Hiking Trail Guide: Serrano Canyon

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Serrano Canyon

Distance
8 miles

Elevation
700 feet gain

Difficulty
4/10

City
Malibu ,CA (90264) 30.55 miles from you Weather Map

Trailhead
The trailhead is located about 5 miles south of Point Mugu on highway 1 (PCH), in the Big Sycamore Canyon Campground. Drive into the campground and park in the day use area, then hike north through the campground to the trailhead at the end of the campground.

Description

This hike starts out moving north on the pleasant Sycamore Canyon trail for about a mile and a half, where you come to the junction with Serrano Canyon Trail. The Serrano trail takes you east into a densely wooded narrow canyon, with a lovely seasonal stream criss-crossing the trail numerous times, and abundant wildlife. As the trail begins to gain elevation and move north away from the stream, a stunning vista begins to emerge. Gently rolling grasslands set against the steep outlines of Boney Mountain. Simply wonderful! The trail traverses the grassland, passing an abandoned aluminum shack, our suggested turn around point.

Most guide books suggest that you continue through the valley, eventually connecting up with Old Boney Trail, which drops back into Sycamore Canyon, forming a loop. I tried this route and found the trail beyond the valley very overgrown and ridiculously steep. I wouldn't recommend it.

Map / Directions: