which visitors are not allowed to use for any sports activities).

Looking across Janice’s Green Valley

After 0.6 miles, reach the northwest end of the field, opposite from where the hike began. Angle to the right on a dirt trail heading north along a ridge that overlooks the developed areas of Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area. Look west over the playground, picnic area, and fishing pond below, or beyond the park toward a bleak hillside of churning oil derricks.

The trail follows the top of the ridge toward pavilions placed at good viewpoints. Just under a mile from the start, you will pass through a eucalyptus grove to find the first two shelters, Michael and Emilia’s Viewpoint and Autumn’s Peak, both positioned to look west across the park. On the right side of the trail opposite Autumn’s Peak Pavilion, you will find the top of City View Loop Trail, a path that drapes down the northeast side of the ridge before reuniting with the main trail at a saddle 1/8 of a mile down the ridge.

A bench along the trail

It is a short hike down the ridge to the third pavilion, Christine’s Point, located about 200 feet past the saddle. The end of the ridge delivers the best view over Los Angeles toward the Hollywood Hills. Griffith Park landmarks like the Hollywood Sign and the Griffith Observatory are visible to the northeast, and downtown LA rises above the sprawl to the east. Christine’s Point is the northwest corner of the hike, and has a unique view over the corridore occupied by La Cienega Boulevard dropping into the city below.

Looking down on Los Angeles from Christine’s Point

To return, you can circle around to the saddle and head back the way you came, repeating the 1.3-mile trail with 75 feet of elevation gain. The alternative is to take the wide dirt trail heading south from the saddle downhill toward the developed lowlands of Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area, and circle back to the start for a slightly shorter hike with more elevation change.

To do the loop, swing down the dirt trail for 0.2 miles to a parking area along the main park road. From here, there is no longer a trail, just a few sidewalks to follow on a choose-your-own-adventure back to the trailhead. Turn left and make your way across the road past the park entrance gate up to Gwen Moore Lake, a small man-made fishing pond. Walk around the popular fishing spot and head up the walkway bordering a charming but artificial creek that flows into the lake. Japanese bridges add serenity to the quarter-mile stroll. Oil derricks just beyond the trees on the opposite side of the creek do not.

The walkway along the artificial creek

Pass the fountain at the top of the creek, continue up to the park community center and cross to the left side of the road. Take the sidewalk up the hill to return to your vehicle at Janice’s Green Valley. On weekends and holidays, there is a $6 vehicle fee to enter Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area. On other days, the park is free. No permit is required and dogs are welcome, so get out and enjoy!

To get to the trailhead: From the La Cienega exit of the 10 Freeway, drive 1 3/4 miles south on La Cienega Boulevard to the off-ramp for Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area. At the top of the ramp, turn east, cross over La Cienega and enter the park. Pass through the gate and proceed one mile through the park and up a hill to the trailhead (the bottom part of the loop hike parallels this road). At the end of the road, there is parking on the left and right in front of a playground and bathrooms. Backtrack down the sidewalk a hundred feet to find Janice’s Green Valley on the north side of the road.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

                                       

These photos were taken in January of 2012. Click to enlarge.

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook This 2.5-mile hike ascends a grassy slope south of Culver City, crossing a steep staircase to an expansive viewpoint overlooking the Los Angeles Basin.
	Runyon Canyon This 1.65 or 2.65-mile loop tours the most popular dog park in Los Angeles. Both loops offer good exercise and views over Hollywood.
	Trebek Open Space This 2.5-mile hike incorporated Bantam Trail and Castair Trail in a park adjacent to Runyon Canyon.
	More trails in the Los Angeles Explore other destinations in the Santa Monica Mountains, San Gabriel Mountains, and elsewhere.

 

More Info

 

The official California State Park webpage for Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area

The official website of Baldwin Hills Conservancy

Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area on wikipedia.org

 

Next to Will Rogers State Historic Park there is a shady canyon with a shady past. The ruins of Murphy Ranch, a compound built by Nazi sympathizers in the 1930s have been left behind to decay in Rustic Canyon. For adventuresome hikers, there is a trail entering Rustic Canyon from the east side of Will Rogers SHP. Beyond the end of the trail, there is a long unmaintained path up an overgrown canyon to the ruins. Murphy Ranch can be visited as a 4-mile out and back hike with 200 feet of elevation gain, or as a 5-mile loop with 850 feet of elevation gain that circles back to Will Rogers State Historic Park on the Backbone Trail. An alternate route, and the easiest way to the ruins, is to hike to Murphy Ranch from Sullivan Ridge Fire Road on the east side of Rustic Canyon.

