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Are you searching for a weekend getaway with mountain overlooks and sunny, sandy beaches? Your vacation destination may be a short drive from Los Angeles, California! Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area offers many opportunities to shake off the stresses of city life and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Recreation Travel one of the many trails that wind through this rare coastal Mediterranean ecosystem. The plants you see here, such as coastal sage scrub and mixed chaparral, are adapted to hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Keep an eye out for red shank chaparral, a tree-like shrub with reddish-brown bark, clusters of thread-like leaves, and small bunches of white flowers in July and August. From the dry, rocky slopes near Sandstone Peak to the lush fern-studded Grotto, Circle X Ranch provides a wide variety of recreational possibilities. Linger here for a while, and experience the ambiance of this secluded mountain retreat. Facilities Located below the Ranger Contact Station at Cirlce X Ranch. Check-in here with park staff before heading down to your campsite. Natural Features Tucked in the canyons above Malibu and nestled below majestic Boney Mountain, you will find Circle X Ranch. This former Boy Scout camp offers many opportunities for exploration and adventure. Journey to Sandstone Peak, the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains, and see several of the Channel Islands on a clear day. Enjoy a visit to the Grotto or a creekside picnic. Reserve the Group Camp and listen to coyote songs at night. Nearby Attractions Enjoy a visit to the Grotto or a picnic at the trailhead next to the campground. Grotto Trail 3.5 miles round trip, moderate to strenuous; no bikes, no horses. This trail traverses hillsides and leads down to the West Fork of the Arroyo Sequit. The trail is downhill from the Ranger Station, which means an uphill return. The Grotto area is rugged terrain; be careful and wear appropriate hiking attire. The last 1/8 mile is through an unimproved streambed and dogs are not allowed. The Ranger Contact Station can provide you with free hiking maps of Circle X Ranch. A publication of park-led activites for Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is also available. Vists to nearby Malibu and the Pacific Ocean are just a short drive way. ADA Access: N
Pacific Coast Highway to Yerba Buena Road. Turn inland; go 5.4 miles to Circle X Ranch contact station.
10-30 people $35 per night
31-50 people $75 per night
51-75 people $125 per night
In the 70’s this was the location of the St Vincent DePaul ranch camp (Circle J Ranch) Fond memories to this day. It’s great to see the old mess hall building and pool still standing. We had a big camp fire meet every night looking up at the “sleeping Indian” rock formation above.
Cool little hike. Good views. Good vibes. However, the grotto has now been discovered by Gen Z and it is full of loud music, plastic, graffiti, etc.
Perfect to get away from all that crazy beach crowd. Peaceful yet a good workout. Take the grotto trail all the way down and experience some nice hidden spots.
Very nice cave with a small waterfall when you get to the end of the trail. Not my favorite trail but fun. Not an easy one for beginners.
Like many facilities of this type, they are under the patronage of the National Park Service and are therefore extremely helpful. Almost is Visitor Center , In this location, the traveler will have everything he needs for Hiking Trails. There are maps and all information about local conditions on the trails.
