Big Sycamore Canyon Loop Trail

Completed the trail counter-clockwise to get the ocean views on the way down

This was a pretty good hike that wasn’t very demanding but is built for some endurance like others have said. Cool, overcast weather in mid January.

Great Trail - We extended this loop by taking Wood Canyon Fire Road and Hell Hill. It was very challenging for that reason, but the views at the very top were breathtaking. I would suggest going counter-clockwise as you get to enjoy the ocean views on your way down.

Definitely would have done this trail the reverse direction for the ocean views but overall good trail. Some places are over grown so be sure to wear pants when walking through it. Hat and sunscreen recommended!

Short but beautiful scenery hike, reaching to the top for a short picnic with ocean view.

This trail can be die for hiking, trail running or mountain biking. Got to see all three types on my hike. This hike is more about endurance(10.2 miles) and building yourself for longer hikes. Nothing too fancy to see. You will see a lot of mountain bikers. Once you arrive to park you can get day pass for $12. It’s up to you if you want to go clock-wise or counter-clockwise. I wanted to save the ocean views for the last part so went counter-clockwise and also easier to see mountain bikers ahead. The first three miles are very wide open, easy and flat. This is the easy part for the mountain bikers and hikers. Once you find the Overlook trail, the hike becomes narrow for a couple of miles and its a gradual incline up about 1,200 feet making a lot of turns. After you pass this part, you will have wide open fire road as you gradually continue your hike. As you finish the last couple of miles going downhill. You will have different scenic views of the ocean. This part is the hard part for mountain bikers as they have to bike hard on incline going up as you’re going down. Very little shade if any on this hike.

Great loop trail. The ride up was not to difficult, and the ride down was super fun great way to spend an afternoon in SoCal!

Just did this loop on 08/16/19, it was really nice and pleasant. Love the views of the ocean!

Nice loop with a variety of terrain. Went counter-clockwise, easy fire road for beginning of the trail with the trickiest bit in the middle. Recommend taking the Fireline Trail on the way back, cuts off a bit of the distance and is a scenic hiker-only (no bikes!) narrow trail weaving down across the hill. Lots of unshaded area (about 95% no shade), so make sure to bring water and a hat.

Ive been going to the canyon since late 80's. It's a real popular place.

Mosquitos!!!! I have welts all over my body. We had to turn back. I got bit at least 10 times within 5 min. Tried to go on but the bites flared up and I was miserable. But it’s beautiful here. I’m sure it’s an awesome trail

We went counter clockwise and had a relatively flat trail for about 4 miles. We ended up going on Wood Fire Trail which had a long steep incline. After we made it to the top we had a heck of a view in all directions. We finished the 10.2 mile Loop in about 2:51.

Pretty easy hike. First few miles are uphill. Great views, lots of wildflowers, beautiful!! Lots of mountain bikers...all friendly and courteous sharing the trail.

Nice beginner X-country type mountain bike trail. Nice climb up to about 1100ft or so, then you get to shred down Backbone. Fast and flowy. I've hiked this route as well when I don't have time for anything else. If you're a beginner or only hike in the Santa Monicas, this would probably be considered "moderate". But if you frequent the San Gabes or San Bernardinos, this trail will be quite easy. Good place to get your feet wet with trail running as well! Crowded, but scenic. Watch out for other bikers and hikers.

Easy. Not difficult.

This is an easy to moderate hike, not hard. The most difficult aspect is it’s length: 10 miles. It’s mostly fire road and approx 3 miles are flat.

One word- MOSQUITOS. Of the large and biting variety. I am sure the hike would have been much more pleasant had we not been feasted upon heavily for 10 miles. Bug Spray it up.

first three miles very full. lots of bikers.

Awesome moderate hike with spectacular ocean views. Lots of bikers heading fast around corners. We started off at the trail-head heading counter-clockwise, easier hike up the hill, it seems. We veered off the overlook trail and went down to the shore via more winding backbone, but it was worth the extra 2 miles. Walked along the PCH back to the parking lot. Lots of green plants this time of year. Weather was perfect, cloudy 65 degrees. Got cold quickly around 6pm. Overall, a great day spent hiking.

Hiked here with our club. The hills had wonderful flora and the scenery was great throughout our hike.

Hard going up but after that beautiful views and speedy going down

Love it