Graffiti-covered ruins in Rustic Canyon

The history: Nazi sympathizers Herr Schmidt, Winona and Norman Stephens, and their followers built this self-contained stronghold in the Pacific Palisades in the 1930s. They planted gardens up the walls of the canyon and constructed several facilities like a power building with a massive diesel generator capable of providing all their electricity. Murphy Ranch was designed to serve as a holdout for fans of the Third Reich waiting for America to fall to the Nazis. Instead, the ranch was raided by U.S. authorities and closed in 1941. The abandoned buildings were transformed into an artists’ colony in the 60s and 70s, before being abandoned after the Mandeville Canyon Fire in 1978. Today the grounds of Murphy Ranch are uninhabited, dilapidated, and covered in graffiti.

Before its demise, Murphy Ranch was said to attract dozens of local Nazi sympathizers who performed military drills during weekend gatherings. Winona and Norman Stephens invested $4 million in Murphy Ranch. They had become convinces that when Europe inevitably fell to Germany, America would be reduced to anarchy, and the National Socialist Party would need a self-sustaining stronghold in the mountains outside Los Angeles to survive the fall and plot the American takeover. History proved to be a bit different. Authorities monitoring the ranch raided the facility shortly after the bombs fell on Pearl Harbor, arresting Schmidt and others for espionage. A radio capable of communicating with Germany may have been confiscated as well, but many of the specifics of this blight on Los Angeles history have been lost to time. The Stephens had commissioned famed African-American architect Paul Williams (who designed the homestead now in ruins in Solstice Canyon) to build a four-story mansion within the canyon, but those plans were never executed. Elements of the bizarre retreat that were built have been left to decay by the Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation, and are open to the public to explore.

The hike: According to rangers at Will Rogers State Historic Park, the trail through Rustic Canyon is unmaintained “because it’s unmaintainable.” Indeed this is not your usual canyon trail. There are muddy stretches, steep stretches, and hard to follow stretches. The path crisscrosses a creek up a canyon that is very narrow in places. The flow of the creek fluctuates and can deliver its fair share of wet feet. By starting at the bottom of the canyon and hiking up, you reduce the chance of becoming overwhelmed by the water level or getting lost in the canyon. Be prepared for a slow-going adventure and remember that your safety is your responsibility.

Rustic Canyon

Find Rustic Canyon Trail entering Topanga State Park from the east side of the Will Rogers Polo Field. Hike a third of a mile down a maintained dirt single track dropping into the canyon. When you hit the creek turn left and head up the canyon. The nice trail disappears, leaving you to pick your way up the canyon. A footpath flip-flops across the creek up the narrow canyon through a jungle of vegetation. This is a wild canyon without much of a conduit for hikers. After half a mile you will reach a check dam built across the creek where an artificial waterfall flows. Take the steep track up the dirt slope to the right and continue upstream. It is another mile of bush washing and creek crossing to reach the ruins of Murphy Ranch. When you get close the main ruins, the trail crosses a wooden stable being overgrown by the forest. Stay on the right side of the creek and continue up a faint single track that breaks out of the trees onto a dirt road.

Eureka! Turn left and walk less than a quarter mile to the crumbling ruins of Murphy Ranch, cloaked by live oaks and sycamores. The first building you reach is covered in spray paint and once held the diesel generator and fuel tank that powered the ranch. Step inside the large concrete power building, which has been hollowed of its machinery for a haunting experience.

Looking inside the old power building

Around the power building there are raised gardens, and other foundations. The ruins include long cement staircases that climb all the way up the east side of the canyon to Sullivan Ridge Fire Road. These steps offer another way to visit the ruins, a 3.85-mile hike with 325 feet of elevation gain that does not require you to traipse through an arduous unmaintained canyon.

A few hundred feet north of the power building, the road passes a collapsed structure that served as the troop’s machine shed and garage. This is the last major building from the ranch, and the turnaround point for the out and back hike up Rustic Canyon.

To continue the loop, find a path heading further up the canyon on the right side of the creek above the machine shed. The trail leads you past a large white spooky barn to a junction on the left, a third of a mile above the ruins. Straight ahead the trail continues toward Camp Josepho, a boy scout camp that is closed to hikers. Turn left, following the sign for the Backbone Trail.

