About This Event
The Upper Zuma Canyon segment of the Backbone Trail extends from Kanan-Dume Rd to Zuma-Trancas Ridge. We will begin by hiking northwest on this winding trail that leads to a view of Newton Falls and Upper Zuma Falls, which are especially grand after the winter rains.
Our first stop will be Newton Canyon Falls, a beautiful waterfall in a lush, forested grotto with moss-covered rocks. There are large, shaded boulders to sit on near the falls by cascading Newton Creek.
But that is just the appetizer. Our main course will be Upper Zuma Falls. During previous hikes we (and other hikers) can only see it from a squinting distance:
https://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/e/7/2/4/event_13019172.jpeg
Zooming in for a closeup:
https://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/c/4/b/600_13016395.jpeg
This is where our adventure truly begins. There is no official trail to the falls, but my topo maps show that there once existed an unpaved road following the creek to the falls. As a matter of fact, those that have hiked this segment of the BBT probably noticed some overgrown forks going off into the canyon. Could one of these be our trail?
Note: This is an "adventure hike" which means it may require some off-trail/cross-country hiking, light bushwhacking and a lot of meandering. Most of it will be exploratory. Long pants and hiking boots are required. Long sleeves, gloves, trekking pole are recommended.
Bring the usual stuff, but most importantly, bring a sense of adventure!
Directions
From the Ventura Freeway 101, go south (toward beaches) on Kanan Road about 7.8 miles to just before the "third tunnel" (T1). The parking lot is on the right (west side of what is now Kanan-Dume Road) and easy to spot.
From Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, go north on Kanan Dume Road about 4.3 miles, just through the first tunnel, T1, and make a left turn into the parking lot on the west side of Kanan Dume.
