It was a gorgeous morning, the weather predicting a hot one in Malibu, so when my friend called and wanted to do an impromptu hike yesterday, I knew it was going to be a tough one with the sun beating down on us. I don't remember from previous Zuma Canyon hikes that it was as difficult as this one was, but then again, I was hiking with a triathelete coach who has competed nationally, so it was rather silly of me to think this was going to be easy! The views of the canyon and ocean are well worth it! With that said, wear good treads, hike with someone that can coach you through three or four ascents that will kick your butt, bring lots of water, and wear sunscreen.
This is a full sun hike, with a few relief spots around shady bends in the trail, and in the beginning and end of the loop when you are in the riverbed. This would be an excellent cold weather hike, although I read on some webpages that you have to be careful during wet days due to a river crossing. There is lots of evidence of horses sharing the trail, although we did not run into any when we hiked. There are three or four kick-butt ascents. I think knowing that ahead of time will help, as the trail levels for awhile after each one, and then you round the bend and see another ascent! But three good ones, four max and you are done, and the loop back is downhill and easy, except there are a few steep parts when you will be thankful that you have good treads!
From PCH take Bonsall Canyon Road, in between the east entrance of Zuma Beach and Heathercliff Road. Follow the road to the end, when it becomes a dirt road follow this a short distance to the dirt parking area.
Zuma! originated from the Chumash Indian dialect and means "abundant," and this is one of the areas where there is an abundance of options and combinations for hikes! The Zuma Loop trail is 2 miles and easy. The Backbone Trail to Zuma Ridge is a 2.5 mile easy to moderate hike, the Canyon View and Ocean View hike loop is a moderate 3 mile hike, and the Zuma Ridge trail is a 6 mile moderate to strenuous hike. We combined the Zuma Loop, Canyon View ascent and Ocean View descent to make our adventure a moderate 4 mile hike and it took about 2 hours. All the trails are well marked, so you can combine as we did. We started in the riverbed under the shade of huge sycamore trees and brush, then started our ascent on the Canyon View trail eastward. There are plenty of signs of wildlife, lots of deer, coyote, and raccoon prints in the soft dirt, and we heard something huge in the bushes, but we didn't see anything! The views from the Canyon View trail are amazing, and with the Pacific Ocean in the far distance, you feel removed from civilization. Once you have the ascents over, the trail back is downhill and easy.
I enjoyed this hike for the friendship and coaching, magnificent views, the escape from the city, and the exercise. My glutes are tight and I'm still burning calories as I write this! Hiking is an amazing way to exercise and rejuvinate!
Zuma! originated from the Chumash Indian dialect and means "abundant," and this is one of the areas where there is an abundance of options and combinations for hikes! The Zuma Loop trail is 2 miles and easy. The Backbone Trail to Zuma Ridge is a 2.5 mile easy to moderate hike, the Canyon View and Ocean View hike loop is a moderate 3 mile hike, and the Zuma Ridge trail is a 6 mile moderate to strenuous hike. We combined the Zuma Loop, Canyon View ascent and Ocean View descent to make our adventure a moderate 4 mile hike and it took about 2 hours. All the trails are well marked, so you can combine as we did. We started in the riverbed under the shade of huge sycamore trees and brush, then started our ascent on the Canyon View trail eastward. There are plenty of signs of wildlife, lots of deer, coyote, and raccoon prints in the soft dirt, and we heard something huge in the bushes, but we didn't see anything! The views from the Canyon View trail are amazing, and with the Pacific Ocean in the far distance, you feel removed from civilization. Once you have the ascents over, the trail back is downhill and easy.
I enjoyed this hike for the friendship and coaching, magnificent views, the escape from the city, and the exercise. My glutes are tight and I'm still burning calories as I write this! Hiking is an amazing way to exercise and rejuvinate!
