February 15th 2009

6.9 miles     835 ft elevation gain

Today we go along Pacific Coast Highway to La Jolla Canyon. The view over the ocean is a little hazy and the absence of surfers is indicative of calm waters. A flight of brown pelicans sweeps over the surface and a few human fishers try their luck from the beach.

Above the waterfall

Woodland path

As usual we park on the side of the highway to avoid the fee in the parking lot and set off into La Jolla Canyon. Rock in this area was quarried to build the Pacific Coast Highway. After 3/4 of a mile we reach the “seasonal” waterfall. Despite the recent rain this offers no more than a pathetic dribble and we cross over to climb a steeper rocky trail along the canyon wall. A few wallflower are in bloom, but the giant coreopsis, which can illuminate this trail like yellow beacons, are only just beginning to flower. We are careful to avoid the poison oak which does seem to be flourishing along the trail. The trail levels out and we walk through woodland. The pond to our left is also surprisingly dry. As soon as we emerge into the grassland we are greeted by an array of shooting stars.

Chocolate Lilies

Closer inspection reveals a bonanza of chocolate lilies, one of Dee’s favorite plants. We have never noticed them here before and, such is their abundance in this small patch, this one viewing outweighs our prior accumulated experience of this delicate beauty.

A little further on we turn onto the loop trail and divert to the walk-in campground for lunch. We have never actually seen anyone camp here but there are a few picnic tables placed under the oaks making for a pleasant rest point.

Lunch

We continue towards the ocean and Mugu Peak, but branch off across grassland to descend into a valley. We pass blue dicks (or wild hyacinth as Dee prefers) and numerous stands of prickly pear cactus. As we climb back up the other side of the valley we gain a view of the ocean before dropping down again to cross a dry stream bed at the head of the canyon and rejoin our original trail back to the waterfall.

Ocean View

There is one more excitement however, as a small rattle snake makes its way across the trail just in front of us. Dee remains surprisingly calm and passes by quickly as it moves into the undergrowth. There are a few more people on the trail below the waterfall – no doubt coming to see the “pathetic dribbles”. We decide against clam chowder at the nearby Neptunes Net and head for home.