Trail: Pico Canyon

Length: 4 miles one way, 8 miles RT

Difficulty: Moderate due only to length....trip can be made shorter by turning around before reaching the top ridge.

One of our hiking club members, Jack Clough has been videotaping some of the trails that we hike. If you'd like to see his video on this hike, please follow the link below to U-Tube:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=U0AgrP1NMNo&mode=user&search

DESCRIPTION: This is a wonderful, historical road made for the use of the residents of Mentryville to tend the oil wells established in the back of the canyon and the top ridge. There is old equipment scattered in the canyon, and historical markers noting the first oil wells in California. It is a slight gain most of the way to the top. It's great to go steadily downhill on the way back! Coyotes, deer, and other small animals and reptiles are common on the trail. There are also wonderful flowers in this canyon, especially after wet winters!

HOW TO GET TO THE TRAILHEAD: Exit I-5 on Lyons Avenue. Go East on Lyons. Continue to the end of Lyons (Now called Pico Canyon). If the MRCA gate is closed and locked, park at this point and walk into the park. If the gate is open, you can park inside the park. Proceed to the little old town of Mentryville, make a left over the culvert and park by the big Pepper Tree. There will be an entry gate opposite the Pepper Tree. Enter through this gate and make a left turn on the trail AWAY from the town. You can continue on this trail for 4 miles to the top of the ridge.