Day 1: Fossil Trail

Fossils in the middle of the trail

Day #1: Fossil Trail/Old Boney Trail Loop
Big Sycamore Canyon Trail, Fossil Trail, Old Boney Trail
Point Mugu State Park - Newbury Park, CA
Friday June 26th 2015
Time: 4 hours, 32 mintes
Pace: 38:04/mile
Distance: 7.15 miles
Elevation Gain: 1532 feet

The view down Big Sycamore Canyon

Directions:

From the 101 Freeway:

Exit Wendy Dr and head south on Wendy Drive for 2.3 miles to Lynn Road.

Turn right onto Lynn Road and follow this 1.7 miles to the Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa Entrance 

Turn left into Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa (signs for State Park) and follow 0.6 miles to parking area

Parking is free and the gate is locked at sunset

To get to the Fossil Trail follow the Big Sycamore Canyon fire road down into Sycamore Canyon. When you reach the bottom of the big hill and cross the bridge, turn left onto the Upper Sycamore Canyon Trail and the Fossil Trail will be on the right after about 0.1 miles.

 Heading up the steep part of the Fossil Trail

 Approaching the junction with the Old Boney Trail

When you reach the Old Boney Trail you will make a left and follow the trail higher toward Tri-Peaks, although you never reach the peak.

 The view of Newbury Park from the Old Boney Trail

 Looking up at Tri-Peaks

 Looking down on Satwiwa, the meadows below is where the journey started

 A quick picture with the view below and on to the waterfall we go

At the last switchback on the way down the Old Boney Trail is a short side trail to this waterfall. It is a popular area and can be reached via a short 3 mile round trip hike from the parking area for a shorter hike with the family. Pack a lunch and enjoy this great spot.

 The grotto at the top of the waterfall

 A newt found swimming in one of the pools

 The Sycamore Canyon Waterfall

.

From the waterfall I continued down the Old Boney Trail and back toward Satwiwa and my car. A great trail that I highly recommend. The first climb up the Fossil Trail is steep, but the views are worth every step.