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 Reporter |
Summary: This is a fun hike into a dark and spooky grotto, with house size boulders, caves, waterfalls, steep walls, and a real sense of mystery. The hike into the grotto is pleasant, but not spectacular. Once in the grotto you can have a blast scrambling around on the boulders of you have a good sense of balance and are careful. Lots of fun! Trailhead: Circle X Ranch is 5 ½ miles from Pacific Coast Highway on Yerba Buena Road in Malibu. Alternately, from Westlake Village, exit on Westlake Blvd from the 101 Freeway, and follow it south for several miles as it merges with Mulholland highway. Turn right onto Little Sycamore Canyon and it will become Yerba Buena Road as you cross the county line. Proceed on Yerba Buena Road for about 5 miles to the Circle X Ranger Station on the left side of the road. (Lat:34.1103 Lon:-118.9365) Trail Guides for Grotto Trail: On The Trail - Malibu to Santa Barbara by Cathy Philipp (Cathy Philipp Publishing) California Hiking by Tom Stienstra & Ann Marie Brown (Foghorn Press) Afoot & Afield In Los Angeles by Jerry Schad (Wilderness Press) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs Ranger Contact: Santa Monica Rec. Area - 805-370-2301 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jim Zuber, who has posted 104 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 5 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by MJ on 6/3/2008 This is the hike I take my friends who aren't hikers on. It's easy, short and very scenic. The grotto is beautiful and if you like to crawl around on big rocks, you'll find this fun. It feels so far away form L.A. and in fact when you get to the Circle X ranch you'll be in awe of how vast the Santa Monica mnts. actually are.
Reviewed by David on 5/15/2008 After hiking nearby Sandstone Peak I was worried that the Grotto would be a letdown - not so. There are a good variety of views as you descend into the cool canyon, and the huge rocks near the waterfall allow for great viewing. Of course this is a down-then-up hike so keep that in mind.
Reviewed by phuddy on 5/3/2008 I've done this hike several times - I found it more satisfying with a dog and with someone else (rather than alone). Wonderful hike - better after rainy season. I'm a bit hesitant to go in the spring - because I have a fear of rattlesnakes. Never have seen one here but I understand they are around. Wonderful hike - great this year because of the rain - we did it about two weeks ago with no misadventures! Wonderful. It quite a drive in - but well worth it!! 
Reviewed by Mr. Primitive on 3/22/2008 Did this hike yesterday and thought it was ok. Probably should have left my dog at home since it got a bit treacherous trying to hold her back as I slide down some parts of the trail. We both almost ended up getting bit by a small rattlesnake down in the grotto. Little guy was laying across some rocks right at my feet and I had to grab my dog to keep her clumsy butt from stepping on it! Was a bit spooked by that especially when we had to pass through the same spot again on the way back.
Reviewed by Mark G on 2/4/2008 The hike was great, the recent rains apparently contributed to the nice stream and waterfall at the end of trail. It was a blast. Nice hike down and a little challenging on the way back up but overall it was a great hike! Will do it again.
Reviewed by Uncle Rico on 12/24/2007 Hiked this trail with my three kids on Christmas Eve. The trail is in excellent condition due to the recent rain and it was clear, beautiful and uncrowded. The smells were intoxicating. The stream bed is dry, but there is still a fair amount of water in the caves at the lower end. Nice little hike. Highly recommended, especially this time of year.
Reviewed by Anna on 9/27/2007 I absolutely love this hike - the walk there is fun, nothing spectacular, but a good walk. But the Grotto itself is gorgeous, and awesome to play around in. Loved it! There wasn't much water, but enough to cool off in and splash around a bit. 
Reviewed by MBJ on 7/2/2007 The greatest hike in the world. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Los Angeles County Hiking, Los Angeles County Trails, Los Angeles County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||