Sycamore Canyon Campground

Believe it or not (but you should believe it, because that’s what we are here for), mountain biking is one of the most popular activities among visitors to Point Mugu. Ideal for pretty much everyone other than experts, the gentle grades through lush woodlands are perfect if you aren’t riding with a death wish. The multitude of available trails for your riding pleasure can be found here. We seriously recommend bringing your bike out to good ol’ Mugu, as even the more advanced rivers can appreciate the great loops that spin off of the Sycamore Canyon trail. For an inside glimpse on what a ride actually looks like, check out this sick video.

Anglers beware: while surf fishing is very common at Pt. Mugu, the rocks and beaches are notoriously dangerous for this activity (especially during high tide). If you stay safe, however, a variety of marine friends ranging from surf perch and sea bass to tiger sharks are ready for the pickin’. You can find information and good times on fishing in the area here if you’re curious about the angling conditions.

With more than 70 miles of trails criss crossing through rugged hills, gorgeous river canyons, and grass valleys speckled with the classic California sycamores, oaks, and native walnuts, Point Mugu is an amazing trekker’s getaway nested in the Santa Monica Mountains. The main jaunt of the park, Sycamore Canyon Trail, where visitors can travel through a mystical and beautiful wooded canyon shaded by breathtaking sycamores. This trail offers a great comprehensive insight into some of the best wilderness that the Santa Monica Mountains have to offer. The beauty of Point Mugu’s hiking, however, is the amount of single track trails stemming off, allowing trekkers some solitude in such a beautiful landscape. A list of many of the available trails can be found here, and we honestly recommend pretty much all of them. Ask a ranger for some great spots to hit as well as some inside knowledge on where the famous monarchs like to hang out. Unfortunately, some of the foliage felt the direct effects of that 2013 fire, but in the meantime it provides unfettered views of the beach, ocean, and Channel Islands.

Horseback riding? Booya. You can utilize some of the sweet equestrian options right from the National Park Service entrance. Who wouldn’t want to traverse these intertwining paths on one of nature’s most glorious mammals? Not only this, but it allows for a much more comprehensive view as you are able to experience much more of the landscape than you would on foot!

Point Mugu and surfing go together like icing and cake. Or maybe macaroni and cheese. Or whatever things go together perfectly. Because Point Mugu is known as one of the nicest surf spots in all of America, with world class wave quality and great breaks. Seriously, we cannot recommend this beach more for those who love surfing, although you might need to get that jarhead haircut before getting in, as it’s right near a military base… Either way, check out the surf report before getting in, although those waves should always be great. This spot is also a bodyboard heaven if that’s what you’re into. With more speed, long barrels, and ramps than you have seen before, this is a great place for high performance bodyboarding. Beware of the navy base, as they sometimes close the beach, but surfers also love to head south of the park to County Line Beach where the waves are easy to access. While on the southern end, expect a fast beach break as well as an outer reef break.

Swimming is an option at the beach for all of you who don’t fear taking a dip in the ocean. Not only this, but there is an Olympic sized pool right at the Naval base, although we aren’t totally sure as to the availability to the public...

Whether you find yourself on one of the beaches of Point Mugu or traversing the trails in the Sycamore Canyon, you are bound to come across some of the bountiful wildlife that populates the area. Let’s start with the marine mammals, yah? During your stay at the beaches, if you look closely, you’ll most likely see pods of dolphins swimming along the coast, migratory whales if you time it right, and seals & sea lions as well. Gulls, cormorants, shorebirds, and pelicans are also our natural avian animals that fly overhead. While hiking, many visitors come across deer, coyote, wild cats, and snakes as well. That means watch out for rattlers, as there have been many sightings during day hikes. Our favorite birds found here include woodpeckers, California thrashers, and songbirds. While in the Boney Mountain Wilderness section, you are also bound to find some resident mule deer, gray foxes, skunks, and mountain lions, if you’re lucky. Now onto the most magnificent portion of the wildlife sightings at Point Mugu: the monarchs. How can you not love these great butterflies that blanket every area they come through on their migratory paths in a gorgeous glowing orange? During the fall, millions of monarchs migrate through Point Mugu and form what entomologists call over-wintering colonies. That’s right people, if you hit Point Mugu during the autumn, you’ll not only find beautiful colors among the plants, but will also be stunned by the magnitude of orange radiated by these butterflies.