Playing in Pt. Mugu State Park from Sycamore Canyon
You have lots to choose from in Point Mugu State Park. Each trail takes you through gorgeous terrain, challenging climbs, and spectacular mountain and ocean views.
Following are three of many options you have from the Sycamore Canyon Trail Head.
How to get there:
The campground is on Pacific Coast Highway, a couple miles south of Mugu Rock ( https://goo.gl/maps/eT1PaaaXQPLVBFMYA
9000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265)
Parking:
There is a day use parking lot at the campsite. Unfortunately it doesn't open until 8:00am so if you want to get an early start you'll need to park on PCH. There is not a lot of parking, so your best option is to park slightly north of the campground.
Other important stuff: There are restrooms located in the day use parking lot. Dogs are not permitted on the trails. Like all our trails, you may encounter rattle snakes so be careful. Please help keep our trails clean by carrying out your trash, and if you see some pick it up.
Option 1: Short and Sweet Hill Work: Overlook to Fireline Loop
Route map for Short Hill Run Off Sycamore by Josh Spiker on plotaroute.com
Just under 4.5 miles you climb 915 feet. Clockwise you take Sycamore Canyon Fire Road to Overlook and turn left. You'll share this road with mountain bikes until you reach Fireline, which you'll take back down. Fireline is a single track trail that is closed to bikes. At the bottom of the trail turn right to get back to your start. If you reverse it and go counter-clockwise you'll have a nicely challenging climb for the second half of Fireline. Whichever way you go, stop and enjoy the view at the picnic table where the trails meet.
Option 2: Sycamore Canyon Out and Back
Route map for Easy Sycamore Canyon by Josh Spiker on plotaroute.com
If you're looking for an easy non-pavement run, this is it. The climb is very gradual for the first 6 miles and you can turn around at any time for an easy out and back at any distance. Most Saturday's you'll see high school student running groups as well as other runners, hikers, and mountain bikers.
Option 3: Sycamore to Serrano Canyon Loop
Route map for Sycamore Canyon To Serrano Canyon Loop by Josh Spiker on plotaroute.com
This is a very nice run with a combination of an easy beginning on Sycamore Canyon (Big Sycamore Canyon). Then as you get into the single track trails you'll have a nice climb, few people, and gorgeous views. Watch for poison oak on this trail. You'll travel on Sycamore Canyon Fire Road for 4.5 miles to Blue Canyon Trail (Backbone Trail) and turn right. At 5.5 you'll keep to the right on Old Boney Trail (Backbone Trail) and stay on this trail until 7.5 miles where you will then turn left onto the Serrano Valley Trail. At 8.8 you'll turn right to stay on the Serrano Valley Trail (watch for the trail head as it is easy to miss). At 9.2 you'll take a right onto the Serrano Canyon Trail and also enjoy some time in the shade. This trail will take you back to Big Sycamore Canyon Trail where you'll turn left to return to the start. Total elevation gain is 1,470 feet.