A barn in the woods above the main ruins

Cross the creek and begin up an ivy-covered forest on the west side of the canyon. The trail climbs a slope of chaparral, tackling 625 feet of elevation in 3/4 of a mile. The trail is steep and rutted toward the top. If the path through the bottom of Rustic Canyon was not so difficult to follow heading downhill, it would be advisable to hike the loop in reverse in order to go down this steep section instead of up. Pause to admire the view over Rustic Canyon as you soldier to the top.

Looking down the Backbone Trail

Turn left on the Backbone Trail and hike a short distance south to a panoramic summit to reap the rewards of your effort. The view looks southwest toward Santa Monica Bay and east across the city toward downtown Los Angeles. Continue down the Backbone Trail, crossing a white wooden bridge that straddles a saddle just below the summit. Hike another 0.9 miles down the Backbone Trail to reenter Will Rogers State Historic Park at a junction with Inspiration Point Loop Trail.

Continue straight (don’t turn left at the junction next to the large park map) to come to a split with the spur trail to Inspiration Point. If you haven’t been inspired yet, turn left and hike another tenth of a mile up to this easy overlook. There is a grand cityscape to the southeast in front of downtown Los Angeles. To the southwest, the ocean curls around Santa Monica Bay, and to the north, the Santa Monica Mountains are capped by the 2,126-foot Temescal Peak.

The bottom of the Backbone Trail from Inspiration Point

Return to the junction and continue hiking southwest. After a third of a mile, you will come to a junction with a single track on the left. This shortcut heads south and reconnects with the trail below, trimming about 0.2 miles off the distance. Inspiration Point Loop Trail continues to the southwest for a bigger view of the Pacific. The trail bends left and descends east toward the polo fields and the ranch. Follow this trail all the way down to a large lawn east of Will Rogers House. Turn right down the grass to return to the parking area where you started. The lawn is an excellent place to have a picnic or play a game of catch if you still have energy.

Dogs and bikes are not permitted on this hike. The entrance fee for Will Rogers State Historic Park is $12 (as of January, 2012), but no permit is required to hike to Rustic Canyon, so get out and enjoy.

To get to the trailhead: Take Sunset Boulevard to Will Rogers State Park Road, located 4.5 miles west of the 405 and three miles east of PCH. At the light, turn north on Will Rogers State Park Road. Drive 3/4 of a mile up the mountainside to the park entrance. Go through the gate and drive straight past the Will Rogers House to the end of the lot above the polo field. Park and walk to the east side of the field to find the trail.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

                                                       

These photos were taken in August of 2010, July of 2011, and January of 2012. Click to enlarge.

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Murphy Ranch from Sullivan Ridge This 3.85-mile loop descending from Sullivan Ridge Fire Road into Rustic Canyon, east of Will Rogers State Park, where hikers can visit abandoned buildings once occupied by Nazi sympathizers.
	Sullivan Ridge A prominent lone-standing Live Oak along Sullivan Ridge makes a natural turnaround point and a 7.5 to 8.3 mile round trip hike.
	Inspiration Point This easy 2.25-mile loop in Will Rogers State Historic Park leads to an overlook with views from Santa Monica Bay to downtown LA.
	Rivas Canyon This 2.1-mile (one way) trail crosses a lush secluded canyon connecting Temescal Gateway Park to Will Rogers State Park.
	More trails in the Santa Monica Mountains Explore other destinations in the range.

 

More Info

 

Rustic Canyon Loop in AFOOT & AFIELD LOS ANGELES by Jerry Schad

A brochure for Will Rogers State Historic Park including a map of the trails.

An LA Times article on the ruins in Rustic Canyon

A second LA Times article on the ruins in Rustic Canyon

A third LA Times article on the ruins in Rustic Canyon

The official website for Topanga State Park

The official website for Will Rogers State Historic Park

 

In addition to a rare polo field, renown ranch house, and a lawn that begs to be picnicked on, Will Rogers State Historic Park has plenty to offer to hikers. This is the eastern end of the 65-mile long Backbone Trail, which crosses the Santa Monica Mountains all the way to Point Mugu, and Will Rogers SHP is also home to a delightful short hike to a popular overlook. The loop to Inspiration Point is 2.25 miles long with 325 feet of elevation gain. The gradual hike delivers far reaching views from Santa Monica Bay to downtown LA.

