Jan 4th 2009

5.4 miles         580 ft elevation change

In search of fall colors (yes, we do get fall colors in Southern California) we set off for the aptly named Sycamore Canyon. Our entry point is Rancho Sierra Vista in Newbury Park.

Across the meadow

A short walk from the parking lot brings us to the Satwiwa Native American Indian Natural Area. Here we cross diagonally over an open meadow.

Coyote stare

Almost immediately we spy a coyote about 30 yards to the right of the trail. We watch it, it watches us, although he seems considerably the less impressed by the encounter. It continues on its way, unperturbed, yet casting an occasional distainful look in our direction. It has work to do.

We join the Old Boney Trail and ascend along the canyon wall as it enters Point Mugu State Park. The trail then drops towards a stream and prior to reaching a waterfall (the main attraction for Sunday afternoon strollers) we make an almost 180 degree turn onto Upper Sycamore trail. This trail winds gradually downhill following the stream bed. The first couple of stream crossings are a little muddy and if we stop we can hear the stream gurgling joyfully over its rocky bed. Further on the stream bed is dry, the water flowing underground giving the impression that the thirsty earth is eagerly lapping up the recent rainfall.

Upper Sycamore

We are a little late in the season for the sycamores, most of which have already dropped their leaves, while the remainder are outshone by the bright yellow of the willows. Here and there are a few left over red berries on the toyon trees. We reach trail’s end at its junction with Big Sycamore Canyon.

Nice cup o' tea

A return that way involves a steep climb on a paved road and the risk of death at the hands of an overenthusiastic cyclist.  We prefer the solitude of a return by the same route. But first a short break for tea and muffins!

Although the views are less impressive as we head back up the canyon, we are no longer staring into the sun. The dudleyas on the rock walls are looking much fleshier but there are no flowers yet, although the wild cucumbers are trying hard to be the first. The return gives a real sense of the depth of this canyon. The drop off is spectacular and the canyon walls rise high above us. 

Boney Mountain

Once back on the Old Boney Trail there is a little more foot traffic but the sun is beginning to set and the parking lot closes at sunset. There is no sign of Mr. Coyote as we cross the meadow but a white-tailed kite hovers low over the ground watching for dinner.