Hike with Beach Party and Fire

2.7 miles, 650' gain, Easy-Intermediate.

A hike, then a potluck party on the beach with a fire.
Come for the hike, the beach party, or both!
Temps likely to be 70'sF during the day, 60-70F after 5p.

Note: GPS has taken people to the incorrect location. Please read the written directions.

Please post in the comments if you will bring a fire wood bundle as your pot luck item.

Firewood (no construction wood please): Dennis

The Hike. 2 - 3:30p.
This hike is on the easy end of the intermediate spectrum. Beginners are welcome, but if it gets too hard, they can always turn around and go back the way we came. Nearly all of the elevation gain is in the first half.

This is a social hike. The event host will be moving slowly and stopping at various points to let people catch up. Those that wish to move ahead at a faster pace, are welcome to do so if they know the route, but are on their own regarding navigation.

Meet at the Sycamore Canyon Trail head inside of Sycamore Canyon Campground, across from Sycamore Cove beach.

From the trailhead, we head up a mostly flat trail for about a 1/2 mile. Left onto the Overlook Trail, climbing 400' over the next mile. It ends, and we turn left. We follow the ridge for about 1/2 mile, with about 200' of loss and 100' of gain.

For return, we follow our tracks back to the scenic trail, turn right, and follow it down for 3/4 mile, again reaching Big Sycamore Canyon Trail, and turning right back to our starting point.

The Beach Party. 4 - 9:30p. Cars have to be gone by 10p.
We'll go back to our cars and gather up our things for the beach party. From the trail head, it's about 1/4 mile to the camp ground parking lot, then another 1/4 mile to the beach party area across the road at Sycamore Cove Beach. There are picnic tables and fire pits, but we must supply our own wood to burn. There is wood for sale at the camp ground across the street.

If your pot luck item requires utensils, please bring them.

The fire pits on the beach are first come, first serve. We have members that will arrive early in the morning to secure our spot.

Please bring something warm to put on. It can get cool and windy near the beach as the sun drops. A chair and blanket recommended, water shoes if going in the water (gravel).

Sunset: 6:03p.

Hike
Distance: 2.7 mi.
Gain: 650
Distribution: All incline is in the first half.
Difficulty: Beginner end of intermediate spectrum.
Shape: Counter-Clockwise upside-down lollipop
Pace: approx. 2.0 mph.
Trail Type: Fire road, double track, and single track.
Duration: 1.5 hrs (hike), 5.5 hrs (beach party)
Dogs: Not on hike, yes on beach.
Restrooms: Yes
Drinking Fountains: Yes.

Parking
Prices from 7/8/2023: Campground lot, $12 ($11 62+), gates close at 10p. Beach lot $12, $11 62+ (you need your license plate #, pay "Iron Ranger" machine upon entry).

Alternate parking along the west end of PCH unil 10p, but you may have to walk 1/4 mile or so.

Parking space is limited, so please car-pool or arrive early in case you have parking issues. The beach lot closes at sunset and rangers announce this to beach goers, giving plenty of time to move your cars. What you paid for the beach lot also covers the campground lot parking cost, across the street, if room, else 1/4 mile down the street.

What to bring: 1 liter of water for every 3 miles.
Hiking shoes/boots. Not required, but recommended.
Sunscreen, Hat.
Food and drink to share for the beach pot luck.
Swimsuit towel, water-shoes if going in the ocean.

Route Link
Navigation: Host memory and GPS navigation as needed.

Directions
Pt. Mugu State Park
Sycamore Cove Beach (beach party)
Sycamore Canyon Trailhead (hike), Northeast corner, Inside Sycamore Canyon Campground, across from Sycamore Cove beach.
Malibu, CA 90265

From CA-118
CA-118 West.
CA-23 South for 7.4 miles.
US-101 North for 10.8 miles.
Exit 53B Lewis Rd./CA-34.
Right (east) onto E. Daily Dr. for 0.1 miles.
Right (south) onto N. Lewis Rd. for 4.5 miles.
Becomes Hueneme Rd., continue for 0.9 miles.
Left on Las Posas Rd. for 3.1 miles.
Left on CA-1 for 5.9 miles.
Park in campground lot (left), beach lot (right), or on street west of lots.

From US-101
Exit 55, Las Posas Rd.
Las Posas Rd. south for 7.5 miles.
Left on CA-1 for 5.9 miles.
Park in campground lot (left), beach lot (right), or on street west of lots.

Official Info
Rules and Regs
Alcohol is allowed

FAQ
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