Grotto Trail
Santa Monica Mountains
Distance: 2.6 miles
Duration: 2 hours
Climbing Altitude: 650 feet
Difficulty: 2 (highest 5)
Season: all year round
Recommended rating: 4 (out of 5)
Outline
- Introduction
- How To Get There
- Trail Overview
- Conclusion
- FAQs
- Links
Introduction
If you’re looking for a hiking trail with breathtaking views, the Grotto Trail in the Santa Monica Mountains is a must-visit. Despite its name, the trail’s pride isn’t its caves, but rather the lush trees, wildflowers, and bushes that fill the ridge. With Bonnie Mountain’s majestic peaks in view, hiking this trail offers a truly unforgettable experience. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Grotto Trail, including what to expect, how to get there, and other essential information.
How to Get There
Getting to the Grotto Trailhead is relatively easy. From the end of the 10 Santa Monica Fwy, drive along Pacific Coast Hwy for about 29 miles until you reach Yerba Buena Road on the right. Then, drive a further five miles down this road to reach Circle X Ranch, where you’ll find the two parking lots.
Trail Overview
The Grotto Trail is one of the many hiking trails in the Santa Monica Mountains, and it stands out for its stunning natural beauty. The trailhead is located at Circle X Ranch, accessible by two parking lots. The first is in front of the visitor center, while the second is next to the ranger office down the dirt road.
Once you park, you’ll need to walk down the unpaved road for a while before arriving at the campsite, where the Grotto hiking trail begins. As you make your way along the trail, you’ll see various small and large trees, including oak trees, all around.
After walking for about 0.2 miles from the campground, you’ll reach a point where the trail divides into the Canyon View Trail on the left. Keep walking, and after a short uphill hike, you’ll come across a small meadow.
Here, it’s worth taking a moment to pause and look back, where you’ll see the majestic peaks of Boney Mountain stretching back like a folding screen. You may also spot traces of a waterfall across the valley a little further down. The number of flowers blooming on the ridge changes annually, depending on the rainfall in winter and the amount of water that ultimately flows through the valley.
As you continue hiking, you’ll soon reach the bottom of the valley, where you’ll see some water and large boulders filling the area. This is the grotto at the end of the trail. During times of heavy rainfall, water fills up between the large rocks, but when it’s dry, you’ll see deep valleys dug between the rocks. If you go down a little further, you may also spot a cave. However, be careful as the road leading to it is not safe.
Conclusion
The Grotto Trail is a beautiful hiking trail that offers breathtaking views of the ocean and mountains. The trail is suitable for beginners, and the journey is filled with beautiful wildflowers, small streams, and a stunning waterfall. If you are looking for a peaceful and scenic hike, the Grotto Trail is the perfect place to go.
FAQs
- How long is the Grotto Trail? A: The Grotto Trail is about 2.5 miles long and takes about 2-3 hours to hike.
- What’s the best time to hike the Grotto Trail? A: The best time to hike the Grotto Trail is during spring when the wildflowers are in full bloom.
- Is the Grotto Trail suitable for beginners? A: The Grotto Trail is a moderately difficult hike, so it may not be suitable for beginners.
- Are dogs allowed on the Grotto Trail? A: Yes, dogs are allowed on the Grotto Trail, but they must be kept on a leash.
- What should I bring when hiking the Grotto Trail? A: Make sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Wear comfortable hiking shoes and clothing suitable for the weather.
Official Links
- Circle X Ranch – https://www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/circlexranch.htm
- Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area – https://www.nps.gov/samo/index.htm
