KATIE CLARY
Living Editor
The relaxing, dirt road through Big Sycamore Canyon should be a staple in any trail-runner’s diet. Perfect for thoughtful long runs and easy mountain biking, the out-and-back trip can be as long as you make it. The eight miles of unpaved fire-road winding from Sycamore Canyon campground at Point Mugu State Park to Satwiwa Park near Newbury Park are well-maintained, only slightly uphill and provide much better cushioning for runners who are tired of pounding down the Pepperdine pavement.
On Saturdays and Sundays the trail is popular with families and mountain biking weekend warriors, but there’s never really a crowd. If you’re looking for solitude, start early in the morning or simply be patient — after about three miles the walkers tend to thin out and you can run for long sections accompanied only by the occasional biker.
Even the drive to Big Sycamore is therapeutic. Head 16 miles northwest of the university on Pacific Coast Highway, where the road’s edge seems to drop straight into the ocean, and look for the Sycamore Campground sign. The rangers charge $10 for day use parking in the campground lot, but you can park free on PCH about half a mile past the turnoff. Just be aware that the California Highway Patrol does ticket occasionally and park your vehicle beyond the “No Parking” signs.
The trailhead begins at the north end of the campground, behind a yellow gate. The main trail is almost impossible to lose (that coming from someone with a very rusty internal compass), with only one potential misstep: at the Y three miles up where the main trail veers to the right. Again, expect a few stream crossings due to the rain, but the trail is otherwise uneventful.
Sycamore Canyon’s draw is in the simplicity of the trail, shaded in hot weather and always quiet no matter what the season. The open road stretches for miles in front of you like a blank page, flat, easy and waiting to be filled with conversation or meandering thoughts. Rumor has it the last half mile of the trail is very steep, but I don’t know, I’ve never ran that far.
For hiking, the dirt fire-road provides a pleasant stroll, but the various side trails are far more impressive. Try Overlook Trail located on the left side about one mile past the yellow gate. While the dirt road places you in the canyon, surrounded by statuesque sycamore and rolling hillside, the side trails place you above the canyon. As such, be prepared for a steeper climb.
Last piece of inside scoop: look for the flock of green parrots that calls this canyon home.
01-27-2005
