CYCLING SYCAMORE: TRAILS OFFER DIVERSE SLICE OF SANTA MONICAS.

Byline: Mark Langton Cycling

Would it be a surprise to know that before its dedication as public open space, the property that now makes up Sycamore Cove State Beach and the southern entrance to Big Sycamore Canyon was slated for a harbor and hotel complex that would have dwarfed Marina del Rey?

If you're upset about that prospect, just think how the opponents of it felt back in 1975.

Thank goodness for the detractors. Instead of commercial blight, we have in southern Ventura County one of the largest undisturbed examples of a Mediterranean habitat in the world.

``People say there are no seasons in Southern California, but you can see all four in Sycamore,'' said Joe Dillman, 75, of Thousand Oaks, who has been riding mountain bikes in Big Sycamore Canyon for 19 years.

Point Mugu State Park, within which is found the canyon and beach, is unique in that it spans uninterrupted between the coastline and the inland community of Newbury Park.

It provides a diverse backcountry experience for residents surrounding the Santa Monica Mountains. And on any given weekend one may find people from as far north as Santa Barbara and as far south as Manhattan Beach visiting the revered sycamore- and oak-canopied canyon.

``One of the main reasons I like coming to Sycamore Canyon is that all the trail users respect and appreciate one another,'' said Mansoor Sabbage, president of the South Bay Mountain Bike Club. ``There are rides for every level of rider. So no matter who we bring up from the South Bay, we know they'll have a good time.''

Perennially running streams and a proximity to cool, moist ocean breezes makes Big Sycamore Canyon as verdant as any area in the Santa Monicas. And the towering ridges that descend to the breakers provide spectacular vistas, including views of the Channel Islands. And while many travel great distances to get here, it is the advantage of having such a splendid backcountry right in their backyard that keeps most people coming back.

``I never get tired of Sycamore. It's where I go to both relax and stay fit,'' said Jack Short, whose home adjoins the park's boundary. ``Even if I just ride up and down the pavement hill a couple of times, it's better than going to a gym and riding the stationary bike.''

The trail system in Point Mugu State Park is as diverse as the terrain. With many miles of rolling fire road, beginning to intermediate mountain bikers can find a leisurely ride along the bottom of Big Sycamore Canyon. More experienced riders can revel in the challenging singletrack of Guadalasca Trail and Wood Canyon Vista Trail. And fitness freaks will enjoy the many hundreds of feet of climbing from canyon bottom to ridge top. There are many options off the main canyon, making loops and out-and-back rides of varying lengths and difficulty easily accessible.

A favorite route of more experienced off-road riders is the moderate to difficult loop that connects the Wood Canyon, Guadalasca, North Overlook and Wood Canyon Vista trails. It can be accessed from Big Sycamore Canyon Trail from either the coast or Newbury Park.

The trailhead on the coast, off Pacific Coast Highway, is about 30 miles north of Santa Monica. The day-use parking is $5. Once parked, make your way through the campground to where the Big Sycamore Canyon Trail - a wide fire road - begins at an elevation of less than 25 feet.

From the gated entrance to canyon, ride 4 miles to a Y and bear left into Wood Canyon via its namesake trail. Pedal eight-tenths of a mile (mile 4.8, cumulative) to a T intersection at Deer Camp Junction, with its shady oak grove and picnic table. Turn right and continue on Wood Canyon Trail four-tenths of a mile to the signed Guadalasca Trail and turn left on it (mile 5.2). At this point the doubletrack terrain becomes more vertical, so dig in. Climb about nine-tenths of a mile to the singletrack that comes in from the left (mile 6.1). Next is a 2-mile climb up to the juncture with North Overlook Trail (mile 8.1), which tops out at an elevation of just more than 1,200 feet. Turn left. A short climb is followed by an exhilarating 1-mile fire-road descent to the intersection with a trail leading to the right into La Jolla Valley (mile 9.1). About 50 yards past this intersection is Wood Canyon Vista Trail on the left. Take it for a challenging 1.8-mile drop back to Big Sycamore Canyon Trail to complete your inland loop (mile 10.9).

Turn right here to head back the 3.9 miles to where you started. Total round-trip mileage is 14.8.

To access Big Sycamore Canyon's northern and trailhead in Newbury Park, take the Ventura Freeway (101) north, exit at Wendy Drive and turn left. Turn right at Lynn Road. At Reino Road, Lynn becomes Potrero Road. Continue 1-1/2 miles to the entrance to the National Park Service-held Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa Park. Follow the road to the parking area, which is flagged by kiosks and portable toilets.

Start here and ride past the gate toward the park's cultural center, veering right down the one-lane paved road after about three-quarters of a mile. Here begin a steep half-mile descent into Big Sycamore Canyon from a high point of 860 feet of elevation. Curb the urge to go full throttle on this steep pitch as vehicles often come up this road. At mile 2.7 is a T intersection. Continue on the paved road 1.1 miles to Danielson Ranch (3.8 miles, cumulative), where the trail turns to dirt. Remain on the main Big Sycamore Canyon road downhill 1-1/2 miles to Wood Canyon Trail on the right (5.3 miles.) Now follow the same directions as above.

Once completed the loop back to Big Sycamore Canyon, turn left and return to Newbury Park. This option is 17-1/2 miles round-trip.

Note: While maps of the routes in and around Big Sycamore Canyon are posted on signs, it's smart to have one in hand. Consider using the 7.5-minute series topographic maps of Camarillo, Point Mugu and Newbury Park, as well as Tom Harrison Cartography's ``Trail Map of the Santa Monica Mountains West.''

For maps and other information, call the National Park Service at [phone] or visit the headquarters of its Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area at 401 W. Hillcrest Drive in Thousand Oaks.

CAPTION(S):

PHOTO (1 -- color) Chris Kenz of Camarillo pauses to take in the vie w of Boney Mountain and Big Sycamore Canyon from the highest point along the North Overlook Trail.

(2 -- color) From a riparian oak canyon, Guadalasca Trail enters scrub-oak surroundings, as Simi Valley cyclists Eric Haney, in front, and Phil Treadwell ascend its lower segment.

(3) The 1.8-mile drop along Wood Canyon Vista Trail to Big Sycamore Canyon can be a major challenge.

Mark Langton/Special to the Daily News