Sycamore Canyon Campground Loop via Overlook Trail(edit)

Overview

The hike starts in Sycamore Canyon in a wooded area and then climbs out of the canyon to have good views of the ocean, the canyon below and the surrounding mountains. There are several connecting trails and options that provide additional views.

Getting Started

Parking at Sycamore Canyon is $12/day. Therefore many people look for other options. You cannot park on the Highway 1, directly in front of the park. However a little way north on Highway 1, the no parking signs end (carefully read all the signs) and you can park in front of the sand dunes. Then walk south inside the landslide fence. Just before the fence for the park starts there are some bushes and rocks you can climb over and walk into the park. As another option you can continue to walk along the highway to the main entrance but there are signs saying no pedestrians. You can also walk on the other side of the street but you'd have to cross a fairly busy highway.

Once in the park you will be walking through a campground. There are bathrooms and water there. Stay on the right lane because some of the left lanes dead end. Once you get to the end of the campground a service road will begin. The Overlook trail is the second trail on the left about a half mile from the start of the road. Note: the first left is the Scenic trail which is similar and connects the Overlook at the ridge.

Where the Overlook trail meets the Scenic trail turn right and head inland on the Overlook trail. However a really picturesque alternative is to turn left and follow the Great Dune View trail (note this trail is not shown on Open Street based maps but is on the NeoTreks Land Use map). This will allow views of the sand dunes from the ridge and views of the ocean all from an impressive narrow ridge. Retrace your steps and return to the Overloop trail.

Continue on the Overloop trail util it meets the Ray Miller trail. At that point turn around and retrace your steps. You will then make a left at the Fireline trail and take the single track trail back down to Sycamore Canyon road and then return the starting point.

Dogs are not allowed on the back country trails or back roads, and therefore not allowed on this hike.
Reference: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=630

Taking Children

You are climbing quite a bit, although not dangerous, there are some single track portions.