The Spectacular 9-Mile Trail in Point Mugu State Park That’s Worth the Incline

Southern California has no shortage of "good" hiking trails. From sandstone peaks above the ocean to high desert ridgelines dotted with cactus, the variety here is incredibly special. But not every trail balances distance, challenge, and scenery in a way that feels truly epic from start to finish. The Mugu Peak to La Jolla Valley Loop checks all the boxes, and then some—and pretty views are just the start!

The Mugu Peak to La Jolla Valley Loop is a rugged, diverse, and often overlooked hike near Camarillo. Climbing 2,000 feet over nine miles of ever-changing Pacific beauty, it winds through multiple ecosystems to hidden coastal nooks you likely didn't even know existed. Because it’s tough in stretches, semi-remote, and longer than most, the La Jolla Valley Loop challenges just enough to thin out the crowds while being close enough to the highway that you can still finish with a swim at Sycamore Cove (tide willing).

Mugu is believed to come from the Chumash word “muwu,” which means beach. As such, you know there will be some beautiful coastal scenery on this trail, especially being so close to the iconic Pacific Coast Highway. The challenging loop trail starts just past Mugu Rock in Point Mugu State Park, which is a recognizable triangular-shaped rock formation that has starred in numerous beach selfies. Here, you're right at the confluence of the ocean, the edge of the Santa Monica Mountains, and snugly between La Jolla and Sycamore Canyons. The only way to go is up.

To start, you'll follow the Chumash Trail up the side of Mugu Peak. From the get-go, the dirt trail climbs quickly through coastal sage, golden mustard, and beautiful seasonal wildflowers. The first mile alone climbs 1,200 feet in one fell swoop (over half of the total trail's elevation gain), and you might feel like you're crawling at times, but don't worry—the rest of the journey is a little easier on the legs. Just don't make the mistake of staring at your feet for the entire climb because, as you go, the view opens up to expose the sweeping SoCal coastline from above. The Pacific is your constant companion as you climb, so keep a camera handy!

At the top of Mugu Peak, you'll find a survey marker, a flag, and a spectacular 360-degree view that stretches from Boney Mountain in the east to Point Hueneme in the west. You'll definitely want to pause here to rest and admire the Channel Islands sitting offshore, the rest of Point Mugu State Park, La Jolla Peak, and even NAS Point Mugu. If the coastal fog hasn’t rolled in, the views can literally go for miles. This is where many hikers and trail runners turn around, but there's so much more to enjoy beyond the summit. After all, you've already accomplished the toughest part of the hike, so why not keep going?

Just below the peak, you'll see the remains of an old water tank sitting off to the side, half-buried in the golden-yellow grass. Poke around (respectfully), and then continue on. From here, the trail drops into scenic La Jolla Valley via multiple switchbacks, and the landscape quickly changes to one that's unexpectedly secluded and quiet.

After the steep climb up, this descent into the valley is a breeze, although loose rocks can catch tired ankles if you aren't careful. As the elevation drops, the views start to open into one of the most unexpected features in this part of the Santa Monica range: a wide, oasis-like valley, lined by lush foothills that, unbeknownst to many, actually mark the remains of ancient lava flows and fault lines. With stunning flowers all over the place and the brush waving in the ocean breeze, it's like a scene from "The Sound of Music."

Down here, much like at the summit, wind is constant, and the rattlesnakes are plentiful, so stay alert. In spring, the floor is lined with needlegrass, iconic red poppies, and dainty white bunches. In summer and fall, it dries out and is mostly empty of company, aside from the occasional rabbit, coyote, or bird of prey cutting through. This section of the trail doesn't have much vertical gain, but it's fully exposed and there’s no water source, so try to time this section carefully if you're hiking in the height of summer.

Geologically, this valley sits in the western portion of the Santa Monica Mountains, formed by uplift and volcanic activity tied to the boundary between the Pacific and North American plates, which means the trail here cuts through erosion channels that expose centuries of slide and wash. Look closely and you might even find a few seashells scattered about, the remnants of when the ocean was far higher and further inland than it is today. And likely a few dropped by seagulls as well.

Toward the end of the loop, beyond the valley, the trail climbs again as it enters the final canyon section, reconnecting with the PCH and the Chumash Trail. This section is less maintained, but offers incredible views. Within a mile, you’re back in view of the ocean—not that it's ever really left your side. At every point along the trail, depending on the season, weather, and time of day, you're likely to encounter some seriously stunning golden hour magic, above-the-clouds views, and even some dramatic storm sightings over the ocean, which means you can hike this trail again and again and never have the same experience. It also connects with multiple other trails in the park, so feel free to tailor your route to match your time budget.

The full Mugu Peak to La Jolla Valley Loop can be done in under five hours, but with nine miles of ever-evolving beauty to admire, why rush? The combination of summit, valley, and canyon makes this loop feel like much more than a single trail. The best part is you won’t need a permit, a wilderness guide, or any specialized gear to tackle this one—just good shoes, enough water, and half a day to enjoy it. However, due to the prevalence of wildlife on this trail, please leave your pups at home for their safety.

For a challenging, scenic, and rewarding hike that's surprisingly under-trafficked given its location, the Mugu Peak to La Jolla Valley Loop is a pretty special trail! It’s not a backcountry adventure, but it covers more mileage, gains more elevation, and shows off more variety than many longer routes elsewhere in the Santa Monicas. And, once you're back at the trailhead, there are loads of historical and beachy spots to explore around the state park, or even settle in for some camping. You can also head to La Jolla for sea lions, shark encounters, and more.

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