From the parking lot just beyond the park gate (where a $12 entrance fee is charged), find the trail heading up the mountainside to the left of the fenced-in tennis courts, located west of the ranch house and ranger office. After a quick tenth of a mile up a switching single track, you will reach a wide dirt service road, Inspiration Point Loop Trail. Across the way, the single track continues up the mountainside, while the road heads gradually to the west, taking in views over Santa Monica Bay. Inspiration Point Loop Trail meets back up with the single track after 0.4 miles, and those pressed for time can cut that distance in half by taking the narrower steeper trail.

Looking down over the polo field from Inspiration Point Loop Trail

Turn left, wrapping around a draw in the mountainside on Inspiration Point Loop Trail. There are two benches along the road, placed at optimum viewing spots. The first looks south over the polo field and Santa Monica. The second sits at the western end of the loop to offer a closer view of the Pacific. Peer over a split in Rivas Canyon before following a bend in the trail to the northeast. Past the top of the aforementioned single track, you will come to another junction with a trail breaking off to the right. There are arrows for Inspiration Point in both directions! It is another quarter mile up Inspiration Point Loop Trail to the overlook, or you can turn down this single track, which crosses a chaparral-covered depression to reach the point after 0.4 miles. Both routes lead to inspiration.

Inspiration Point

Following the road, you get more nice views of the higher mountains to the north before coming to a split. Veer right up a spur trail that wraps around a short rise to reach Inspiration Point at an elevation of 750 feet. Century City rises above the cityscape to the southeast just in front of downtown Los Angeles. To the southwest, the ocean curls around Santa Monica Bay. There are nice view to the north as well, toward the Santa Monica Mountains capped by the 2,126-foot Temescal Peak. On this hike, inspiration is reached in less than a mile.

Continue the loop by heading back down to the trail split. Hike north a couple hundred feet to a well displayed park trail map. The Backbone Trail breaks off to the left, while the loop continues to the right. To extend this hike, consider trekking a mile up the Backbone Trail, gaining another 400 feet to a peak that offers an even loftier view. Beyond the trail map, Inspiration Point Loop Trail heads east. Hike straight through a junction with a service road heading down to Will Rogers Ranch (unless you want to turn here and cut things off early), and proceed to the eastern edge of the loop. Spot mansions at the top of Sullivan Ridge to the east as you reach a line of eucalyptus bordering the trail. This is the first real shade along the loop, which provides a charming canopy for the remainder of the hike. Progress 0.4 miles down the hillside to the bottom of the trail next to a large green lawn (that is actually a golf course). This is an great place for a picnic and a game of catch. Follow the trail along the top of the field and behind the Will Rogers House to complete the loop and return to your vehicle.

Eucalyptus lining the trail

Can I bring my dog? The sign at the start of the hike states that dogs are not allowed on park trails, but at the other end of Inspiration Point Loop Trail (next to the lawn), the trail sign says that dogs are allowed on leash. The park brochure declares that dogs are not allowed on the Backbone Trail but does not mention the trails to Inspiration Point. Because the dog rule seems murky and dogs are generally not allowed on trails in state parks in the Santa Monica Mountains, it may be best to leave your canine at home or check with a ranger before setting out.

The entrance fee for Will Rogers State Historic Park is $12 (as of January, 2012). There is limited free roadside parking just outside the park entrance. The ranch house belonging to performer Will Rogers can be visited on guided tours, and there is a short film about his life playing on loop at the visitor center. Just south of the home, you will find the only outdoor polo field in Los Angeles County. The park still functions as a ranch and there are stables tucked in the canyons above the lawn. Horse traffic on the trail is common and there is even a hitching post at Inspiration Point. No permit is required to hike to Inspiration Point in Will Rogers State Historic Park, so get out and enjoy!

To get to the trailhead: Take Sunset Boulevard to Will Rogers State Park Road, located 4.5 miles west of the 405 and three miles east of PCH. At the light, turn north on Will Rogers State Park Road. Drive 3/4 of a mile up the mountainside to the park entrance. Pull past the gate and park in the lot on the left.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

                                       

These photos were taken in January of 2012. Click to enlarge.

