Katie Clary
Living Editor
Despite my best efforts to avoid hiking in the rain, the most recent continuation of the Malibu monsoons foiled that plan. But surprisingly, even for this Seattle native, my hiking experience at La Jolla Canyon was enhanced by the misty clouds, and I happily tackled the Ray Miller Trail.
Although I opted for a much abbreviated version due to the weather, I understood why The Mountaineers gave the trail this glowing endorsement: “If you can only run two trails in Southern California, one should be the Ray Miller Trail and the other should be the Ray Miller Trail in the opposite direction.”
La Jolla Canyon is a next-door neighbor to Sycamore Canyon (see the Jan. 27 issue), and beneath Monday’s brooding storm clouds, again I was struck by the therapeutic quality of this oceanside drive to reach the hiking destination. On a sunny day it begs for a sunroof open and rock music blaring; on a rainy day, acoustic guitar soothes the soul and sets the tone for this picturesque, out-and-back hike.
Drive approximately 21 miles north of Pepperdine on Pacific Coast Highway, past the giant sand dune, and watch for La Jolla Canyon signs. Park inside the lot and pay $2, or park on PCH and walk an extra 200 yards. Once again, ready yourself for stream crossings — this time starting in the flooded parking lot. I counted three stream crossings total to reach the waterfalls.
The Ray Miller Trail is actually a 10.7-mile loop, but an alternative is to hike the short two-thirds of a mile to reach the small but powerful two-tiered waterfall. Like Sycamore, walk past the bright yellow gate at the far side of the parking lot, aptly labeled “Ray Miller Trail.”
The walk is, in a word, peaceful. The sound of running water echoes off the canyon slopes, vibrant in a rare shade of leprechaun green. The trail curves through the triangular shape of the mountains, always parallel to the overflowing stream. I could have continued for much longer, but a stream crossing at the waterfalls was a little too fast and deep for my sensibilities.
Don’t kid yourself: this isn’t fresh Santa Monica Mountain-spring water. The river resembles a watered-down caramel mocha from Starbucks, complete with chemically enhanced foam that has bubbled up along the stream’s rapids and the waterfalls’ base. I haven’t contracted Hepatitis from hiking yet, and I’m hoping it stays that way (just don’t drink the water and don’t submerge your head). But despite a few minor health concerns, the scenery is well worth the trip.
If you’re feeling risky after this short jaunt and the rains have subsided somewhat, try the entire loop. Turn right at the Backbone Trail sign in the parking lot and head up the hilly switchback ascent. For a complete description of the entire Ray Miller Trail, refer to the Mountaineers’ book “50 Trail Runs in Southern California” or www.localhikes.com .
02-24-2005
