Hikers: Beth & Laura
Dogs: Lucy, Bodee & Anabelle
Time of Hike: 8:30 am - 11:00 am
Length of Hike: 5.24 Miles - Loop
Murietta is a stunning canyon and the creek is usually running but not this July. Everything is extremely dry. We started out hiking from the Matilija Canyon Trailhead, followed the road through the established houses and didn't run into the rogue donkey that chased us one trip. Normally there are two creek crossings with ample water, but both are dry this summer. Once you pass the North Fork trail on the right it is a short distance to the Murietta trail on the left.
You begin by traveling through a very dry almost desert type terrain that quickly changes to an Oak Forest. The grasses are brown, the sage is stressed and the poison oak is tall and spindly with red leaves.
There are several creek crossings and a very nice campsite about 1 1/2 miles from the trail head.
The most surprising thing about Murietta Canyon and extremely striking, are the tree ferns. They take you by surprise! They are still amazingly green and 5-6 feet tall in some places.
Once you cross over the creek after the tree ferns it's a uphill climb to the Murietta Divide Road. Turn right once you reach the road and continue on until you are back in Matilija Canyon. You will pass the Murietta trail head on the way back. This is a lovely loop trail and we have hiked it in both directions. We have decided we like to hike up the canyon first and come back on the road because there is usually a nice breeze blowing up canyon.
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