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Rustic Canyon’s Murphy Ranch from Will Rogers State Historic Park This 4 to 5-mile adventure visits the ruins of a commune built by Nazi sympathizers in a canyon east of the park.
	Rustic Canyon’s Murphy Ranch from Sullivan Ridge This 3.85-mile loop descending from Sullivan Ridge Fire Road into Rustic Canyon where hikers can visit abandoned buildings once occupied by Nazi sympathizers.
	Rivas Canyon This 2.1-mile (one way) trail crosses a lush secluded canyon connecting Temescal Gateway Park to Will Rogers State Park.
	Temescal Canyon This 2.6-mile loop offers a variety of scenery and decent exercise, despite its relative brevity.
	Skull Rock This 1.5-mile hike descends Temescal Ridge to a head-shaped formation with great views over Santa Monica Bay.
	Santa Ynez Falls This 2.5-mile follows a shaded creek to a gorge containing a short waterfall.
	More trails in the Santa Monica Mountains Explore other destinations in the range.

 

More Info

 

A brochure for Will Rogers State Historic Park including a map of the trails.

Inspiration Point on sandiegoreader.com

Inspiration Point on trimbleoutdoors.com

Inspiration Point on ohranger.com

Inspiration Point on nobodyhikesinla.com

Will Rogers Trail to Inspiration Point on parks.ca.gov

Will Rogers State Historic Park on wikipedia.org

The official website for Will Rogers State Historic Park

 

Ah, what could be finer than a night beneath the pines and oaks at a cozy campground in Los Padres National Forest? A peaceful camping experience awaits at Cerro Alto Campground, located just off Route 41 between Morro Bay and Atascadero in San Luis Obispo County. The year-round campground has 22 sites spread out along a mile-long road. The sites are private and perfect for tent camping. Campsites may be reserved online or in person for $18 per night. There are fire rings, charcoal grills, and picnic tables at each site, and pit toilets and potable water spigots located throughout the campground. Some sites are situated atop stone retaining walls along the side of the road, adding extra privacy. The campground is set in a partially shaded canyon carved by the East Fork of Morro Creek. Lush vegetation enhances the feeling of isolation at Cerro Alto Campground in the Santa Lucia Range District of Los Padres National Forest.

Sites alongside the trail to the summit of Cerro Alto

Raised campsites along the road

The campground sits at 1,000 feet above sea level at the base of the 2,624-foot Cerro Alto, one of the highest points in San Luis Obispo County. Trails depart from the campground for the summit for a strenuous but scenic day hike. To venture beyond Cerro Alto Campground, take the short drive down to Morro Bay. Hit the beach or check out one of the great trails in Morro Bay State Park. There are plenty of great hikes around San Luis Obispo to explore.

One of the sites at Cerro Alto Campground

To get to the campground: From Morro Bay, 13 miles northwest of San Luis Obispo on Highway One, take Route 41 northeast for 7.2 miles to the turnoff for Cerro Alto Campground on the right. From Atascadero, 16 miles north of San Luis Obispo on the 101 Freeway, take Route 41 southwest for 9 miles to the turnoff for the campground on the left. Bathrooms and campsites are spread out along both sides of the road. Proceed one mile to the campground registration area at the end of the road. The trails to Cerro Alto begin from the end of the road.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Nearby Trails

 

	Cerro Alto This semi-loop bags the 2,624-foot summit of Cerro Alto, plus a scenic ridge south of the peak, for a 5.35-mile hike with 1,600 feet of elevation gain.
	Cerro Cabrillo This 2.5-mile out and back hike summits the highest mountain in Morro Bay State Park, a 911-foot member of the Nine Sisters.
	Portola Point This 2-mile loop explores a short hill just east of Morro Estuary in Morro Bay State Park.
	Eagle Rock Nature Trail This 2.4-mile hike in El Chorro Regional Park climbs 450 feet to Eagle Rock Viewpoint for an overview of the valley between San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay.
	More hikes in San Luis Obispo Explore other trails around San Luis Obispo including Morro Bay State Park and Montana de Oro State Park.

