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Live-oak woods in Happy Camp Canyon

HIKE 3

La Jolla Valley Loop

Location: Point Mugu State Park

Highlights: Spectacular ocean views and rare native vegetation

Distance: 11 miles (loop)

Total Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,950'/1,950'

Hiking Time: 6 hours

Optional Maps: Trails Illustrated Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, Point Mugu State Park map, or USGS 7.5-minute Point Mugu

Best Times: 8 a.m.–sunset, October–June

Agency: PMSP

Difficulty: Moderately strenuous

Trail Use: Suitable for backpacking

Permit: Required for overnight use

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 is the westernmost link in the nearly completed Backbone Trail, which skims along the crest of the Santa Monicas for some 65 miles. The Ray Miller 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. The trail was named after California’s first official State Park Campground Host, who served here from 1979 until his death in 1989.