Cave of Munits via El Escorpion Trail is a 1.7 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near West Hills, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
A great hike up into the Cave of Munitz and on to Castle Peak. Climb up through the cave (no gear necessary) and continue hiking up the side of the mountain. The trail is not very clear here, so just keep scrambling upwards until you get to the top of the ridge, and then continue on toward Castle Peak. From there, there will be a clearly marked trail with a steep descent. An adventurous hike well-worth the scrambling.
Free parking anywhere along Vanowen Street.
Take the 101 Freeway to exit 29 for Valley Circle Boulevard. Drive north for 3 miles on Valley Circle Boulevard to Vanowen Street. Turn left. After driving about a tenth of a mile, the trailhead will be a Los Angeles City Parks sign labeled El Scorpion Canyon Park alongside a gated dirt road. This is the trailhead.
April 18, 2021Nice trail and easy for 80% of the hike to the caves. Had a 6 and 3 year old and made it to entrance of cave but made a decision to cross down and up to a more open smaller cave since it seemed a little too risky at the bigger one. Beautiful canyon trails with bird watching and other small critters.
April 12, 2021I hiked this trail last week and I loved it. The cave is one of the most amazing natural formations that I’ve found in the Los Angeles area, and I can’t wait to go back. As others have mentioned, the hike can be as strenuous as you choose, depending on whether you just want to approach the cave directly or explore the mountain(s).I’m looking forward to returning to this spot!
April 9, 2021It was a short little trail to the caves, then it got a little challenging getting into the Cave, it is not a deep cave but is nice to just climb in there. My Morenita and I had fun. Coming out on the other end is even a little bit more challenging but it was a great hike. Thank you Morenita Hermosa for pushing me and helping me. I love you with all my heart.
March 28, 2021Hot, quiet, emptiness.
March 27, 2021March 8, 2021once you reach the cave, you have to really use your hands. and you can go through the cave and out the other side, but it gets pretty difficult then
March 7, 2021Wide trails but if you want to check out the cave, I strongly recommend hiking boots. Make sure you start at El Escorpion Park not El Scorpion Trail.
March 4, 2021March 1, 2021The caves are quite close to the entrance of the park off of Vanowen St. The trail starts wide and you immediately get this great view of a rocky hillside. Once you walk in a bit you can see a sort of Swiss Cheese pattern in a rock not far from the main path. This is where you will see lines of people waiting to go into the caves. Unfortunately the cave portion of the hike is too risky during COVID times I recommend not wasting your time here. The good news is that there is an entire network of trails in this area and you can continue straight on the main trail where it connects to many other trails. These other trails take you through peaceful rolling hills where you can spot wildlife like red-tailed hawks, jack rabbits and all sorts of birds. It's about the journey, not the destination.
February 28, 2021February 27, 2021Good hike to the cave. Very dry so extremely slippery, use caution. Very crowded around the cave.Conditions are a little dangerous as you near her inspiration point because it is so dry.
February 24, 2021Awesome
February 22, 2021Very nice, great for kids 2 years old and 6 year old, did not do whole thing went about 3/4 mile in
February 22, 2021This trail is flat and easy for about the first mile in but then becomes potentially dangerous upon exiting the cave and continuing on to Castle Peak, as the AllTrails route dictates. Once you exit the cave, the ascent to the mountain ridge is steep and narrow at times with loose rock, and the path is not well marked. The descent is equally aggressive. I would not recommend the full trail unless you have proper hiking shoes with good traction, are used to climbing up and down rocks—some of which are vertical or at an extreme grade—and are not afraid of heights. In other words, this would be fine for an experienced hiker. A more accurate description and rating for this hike is listed under “Cave of Munits to Castle Peak”, where the trail is described as “hard” rather than moderate as it is here. I suspect the existence of two listings for what appear to be the same or similar trails is a point of confusion for some people. That said, if you turn around once you reach the cave rather then doing the full Castle Peak loop, this hike would be perfect for beginners and families.
February 21, 2021February 21, 2021Not sure what it is about caves but I’m always intrigued by them. This one is less than a mile from the El Scorpion trailhead and you can hike into it and through it. I added on a few more local trails including the Laskey Mesa loop to make a 10-mile route. The recent rain has started to turn everything green so the views were extra beautiful!
February 20, 2021We were lucky, went there on a Saturday. Not packed at all. We have one 4 yr old one 7 yr old, both with our help made it through the cave. Pretty exciting.
February 14, 2021Great hike with spectacular scenary!
February 13, 2021It was a great trail, however lots of scrambling over rocks and there were parts that were very slippery. The views were worth it!
February 6, 2021Get there early Super cool for kids
February 2, 2021Good short trail. Get you climbing shoes to checkout the cave itself.
January 31, 2021Funnnnn
January 31, 2021very crowded.
January 31, 2021Qute
January 30, 2021
