On the Camarillo Canyon trail

Geology in Little Sycamore Canyon

Text and photography copyright 2011 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.

Serrano and Camarillo Loop

• Location: Nix Nature Center, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach.  From I-405, take the Highway 133 exit and head south for 3.8 miles.  Turn right into the nature center (just north of the 73 freeway).  From Pacific Coast Highway, drive five miles and take a left onto an access road just north of the 73 freeway, where you can cross the southbound lanes and enter the nature center parking lot.  Parking is $3 per day.
• Agency: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
• Distance: 4.8 miles
• Elevation gain: 1,000 feet
• Difficulty Rating: PG-13 (Elevation gain, trail condition)
• Suggested time: 2.5 hours
• Best season: November – May (Parking lot open 8am-5pm; nature center open 9am-4pm)
• USGS topo map: Laguna Beach
• Recommended gear: hiking poles; sunblock
• More information: here; nature center home page here; trail map here
• Rating: 7

This is a challenging and enjoyable hike located in the northern end of Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, starting at the ultra-modern Nix Nature Center.  Like the popular Laurel Canyon loop on the south side of the freeway, this hike offers wide-ranging views including the San Gabriels and Santa Anas, passes interesting sandstone geology and visits some quiet, secluded canyons.  There isn’t much shade, and the distance and elevation gain required of this hike means that it is best done on a cool day.

From the nature center, head northwest on the Little Sycamore Canyon trail.  The trail makes a steep ascent, levels out for a while and makes another climb to arrive at the Serrano Ridge fire road.  On the way up, look for some geological formations on your right.

At the fire road, take a left and follow the ridge.  You get great views of Little Sycamore Canyon to the left and of the Irvine Open Space on the right.  The ridge line makes a few ups and downs before arriving at a four-way split.  Head left on the steeply descending Camarillo Canyon fire road (hiking poles may be helpful here).  At the bottom of the hill, you arrive at one of the most enjoyable stretches of the loop, heading through a green pasture with several live oaks.  You also get a good view of the higher hills in the park, on your left.

At this point, y0u’re heading east, back toward highway 133.   Shortly before you get there, take a left on the Stagecoach South trail.  This trail heads up a hill at a medium grade, making a few switchbacks before reaching a summit and descending to the nature center.