 

More Info

 

Cerro Alto Campground on forestcamping.com

Cerro Alto Campground on reserveamerica.com

The official website for Cerro Alto Campground

 

The 2,624-foot summit of Cerro Alto is one of the highest points in San Luis Obispo County and delivers a panoramic view. It seems like you can see the entire county from the top of the commanding peak, including each of the volcanic peaks stretching between Morro Bay and Edna Valley, the Nine Sisters. There are a couple ways to the summit, each tackling 1,600 feet of elevation between the trailhead at Cerro Alto Campground and the cerro’s summit. The shortest route is a steep 1.95-mile ascent. A more gradual trail can be taken to a junction part way up the mountain for a 2.75-mile route that is recommended for the hike up. Additionally, there is a spur trail out to a ridge south of the summit that adds 0.65 scenic miles to the hike. These trails can all be combined for a 5.35-mile trek with high views over Los Padres National Forest, and the route following is not as complicated as it might sound.

Cerro Alto Campground is tucked away in an oak forest off Route 41 between Morro Bay and Atascadero. There are two trails to the summit of Cerro Alto starting from a parking area at the end of the mile-long road through the campground. The gradual route begins near campsite 18 next to a large sign that reads, “Cerro Alto Trail 12E01.” The steeper route can be found a hundred yards back down the road on the left. Simply labeled “trail,” the single track drops across the East Fork of Morro Creek and begins a strenuous climb up the mountain. Unless you want to punish yourself, save this trail for the way down. For the hike up, pick the gradual trail starting next to that big national forest sign. The first half mile is surprisingly level, heading east alongside the creek. Ferns line the early part of this trail, shaded by a canopy of oaks. Eventually, the trail leaves the canyon and angles south up the mountain.

At a junction, 0.95 miles from the start, turn right following a wooden sign for the summit. Above the junction, you will quickly pass two paths breaking off to the left that form a brief detour that avoids a short steep section of the trail. Just over half a mile from the junction, the trail wraps around the north side of the mountain for a fine perspective over the canyon containing Cerro Alto Campground. Frog Pond Peak rises to the northeast, flanked by green ridges and canyon. There is a bench here to assist in admiring the view.

Looking northeast from the trail

The trail turns west leveling out just long enough for you to catch your breath before the real ascent. At a four-way junction, 1.7 miles and 650 vertical feet from the start, turn left following the wooden sign for the summit. The more direct route up from the campground is to the right, directly across from the summit trail. Straight ahead, an AT&T Cable Road continues over the range toward West Cuesta Ridge Road.

The Summit Trail can no longer afford to be gradual. Climb straight up the chaparral-covered mountainside, picking up 400 feet in the next half mile up to an unmarked junction. The split comes shortly after the trail presents its first western view over Morro Bay. Both trails leaving the junction reunite at a saddle beneath the summit, but it is advisable to take the shorter route to the left. The alternative route, which continues straight ahead is 0.2 miles longer, but no less steep, adding a few extra views over Morro Bay. To hike this way, go straight past a bench and turn left up Lookout Trail, which switchbacks around the southwest side of a rise west the summit to reach the saddle. The trail departing to the left from the junction, is the shorter route, heading up a draw between Cerro Alto and the rise to the west. You get a good view of the summit heading this way, as well as a view north over the range toward Rusty Peak. This is the steepest stretch of the hike, gaining about 375 feet in a third of a mile.

When you reach the saddle, turn left and follow the trail around the north face of Cerro Alto, curling all the way to the east side before reaching the rocky summit. With the exception of the radio-towered summit of Tassajara Peak to the southeast, there is nothing as tall as Cerro Alto in sight, making the views immensely panoramic. The entire string of Morros running across San Luis Obispo County is visible to the south, starting with Morro Rock in Morro Bay and ending with Islay Hill in Edna Valley. If you have hiked Cerro Cabrillo, Bishop Peak, or Cerro San Luis, you should have no trouble recognizing these volcanic peaks. From the ocean in the west to the Santa Lucia Mountains in the east, the view is as expansive as you could imagine. Turn around and look in the other direction to see even more – verdant mountains and valley rolling out to the north, bordered by a rugged coastline extending through Cambria and San Simeon. This is a lofty reward earned by a strenuous effort.

Hiking around the summit of Cerro Alto

Before you hike all the way back down, there is another view to enjoy. Return to the T-junction at the saddle and walk straight a few steps to a path breaking off to the left (this makes the T-junction more like a t-junction). Follow this rugged Ridge Trail, which quickly mounts the rocky ridge south of Cerro Alto. Why bother hiking out on this ridge, which is less than 100 feet shorter than Cerro Alto? Because the ridge is out of the view. Unlike on the summit, there is no prominent formation to the south to shrink the view. The south face of the ridge drops straight down to Chorro Valley to provide a grander perspective of the Nine Sisters, Irish Hills, Morro Bay, and other icons of San Luis Obispo County.

