2012-10-22(과외산행), 단풍 at Big Sycamore Canyon (Point Mugu St. Park)
조회 수 2572 추천 수 0 2011.10.17 14:08:23Sycamore Canyon Trail
From Big Sycamore Canyon to Deer Camp Junction is 6.5 miles round trip with
200-foot elevation gain; return via Overlook Trail is 10 miles round trip with
700-foot gain
Every fall, millions of monarch butterflies migrate south to the forests of Mexico's Transvolcanic Range and to the damp coastal woodlands of Central and Southern California. The monarch's evolutionary success lies not only in its unique ability to migrate to warmer climes, but in its mastery of chemical warfare.
The
butterfly feeds on milkweed-the favored poison of assassins during the Roman
Empire. This milkweed diet makes the
monarch toxic to birds; after
munching a monarch or two and becoming sick, they learn to leave the butterflies
alone. During October and November, Sycamore Canyon
offers the twin delights of falling
autumn leaves and fluttering butterflies
The hike: Take the trail up-canyon, following the creek. Winter rains cause the creek to rise, and sometimes keeping your feet dry while crossing is difficult. Underground water keeps much of the creekside vegetation green year-round-so this is fine hike in any season.
One-half mile from the campground you'll spot Overlook Trail, which switchbacks to the west up a ridge and then heads north toward the native tall grass prairie in La Jolla Valley. Make note of this trail, an optional return route.
A second half mile of nearly level canyon walking brings you to another major hiking trail that branches right-Serrano Canyon Trail, an absolute gem.
Another easy mile of walking beneath the sycamores brings you to a picnic table shaded by a grove of large oak trees. The oaks might be a good turnaround spot for a family with small children. The total round trip distance would be a little over 4 miles.
Continuing up the canyon you'll pass beneath more of the giant sycamores and soon arrive at Wood Canyon Junction, the hub of six trails which lead to all corners of the park. Bear left on signed Wood Canyon Trail and in a short while you'll reach Deer Camp Junction. Drinking water and picnic tables suggest a lunch stop. Oak trees predominate over the sycamores along Wood Canyon Creek; however, the romantic prefer the sycamores, some of which have large clumps of mistletoe in the upper branches.
To return via Overlook Trail: Continue past the junction with Wood Canyon Trail and Deer Camp Junction on the Wood Canyon Trail, which becomes Pumphouse Road. You'll climb over the divide between Sycamore Canyon and La Jolla Valley. Upon reaching a junction, you'll head south on the Overlook Trail, staying on the La Jolla Canyon side of the ridge. True to its name, Overlook Trail offers good views of grassy mountainsides, Boney Peak and Big Sycamore Canyon.
You'll pass an intersection with Scenic Trail, a rough path that hugs the ridge separating La Jolla and Big Sycamore Canyon, where you'll bear right and follow the fire road one-half mile back to the trailhead.
