Exploring SoCal

Explore SoCal Outdoors

Grotto Trail

Jun 25

Posted by admin in hiking | No Comments

Highlights: Sheer volcanic rock walls, house size boulders, subterranean streams
Near: Malibu, CA
Distance: 3 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 700 ft
Hike Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Condition: OK, but a few difficult spots
HikeType: Out and Back

Summary: This is a fun hike into a dark and spooky grotto, with house size boulders, caves, waterfalls, steep walls, and a real sense of mystery. The hike into the grotto is pleasant, but not spectacular. Once in the grotto you can have a blast scrambling around on the boulders of you have a good sense of balance and are careful. Lots of fun!

Trailhead: Circle X Ranch is 5 1/2 miles from Pacific Coast Highway on Yerba Buena Road in Malibu. Alternately, from Westlake Village, exit on Westlake Blvd from the 101 Freeway, and follow it south for several miles as it merges with Mulholland highway. Turn right onto Little Sycamore Canyon and it will become Yerba Buena Road as you cross the county line. Proceed on Yerba Buena Road for about 5 miles to the Circle X Ranger Station on the left side of the road.

Tags:

Lupine Campground

Jun 25

Posted by admin in camping | No Comments

Access: Take Angeles Crest Hwy (2) to Blue Ridge Road (3N06), proceed to Guffy Campground and turn south on 3N39.
Facilities: 11 sites. Restrooms, picnic table and fire pit. No Water.
Season: Open May to October.
Fees: No fee, Adventure Pass required.
Nearby Hiking Trails: Access to the Pacific Crest Trail is about 2 miles northeast.
Nearby 4×4 Trails: A fire road heads west down Prarie Fork to Cabin Flats. Be careful where you drive, the wilderness boundary is just south of the campground.
Comments: Currently closed to all but walk-in campers, mountain bikes and equestrians until further notice to protect the Mountain Yellow Legged Frog (listed as a sensitive species).
Managing Agency: US Forest Service. Call (661) 296-9710 for current conditions and additional information.

Tags:

Big Horn Mine

Jun 25

Posted by admin in hiking | No Comments

Highlights: Historical wagon road, mine shafts, old stamp mill, nice views
Near: Wrightwood, CA
Distance: 4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1100 ft
Hike Time: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Condition: Fire road/pavement
HikeType: Out and Back

This is a very easy, yet rewarding hike. There are a few steep drops in some places, and it isn’t all flat, although the uphill shouldn’t give anyone any trouble.

It is a relatively short jaunt; it’s but a couple of miles to the old stamp mill. We had lunch and I went a little way into each of the shafts. I didn’t bring my headlamp, so I couldn’t explore further. I would say to be very careful, but if this is your type of thing, and you know what you are doing, enjoy.

Interestingly enough, the mines smell much the same as the simulated ones at Knott’s Berry Farm and Disneyland.

The only real bummer is the graffiti, well and the trash. Next time I go, I am bringing a trash bag along, please do the same if you should decide to go.

All along the way you get great vistas of Baldy, Pine, Wright and Iron Mountain. This is a great hike.

Tags: