Pacific Coast Highway from Point Mugu State Park

Text and photography copyright 2010 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities. The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Ray Miller Trailhead to Overlook Trail in Point Mugu State Park

• Location: Point Mugu State Park between Malibu and Oxnard.  From Oxnard, take highway 1 south for 15 miles.  The Miller trailhead is on the left (if you reach the Sycamore Canyon Campground,  you’ve come too far.)  The daily parking fee is$8.  From Santa Monica, take highway 1 north for 34 miles.  The Miller trailhead will be on the right, about two miles past the Sycamore Canyon campground.  From the San Fernando Valley, take highway 101 to highway 23 and head south to P.C.H.
• Agency: Point Mugu State Park
• Distance: 5.4 miles
• Elevation gain: 950 feet
• Difficulty Rating: PG
• Suggested time: 2.5 hours
• Best season: Year round (hot in summer)
• USGS topo maps: “Point Mugu”
• Recommended gear: sunblock; sun hat
• More information: here; Backbone Trail information here.
• Rating: 7

This hike visits the westernmost section of the Backbone trail, “Segment A.”   The Backbone Trail crosses the Santa Monica Mountains, from Will Rogers State Historic Park to 16,000-acre Point Mugu State Park.  Point Mugu is one of the more isolated parts of the Santa Monica Mountains, probably due to its northern location, and most of the visitors go to the more popular (and more expensive) Sycamore Canyon area.  A few miles north on P.C.H. is the secluded Ray Miller trailhead.

From the parking lot, follow the signed Backbone Trail and begin your ascent.  The trail winds up in and out of a few canyons, taking in nice views of the ocean.  The ascent is steady, although never too steep.  The hike can be hot during the summer, but if you get an early start, the mountains will shield you from the sun until you reach the ridgeline, at about 2 miles.

Once y0u get to the Overlook Trail, you can, of course, extend the hike by traveling south (right) to the overlook, about 3 miles away, or north, to the La Jolla Valley Camp (about 4 miles).  Point Mugu State Park has about 100 miles of trails altogether, so you’re sure to find something you like.