I wasn’t expecting the hike up to Mugu Peak to be quite so popular, especially on a weekday, but the large carpark was fairly full as I set out in the afternoon. Unfortunately low cloud had been covering the coast for the past few days, so the likelihood of spectacular views was low. While offering great coastal views – Mugu Peak is said to offer “the best views in Maibu” on a clear day – the steep climb to Mugu Peak is a popular route for people looking to get some exercise.
The trail starts climbing immediately, with a few very steep sections, as it heads toward a saddle between two peaks. From the carpark to Mugu Peak the elevation gain is about 1,200 feet (380m) over a mile (1.6km). After 0.6 miles (1km) there’s a fork in the trail, which is the start of the loop section; you can do the loop in either direction. I head left and continue climbing towards the summit.
Not surprisingly, Mugu Peak (1260 feet / 384m) is shrouded by cloud; on a clear day there are 360-degree views over the Pacific Ocean, Laguna Peak, the Pacific Coast Highway and the Boney Mountains in the distance. The peak gets its name from the Chumash village Muwu which was situated near the trailhead. It was the largest Chumash coastal settlement in the area until the early 1800s. The Chumash people accessing the La Jolla valley from here, following a similar route to this hike.
Rather than returning the same way, I continue along trail which descends to another saddle on the eastern side of Mugu Peak. After about a quarter of a mile (400m), there is a junction with a trail that descends gently down the southern side of Mugu Peak. There are more coastal views from here, and even today there’s a glimpse of the coastline below.
Along the main trail is a rough but obvious pad that descends a short distance along a spur to a viewpoint, which offers the best views so far today. To the north-west is the Naval Air Station and Mugu Lagoon.
The trail continues to descend gently through the grasslands covering the side of the ridge…
…before reaching the steep track which goes back down to the trailhead.
It’s a shame that it wasn’t a clearer day (or that Mugu Peak wasn’t above the clouds, like my Thorndyke Top hike the previous day) – but still a very enjoyable hike and a good work-out!
Getting to Mugu Peak
The Mugu Peak trailhead is right next to the Pacific Coast Highway, and while not signposted there is an obvious car park (which is likely to fill up on weekends) as well as parking along the shoulder of the highway. In Google Maps the trailhead is called Chumash Trailhead. It’s about 24 miles (30min drive) from Malibu or 50 miles (one hour) from Santa Monica.
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