Hiking in Southern California

Mike and I went to Los Angeles, California not to see movie stars but as my sister said, we went to see dirt and rocks. 
Remains of a Burned Home
We started our week with an easy hike (2.6 miles) to Solstice Canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains where we saw a very small waterfall. The most interesting part of this hike was not the almost nonexistent waterfall but it was the remains of a beautiful home that burned down by wildfires in 1982. There were several walls and fireplaces still standing with palms surrounding the ruins. I found it interesting that parts of this canyon have burned as recently as 2007.
Our next hike was to the Hollywood Sign (5 miles). The goal was to hike above the sign and see the view from behind it. I was very disappointed when the trail ended and we were still in front of the sign. We got some great pictures but it was not where I wanted to be. We could see a few people up behind the sign and the only thing we could figure out is that they came up on a different trail from the other side. I also thought it was strange to see a very nice gated house at the top of our hike, so close to the sign. I want to know who lives in it. 


Our third hike (4.5 miles) was to the 1,957-foot summit of Eagle Rock in Topanga Canyon. The rock is a massive block of sandstone with panoramic views overlooking Santa Monica Bay, the San Fernando Valley, and all the mountains in between. 
Me on top of Eagle Rock

Next we went on Mike’s favorite hike, the 2.1-mile loop to Cave of Munits and Castle Peak. When we reached the tall vertical cave, I started in and heard some kind of sound. We both listened and then we tried to go around the cave which was impossible. As we were trying to go around the cave, we saw someone approach it and when we came down from wearing ourselves out, they were on the other side. We then went through the cave and came out on top where we started our tough off-trial ascent to Castle Peak gaining about 450 feet in a short distance. After we enjoyed the view from the top, we began our swift descent of jumbled rocks to make it to the bottom. Going down was more difficult for me than the climb up. 
Outside the Cave

Inside the Cave
Going to the Top of the Peak

Our last hike was a strenuous hike to the top of Mugu Peak (6.5 miles) along the California Coast in Malibu. Mugu Peak towers over the Pacific Ocean from an elevation of 1,266 feet.
Part of the Trail

I was so excited when we spotted the American flag we were looking for. This hike gave us spectacular views up and down the coast. It was amazing and a great place to enjoy lunch. 



So that's it. We went to Los Angeles and we didn't see any movie stars, we didn't go to any fancy restaurants, we didn't go surfing or spend time on the beach, we only saw rocks and dirt. I guess I prefer to see a beautiful mountain over any famous person. I've never really been starstruck by famous people but I am fascinated by the beauty God has created. California is a beautiful part of the world and I look forward to going back and hiking more trails. 


"Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal." ~Isaiah 26:4


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