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Hike from the beach, through the La Jolla grassland, and around Mugu Peak.


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Map Key

4.5

Miles

7.3

KM

Lollipop

1,036' 316 m

High

21' 6 m

Low

1,314' 401 m

Up

1,312' 400 m

Down

11%

Avg Grade (6°)

64%

Max Grade (33°)

Dogs Unknown

Features River/Creek · Views

Be aware that the trailhead parking area has high amount of vehicle break-ins compared to the surrounding area.

Overview

Experience great views of the ocean and of grasslands as you complete this loop around Mugu Peak.

Description

This hike begins at the trailhead for the Chumash Trail, directly off of Highway 1. Following the Chumash Trail up the coastal mountain you'll gain a significant amount of elevation in just a short amount of time. After 7/10 of a mile you'll have accomplished 900ft of elevation gain. At this point the trail reaches a saddle and starts to level off a bit. There is also a trail juncture here with the Mugu Peak Trail. Continue north along the Chumash Trail and you'll see an expanse of grassland in the La Jolla Valley. Continue along the Chumash Trail until you reach the intersection with the La Jolla Valley Loop Trail.

Turn right here to follow the La Jolla Valley Loop Trail to the southeast along the grasslands. Stay to the right as you hike this portion of the trail and soon you'll reach the Mugu Peak Trail junction. Take a right to follow the Mugu Peak Trail, which will wind back down to the Chumash Trail along the southern side of Mugu Peak. If you want to summit Mugu Peak you can veer off of the trail briefly onto the Mugu Peak Connector, which will bring you there. Return to the Mugu Peak Trail to make your way down. Once you hit the Chumash Trail turn left for the steep descent to return to the original parking lot.

Thanks to John McKinney, The Trailmaster, for sharing this trail description. To learn more about trails in California, check out his guides at The Trailmaster Store.

Flora & Fauna

The Chumash Trail is surrounded by yucca, cactus, and the yellow coreopsis.

Shared By:

John McKinney

Trail Ratings

  3.6 from 8 votes

#4569

Overall
  3.6 from 8 votes
5 Star
25%
4 Star
13%
3 Star
63%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#622

in California

#4,569

Overall
7 Views Last Month
2,665 Since Jul 18, 2017
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Photos

Pt. Mugu views (and flowers)!
Jul 20, 2017 near Camarillo, CA
Going towards Mugu Peak
Jan 9, 2022 near Camarillo, CA
Golden Poppies in the natural garden.
Mar 16, 2018 near Camarillo, CA
Point Mugu State Park.
Aug 1, 2017 near Camarillo, CA
Deer seen from the Southern Loop of the trail. AM 2020-01-15
Jan 15, 2020 near Camarillo, CA
View of the coast from the Chumash Trail.
Aug 2, 2017 near Camarillo, CA

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Sep 24, 2023
Marc Corona
Jan 9, 2022
Ted Kaufmann
4.5mi — 2h 30m
Nov 6, 2021
Marc Corona
Dec 28, 2020
Luis Busso
2h 35m
Sep 27, 2020
Rylan Obrien
Aug 31, 2019
Erin Howe
Jun 4, 2019
Karen Pineda
May 16, 2018
tylerbarker17 Barker
Route seems to be overgrown right now 3.6mi

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