Point Mugu State Park

Point Mugu State Park, in California, is one of the most popular open space parks in the Santa Monica Mountains. With 35 miles of trails covering nearly 15,000 acres, the parks' boundaries stretch from the Pacific Ocean inland to Newbury Park. Many mountain bicyclists believe the park's multi-use trails to provide the ultimate off-road experience.

The bike loop we focus on here begins at the National Park Service site, Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa in Newbury Park and then crosses into Point Mugu at the rim of Big Sycamore Canyon. Much of the ride is along Big Sycamore Canyon Trail, the main corridor through the park, which is the very popular "mountains-to-sea" hiking route. Cyclists will enjoy the less-crowded and more primitive Wood Ranch Center Trail as it winds through the more remote areas of the park.

Step by step Exploring:

Trip Planner

Directions: Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa is in Newbury Park at the corner of Pinehill Avenue and Potrero Road. From Highway 101 take Wendy Road south toward the mountains until it deadends at Potrero. Turn right and take Potrero to Pinehill and turn left. Follow the roadsigns into the park.

What you'll need: Along with your bike, be sure to bring sunscreen, a helmet and at least two quarts of water per rider. Dogs are not allowed on the trails through the state park.

Distance and level of difficulty: Today's mountain bike loop is about 13 miles long. Starting and ending in Newbury Park, this is a challenging outing. Upon the return, the trail gains nearly 1,000 feet in elevation in less than 1/2-mile as you climb out of the canyon. Following a rainstorm, the ride increases in technical difficulty as there are about a dozen stream crossings that can become flooded.

What you'll see: The Wood Canyon bike loop is one of my favorite mountain bike rides. Point Mugu State Park is large enough to give you the feeling of being away from it all. Early morning and evening rides often give rise to sightings of mule deer, coyote and sometimes even mountain lions. Be sure to check the dirt roadbeds for evidence of the wildlife that roams the park under the cover of darkness. Springtime wildflower displays in the meadows and chaparral also are a visual treat.

Optional: The climb out of the canyon at the Newbury Park end of the trail is very strenuous. This outing on the Wood Canyon Trail makes an excellent shuttle-trip by parking a vehicle at the ocean end of the Big Sycamore Canyon Trail for your return to Newbury Park. There is a parking fee at Point Mugu State Park.