Return To La Jolla Canyon

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The last time we were here was right after the Springs Fire on National Trails Day last year. Let's return to see the re-growth progress.

Here are the photos from that hike:

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Here are some photos from a hike before the fire

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We'll join the small animals and birds in La Jolla Canyon on this loop hike with panoramic views of coastline and Channel Islands, phenomenal flower blooms in the spring, and a small spring and waterfall (during wet years), the main attraction (before the fire) are large swaths of native California grassland — some of the last remaining unspoiled areas in the state.

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We'll head up La Jolla Canyon, bag Mugu Peak, loop around La Jolla Valley and return via the La Jolla Canyon trail making this hike a strenuous 9 miles with 1,500' net elevation gain.

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Every year since 2002 chief selects from the Naval Base Ventura County replace the flag on Mugu Peak. This photo shows the selects from 9/11 2011 replacing the flag that was placed by Sailors being advanced to chief petty officer in Sept 2010. The previous flag is retired in a ceremony on the base.

Direction to trailhead

There is free parking on PCH near park entrance. If you have to park inside there is an iron ranger that accepts credit cards, or maybe even a human at the gate.

From Los Angeles, after a long and relaxing drive down the Pacific Coast Highway (22 miles past Malibu Canyon), 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 is very clearly marked. Park on PCH on either side of entrance.

From Ventura: Entrance is a couple miles after Las Posas. Park on land side of PCH on either side of entrance.

Bring hat, sunscreen, plenty of water and snacks.