Looking south from the ridge trail

Follow the path southeast across the spine of the ridge covered in jagged boulders. The terrain is so different from the surrounding tamer mountains that you might think you were transplanted to Pinnacles National Monument. After a third of a mile, you will reach the high point of the ridge, which is a great spot to turn around after taking in the unimpeded view. The ridge presents a different experience from the rest of the hike and is a worthwhile addition.

Hiking the rocky ridge south of Cerro Alto

Back at the saddle, return down the mountain to the four-way junction. Cross the AT&T Cable Road and follow the sign for the short trail to the campground. Dropping 650 feet in less than a mile, the trail quickly descends the mountainside of chaparral to enter an oak woodland. Cross a wooden bridge over Morro Creek to reach the paved road a hundred yards from the original trailhead.

Hiking down the trail to the campground

A national forest adventure pass is required to park at the trailhead. You may self-register for a day use pass at the trailhead for a cost of $8. One of the fine sites at Cerro Alto Campground may be reserved for $18 per night. Dogs are permitted on leash. Mountain bikes are also allowed. No permit is required for the rewarding hike to Cerro Alto, so get out and enjoy!

To get to the trailhead: From Morro Bay, 13 miles northwest of San Luis Obispo on Highway One, take Route 41 northeast for 7.2 miles to the turnoff for Cerro Alto Campground on the right. From Atascadero, 16 miles north of San Luis Obispo on the 101 Freeway, take Route 41 southwest for 9 miles to the turnoff for the campground on the left. Proceed one mile through the elongated campground to the trailhead parking area at the end of the road.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

                                                           

These photos were taken in December of 2011. Click to enlarge.

 

Elevation Profile

 

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Cerro Cabrillo This 2.5-mile out and back hike summits the highest mountain in Morro Bay State Park, a 911-foot member of the Nine Sisters.
	Portola Point This 2-mile loop explores a short hill just east of Morro Estuary in Morro Bay State Park.
	Eagle Rock Nature Trail This 2.4-mile hike in El Chorro Regional Park climbs 450 feet to Eagle Rock Viewpoint for an overview of the valley between San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay.
	Reservoir Canyon This 5.35-mile hike ascends 1,350 feet past a waterfall and a collection of junk sculptures to a treeless summit overlooking San Luis Obispo.
	More hikes in San Luis Obispo Explore other trails around San Luis Obispo including Morro Bay State Park and Montana de Oro State Park.

 

Nearby Camping

 

Cerro Alto Campground This cozy 22-site campground is the starting point for hikes to Cerro Alto and a perfect place to tent camp in the Los Padres National Forest between Morro Bay and Atascadero.

 

More Info

 

A handout for Cerro Alto Trail on slolifemagazine.com

Cerro Alto Trail on Bob Burd’s Trip Reports

Cerro Alto on localhikes.com

Cerro Alto on everytrail.com

Cerro Alto on sierraclub.org

Cerro Alto Campground on reserveamerica.com

 

There are nine principle volcanic plugs spread between the central coast cities of Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo. The 911-foot Cerro Cabrillo (or Cabrillo Peak) is the third of the Nine Sisters from the west after Morro Rock and Black Hill. The summit of Cerro Cabrillo is the highest point in Morro Bay State Park, offering panoramic oceanfront views.  The unmaintained trail to the summit passes Tiki Rock, an unmistakable boulder near the top of the peak resembling those carved by Polynesians. It is 2.5 miles round trip to the summit with 900 feet of elevation gain. The trail is slippery and rutted in areas, and some light rock climbing is required to top the boulder-covered summit.

Begin from a trailhead on the east side of South Bay Boulevard across from Morro Estuary between the cities of Los Osos and Morro Bay. Take Quarry Trail, heading northeast toward Cerro Cabrillo. Hike 0.17 miles to a junction with Chorro Trail and angle right to remain on Quarry Trail. Chorro Trail heads north for 0.9 miles to Turtle Rock, a mini-summit between Cerro Cabrillo and Black Hill. You may see mountain climbers tackling bluffs on the rocky southern face of Cerro Cabrillo as you continue another third of a mile east to a junction with Live Oak Trail on the right. This trail can be used to reach Portola Point for an impressive overview of Morro Bay. For Cerro Cabrillo continue hiking east through a meadow of grass and sage in the direction of Hollister Peak. There are great over-the-shoulder views of Morro Bay on this first half mile of the hike.

