McAuley’s favorite hikes

Expert’s opinion

Guidebook author Milt McAuley burned through a pair of boots a year hiking, usually in the Santa Monica Mountains. He shared five favorite hikes with The Times in 1991:

Tapia County Park to Century Lake and the rock pool in Malibu Creek State Park Magnificent oaks, sandstone pinnacles. Trail head starts at the back end of Tapia park off Las Virgenes Road.
La Jolla Valley Loop Waterfalls, rare native grasslands. Ray Miller Trail Head starts in the parking lot for La Jolla Canyon, Point Mugu State Park, off Pacific Coast Highway.
Eagle Spring Loop Easy side trips to Eagle Rock and Cathedral Rock. Trail head is at the southeast corner of the parking lot in Topanga State Park, off Entrada Road.
Rancho Sierra Vista to the Old Cabin in upper Big Sycamore Canyon Heavily wooded valleys, huge sycamores. Trail head is at Rancho Sierra Vista, off Potrero Road in Newbury Park.
Castro Crest Loop Spectacular views. Trail head is at the end of Corral Canyon Road, about 5 1/2 miles north of Pacific Coast Highway.
For more detailed information on these hikes, go to lamountains.com/parks_activities_hiking.asp