A Visit to The Grotto Begins at Circle X Ranch

Beloved by generations of Boy Scouts, The Grotto is a stream-cut gorge surrounded by impressive rock walls. It’s one of the most pleasant hideaways in the Santa Monica Mountains.

When Scouts used to trek to The Grotto, it was part of their Circle X Scout Ranch, given to them in 1949 by the Los Angeles Exchange Club. The emblem for the Exchange Club was a circled X--hence the name of the ranch. A few years ago, the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy purchased the ranch from the Boy Scouts of America and opened it to the public. Today, the National Park Service administers the ranch-turned-park, now called simply Circle X Ranch.

The kind of creative and complicated purchase arrangement made by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy to obtain the 1,655-acre Circle X Ranch is one more success chalked up by the agency, which has been the leading force in preserving the mountains.

In November, the Conservancy is helping to promote Backbone Trail Month. Completion of the 65-mile trail along the spine of the Santa Monica Mountains has long been a dream of many Southland hikers. About three-fourths of the trail, which stretches from Pacific Palisades to Pt. Mugu, has been built; supporters figure it’s time to celebrate past accomplishments and spotlight plans to complete the path. (One of the biggest gaps in the trail, by the way, is immediately east of Circle X Ranch.)

Highlighting Backbone Trail Month will be guided hikes and conservation activities.

Circle X is divided into two parts by Yerba Buena Road. North of the road is famed Sandstone Peak (3,111 feet), highest summit in the Santa Monica Mountains. South of the road, campers can head for Happy Hollow Campground, a much-needed facility in these parts: The Santa Monica Mountains have a distinct shortage of campgrounds.

Circle X hikers can head straight for The Grotto or explore the park on 30 miles of trail. Note that the trek to The Grotto is an upside-down hike; the elevation gain occurs on the return leg of the trip.

Directions to trail head: Drive up-coast on Pacific Coast Highway past the outer reaches of Malibu, a mile past the Los Angeles/Ventura County line. Turn inland on Yerba Buena Road and proceed five miles to Circle X Ranch. You can leave your car near the small park headquarters building.

The hike: From Circle X headquarters, join the dirt road descending toward Happy Hollow Campground. After 100 yards or so, look left for the entrance to a group campground area and hike through the campground.

At the edge of the camp, pick up signed Grotto Trail, which follows a shaded, seasonal creek on a southerly course. The path emerges from the creek bed into an open meadow, and you’re treated to a striking, over-the-shoulder view to the northwest of Boney Mountain towering above nearby Pt. Mugu State Park.

Grotto Trail continues descending to an old dirt road that leads to Happy Hollow Campground. Turn left. You’ll soon cross a creek on a footbridge, then rejoin the trail and follow it past a couple of campsites.

Grotto Trail angles left through a handsome oak grove, then meanders along with a sprightly creek to The Grotto. Boulder-hop along the creek, noting the impressive rock formations. The creek itself is partly subterranean; in places, you can hear it but can’t see it.

Return by trail the same way, or hike up the dirt road leading from the campground. The road offers an easier ascent, but isn’t half as scenic as the trail.

Santa Monica Mountains / The Grotto Trail Where: Circle K Ranch. Distance: 3 miles round trip, with 600-foot elevation gain. Terrain: Brushy slopes, oak-shaded hollows, hidden gorge. Highlights: An isolated park crisscrossed with trails; the Grotto, a wet and wild retreat. Degree of difficulty: Easy to moderate. For more information: Call Mountain Parks Information at (800) 533-PARK, and the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area at (818) 597-9192.