Portola Hill and Morro Bay from Quarry Trail

About a quarter mile past the junction with Live Oak Trail, take the first available left, departing up a grassy slope on a dirt single track aimed directly at Tiki Rock, an orange head-shaped boulder jutting out of the mountainside 75 feet below the crown.

The trail to Tiki Rock and the summit of Cerro Cabrillo is not maintained by the park, which becomes apparent as you hike up a steep track of rutted and loose dirt. There are paths diverging to the left and right, but stick to the main trail heading up the mountain toward Tiki Rock.  The surrounding slopes of sage provide open views and a pleasant fragrance along the trail.

Hiking up the unmaintained trail toward Tiki Rock

After climbing 525 feet above Quarry Trail in 0.4 miles, you will come even with Tiki Rock. To the left, a spur trail extends a hundred feet to the impressive pillar.  To reach the top, angle to the right up a use trail over suddenly rocky terrain. Curl around the right side of a cone-shaped boulder and push for the top, scrambling over and around boulders on a worn, but less-traveled track to the summit.  Beware of poison oak striking up around the rocks as you climb 0.05 miles above Tiki Rock to the peak of Cerro Cabrillo.

Climbing the rocky trail to the summit (with Hollister Peak in the background)

The view from the top is worth the effort. Look west across a rocky saddle toward a second slightly-shorter summit of Cerro Cabrillo. Off the north side of the mountain is Black Hill, Morro Rock, and miles of beach stretching toward San Simeon.  To the south is Morro Bay, Los Osos, and the mountains of Montana de Oro State Park, including Valencia Peak (another summit with excellent ocean views).  The 1,404-foot Hollister Peak rises to the southeast and Chorro Valley and the Santa Lucia Mountains can be seen to the east. It is a fantastic coastal panorama.

Black Hill, Morro Rock, and the beaches to the north

After enjoying the 360 degree views, return the way you came. Despite only being the 6th tallest of the Nine Sisters, Cerro Cabrillo delivers a strenuous hike. To extend your time in Morro Bay State Park, consider hiking to Turtle Rock (adding 1.8 miles) or Portola Point (adding 1.5). Both of these short overlapping hikes make a great warm-up for Cerro Cabrillo. Dogs are not permitted on trails in Morro Bay State Park. No fee or permit is required to hike Cerro Cabrillo, so get out and enjoy!

To get to the trailhead: From Highway 1 in Morro Bay, take exit 277, following signs for Los Osos and Baywood Park. Turn south on South Bay Boulevard and drive 1.4 miles to the trailhead parking area, set a few meters back from the road on the left. From the 101 Freeway south of San Luis Obispo, take exit 200A onto Los Osos Valley Road and drive 9.8 miles west to South Bay Boulevard. Turn right and drive 2.6 miles north to the trailhead on the right, 0.4 miles past Turri Road.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

                                           

These photos were taken in December of 2011. Click to enlarge.

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Turtle Rock This easy 2.1-mile hike reaches a short rise between Black Hill and Cerro Cabrillo in Morro Bay State Park.
	Portola Point This 2-mile loop explores a short hill just east of Morro Estuary in Morro Bay State Park.
	Eagle Rock Nature Trail This 2.4-mile hike in El Chorro Regional Park climbs 450 feet to Eagle Rock Viewpoint for an overview of the valley between San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay.
	Cerro Alto This semi-loop bags the 2,624-foot summit of Cerro Alto, plus a scenic ridge south of the peak, for a 5.35-mile hike with 1,600 feet of elevation gain.
	Valencia Peak This 3.7-mile hike summits a 1,347-foot peak with stunning views over Montana de Oro.
	Bluff Trail This level 3.4-mile hike passes tide pools and beaches along a picturesque rocky coast in Montana de Oro State Park.
	Point Buchon Trail This 1 1/3 to 6.8-mile hike explores the beautiful coastline south of Montana de Oro State Park.
	More hikes in San Luis Obispo Explore other trails around San Luis Obispo including Montana de Oro State Park and the Morros.

 

More Info

 

Cerro Cabrillo on wikipedia.org

A trail guide from Cerro Cabrillo on slolifemagazine.com

Cerro Cabrillo on sierraclub.org

The official website of Morro Bay State Park