Zuma Cyn Hike, Malibu

Zuma Cyn Hike
Malibu
This trail is sure to amaze you. Nestled in the hills of Zuma Canyon, this ocean trail presents magnificent coastal views that reach as far south as Santa Monica and as far north as Ventura. On a clear day, Catalina Island is visible from the trail top. The trail itself is green and catches a nice breeze. The trail is good for beginners and I recommend going on a clear and sunny day to take full advantage of the views. Its great for the soul.

Although it slices only 6 miles inland from the Pacific shoreline, Zuma Canyon harbors one of the deepest gorges in the Santa Monica Mountains. Easily on a par with nearby Malibu and Topanga canyons in scenic wealth but much less known, Zuma Canyon holds a further distinction of never having suffered the invasion of a major road. Under cover of junglelike growths of willow, sycamore, oak and bay, the canyon's small stream cascades over sculpted sandstone boulders and gathers in limpid pools adorned with ferns.

There are 2 ways to hike this trail, one is a small mile loop, the other is a bit longer and more brush to fight, but you get some amazing views either way.

To get to the trailhead: Take PCH to Malibu and make a right on Bonsall Drive, one mile west of Kanan Dune Road (If you pass Zuma Beach, you have gone too far). Drive north on Bonsall Drive for one more mile to the dirt parking lot at the end of the road. The trail leaves from the northwest corner of the lot.

Read more at Trails.com: Zuma Canyon Trail | Malibu California Hikes | Trails.comhttp://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.aspx?trailid=HGS241-005#ixzz1DriqkD00

La Coca Falls, Caribbean Nat. Forest, Puerto Rico

WOW I have not posted since I broke my ankle. But here it is .. Trevin and I went to Puerto Rico Aug 2010, Spent my birthday on the 2nd most beautiful beach in the world... and went on a great hike in the Rain Forest! It was awesome. And it rained too... a bonus. Here are the photos from La Coca Falls hike.

Broken Ankle - July 8 2010

Night Hiking - Echo Cyn.
I broke it 1 mi. from the end. It was a long night.

Night Hike - Lake Ave, Echo Mtn. Not Broken Leg Hike

Echo Mountain -
I say "not the broken leg hike" because the next time I went on this hike at night I broke my ankle. I was carried 1 mi. to the entrance. So beware of the uneven potholes along the trail.











Echo Mountain
Sam Merrill Trail - Altadena
Angeles National Forest / Southern California

The start is from the very top of Lake Ave in Pasadena. From the 210 take the Lake Av off ramp and go north toward the mountains til you cant go any farther (at Loma Alta Dr,). Park on Lake Av. or Loma Alta. Thomas Map 536-A3-4. If you plan to run this trail on the weekend, parking can be sparce and if the case, consider parking at Farnsworth Park.

The trailhead is at the NE corner of Lake and Loma Alta. Run east about 100 yards along the fence until you come to the trail sign and a drinking fountain. From there you will go NE down into a little valley and up the other side to the start of the switchbacks. 2.7 miles from Lake Ave up the Sam Merrill Trail, you will come to the top and a trail junction. From there you will go south on the old Mt. Lowe Railway bed about 100 yards, past the upper Sam Merrill Trail and Castle Canyon trail junction and you should see the large cable car gear at the ruins. If you head back down this is a little over 5 mi. or From Echo, you can extend the hike to Inspiration Point Sight for a total round trip of just under 10 miles from the Top of Lake. The shortest trail from Echo to the Sight is via the Castle Canyon trail. However, it gets very steep after a mile with many switchbacks. Best to make a loop of it going up the Castle Canyon trail and returning back down the Sam Merrill Trail.