Howdy folks!  I'm planning on doing a 10.8 mile hike with 1950' of elevation gain (and going to bag Mugu Peak [1266'] again!) .. it should take about 5-6 hours.  This loop trail is known for its spectacular ocean views and quite a nice exhibition of rare native vegetation.  I'm doing this hike on President's Day .. Most of us are off work, yes?  Cool! .. Then join me.  Afterwards, we can rendezvous at The Cantina near Point Dume for a beer and a late lunch.  And, don't let the hour-long drive from Hollywood to the park discourage you .. the drive along the coast in the morning is breathtaking (not to mention the random hot guy changing into his wetsuit!)  Here's a blurb from a trails book:

"Lazily curving up the rumpled slopes of the western Santa Monica Mountains, the Ray Miller Trail takes in sweeping views of the Point Mugu coastline and the distant Channel Islands. This loop trail offers a well-graded and scenic approach to the rounded ridge that divides the two largest canyons in Point Mugu State Park: La Jolla and Big Sycamore."

Besides the amazing topography you'll hike through or see (canyon, peak, tall grass prairie, dry pond, dry creek/falls, The Great Sand Dune, Walnut Tree Grove, Pacific Coast Highway) there's also an abundance of wildflowers in bloom .. dozens of varieties blossoming all over.  I have a feeling that the wildflower display I saw on this hike today (Feb 4, 2010) is just a teaser of what we're going to see in March and April!  What a treat that will be.  And, if you haven't seen a giant coreopsis before (common on the Channel Islands, but found only in scattered coastal niches) as we descend through a canyon out of the park, you're gonna think you've entered Whooville!

Check the weather for Monday and dress appropriately. While it may be in the 60's at sea-level on the coast, it's bound to be chilly and windy at the peak.  Can't stress how important it is to dress in layers! (Rain cancels, but threat of rain does not .. bring a poncho.)

Also, this is no time to diet. Eat a decent breakfast, bring some healthy snacks for during the hike, bring WATER, there's none in the park, bring a jacket, and bring a camera 'cause it's pretty cool.

Hope to see you!  Let me know for sure if you're attending 'cause I don't want to wait for stragglers.  (Klaus Gerhart 323-493-0104 LAGoodGuy@gmail.com)

Point Mugu State Park lies some 32 miles west of Santa Monica via Pacific Coast Highway. Park at the Ray Miller Trailhead, off the coast highway and just west of Thornhill Broome Beach Campground (all of this is well marked on the PCH).  Parking in the parking lot is $8 .. bring exact bills.  If you don't want to park in the lot, we are allowed to park on the PCH, tho I was warned that it isn't quite as safe as the parking lot.  Your choice.