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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 S.S. on 4/8/2009 The flowers were really blooming along the trail 4/5. Took a shower under the water of the grotto and had a really enjoyable time. The uphill on the way back wasn't too bad. The stop off at Neptune's Net at the bottom of Yerba Buena for their fish and chips added to the experience too. A few photos of my hike can be seen here: http://budurl.com/grotto 
Reviewed by M A L on 3/1/2009 Hiked this trail in early February, 2009. Found it charming to run into a rather large lady bug picnic. Took the trail down to the grotto which was romantic and spooky! Upon our return we were reminded of our downhill hike and were faced with a strenuous return. We found the ranger helpful and it was just nice to be off the trail and not climbing uphill anymore. We took with us 10 ticks on our dog and one tick attached to the man. So look for the lady bugs and beware of the ticks!
Reviewed by Lori on 1/6/2009 Hiked this trail on 12/29/08 and was amazed by a huge concentration of ladybugs in a certain area. It was almost Alfred Hitchcock-like. Does anyone know why this is? I really like this hike and my teeagers enjoy is as well.
Reviewed by lexy on 1/4/2009 we did this trail for the first time today and had lots of fun climbing over the gigantic rocks! good boots and ankle support are a must because there are lots of spots with loose rock on the trail and lots of loose rock in the grotto right now. dress warm, it was very chilly down in the canyon!
Reviewed by DSG on 9/21/2008 Hiked the Grotto Trail September 13th, 2008. Is a manned ranger station at the top of the parking area, gives a sense of security on leaving vehicles unattended. Nice short hike. The grotto is impressive, although found the remains of what appeared to be a deer inside. The bugs were biting this time of year. I'll likely be returning in the near future.
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!! 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||