Ray Miller Trailhead

The Ray Miller Trail marks the terminus of the backbone trail which runs 68 miles across the Santa Monica mountains. The trail which begins from the Ray Miller trailhead provides stunning ocean views along exposed switchbacks. The views do not come without a cost though, as the route is virtually straight up for 2 miles before briefly leveling off only to continue climbing. Given that this trail is much further north than many of the trails in the Santa Monica mountains, it tends to be less crowded although it can be busy on weekends.

Amazing trail to hike. Be ready to hike steep inclines. Its a great work out and you definitely feel the burn. Beautiful ocean views, however, be aware of the runners passing through. Also, not many people are wearing their mask.

Have hiked the Ray Miller but now have set myself a goal to run up and back down in under 50 minutes (58 mins now), pretty good for a 63 year old. This trail is perfect for hiking and running not very technical even with the uphill. Views of the Pacific Ocean are spectacular. Good idea to bring water especially on sunny days.

Always enjoy this hike. Get to see ocean views for a good part of the hike

Awesome trail, 5 miles up and down, takes about 2.5 hours. Gorgeous view, bring water and sunscreen. Watch out for SNAKES!Parking fee 3/hr or 8 all day, recommend all day! You can use the same ticket on nearby trails.

Amazing trail overlooking the ocean. Theres a parking lot at the beginning of the trail so you dont have to park on the highway.

There were several people on the trail, but people were good about social distance and mask wearing. This is one of my favorite trails.

Very Nice Trail will go Back again.

The views from the cliffs along the trail are amazing. The trail is pretty well maintained and easily navigated.

Its a beautiful place to hike. Its mildly strenuous. I noticed that they had hi-tech means to collect parking fees. But lacked in facilities and availability of maps

Great ocean views, easy parking on PCH, and not too crowded

Well maintained 5.1 miles trail, with elevation gain of approx 1050ft. Steady consistent climb out and back trail with a lot of switchbacks, offering great views. Free parking off PCH. Paid parking next to trailhead. Attacked by aggressive swarms of black mosquitoes at the parking lot/trailhead early in the morning. Theyll bite thru clothing, so be prepared before you get out of your vehicle. Or go later in the morning.

We found this trail by accident. Its an easy one. Walking up you can get beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. You can see many wild flowers. I enjoyed the hike and will go back. Even further up.

Such an amazing place to run. Great trails and gorgeous views.

One of my fave trails. It’s about 5miles round trip. It’s got a pretty good elevation gain too. This trail is also connected to Sycamore and also Chumash trail if you’re looking for a workout more than 5miles. The trail is very well maintained. Lots of pretty wild flowers after a big rain

Beautiful hike and spectacular views

Simple hike... Just keep it to the trail and u r good

Moderate trail and really amazing view once you get to the top. Watch out for snakes and bring plenty of water, sunscreen too!

There are no dogs allowed on this trail yet people walk right by the sign with their dog all the time and if you say anything about it they will get mad and argue.

I really like this place, but still trying to get strong enough for Chumash that trail is great

Very gorgeous Beach sometimes when you come there will be luminescence in the water. Also you can light a fire which is nice the area is a little dry but still pretty and also sometimes theres mosquitoes but usually not

Great views, but unfortunately the actual trail is closed. According to one of the park employees the trail has been closed for a while and not looking to reopen soon.

Absolutely beautiful trail.

Get outdoors and visit. Its a beautiful and scenic trail great for hiking and running.

I loved this area it was one of my best hikes ever. The workout was well worth it, the ocean view from the top is spectacular. I look forward to going back there again.

Fantastic hike with amazing views

Nice hike great views. Would do it again

Beautiful place to spend a half day hiking, and the views on the way up are gorgeous. Cant wait to go back.

Very nice scenery specially when the plants are green.

This trail is my jam! Its peaceful, relatively cleared with exception to the over growth during the summer but the forestry crew & boyscouts keep it cleared so that you dont have to single file walk the trail. Easy to intermediate depending on which way on the trail you plan to go after getting to the top.

Great Hike for beginners. You start off to the right of trail head, do not trespass the yellow fence, it will lead you into no where. You start at a moderate incline, and then it levels out, not many switch backs, but it does take you behind mountains. Be aware that there are a lot of trail runners, specially on weekends. Approximately 3 miles one way, 6 miles round trip, bring water and maybe a snack. Over views of the beach are breath taking. You will hit a fire road at the end of your hike, you can continue but will come across a closed out fence, which used to connect with La Jolla, do not trespass - you may encounter lizards, snakes, and maybe a mountain lion or two if you venture out. Besides that, great hike for those of you who barely started hiking.

Perfect for any type of day

Just beautiful but theres still a lot of fire and storm damage.

Great views of the ocean.

No animals! Great view.

I only hiked for about 20 minutes up because it was getting dark. But even that short distance was enjoyable. Fairly easy tail with a gradual Incline and gorgeous views of the ocean. I would recommend this to anyone coming to SoCal.

This is a wonderful wildflower trail in spring and early summer with a great portion of our coastal species. Beware of inclines. This is a moderate trail but most of it is not difficult for the average person. Most hikers walk this trail and turn back as it does not loop on its own. It later links up to the La Jolla Canyon trail which if you are that far, can be taken to loop back to the car park.

Has some nice views at the top. I recommend pants for the trails because there is a lot of over growth

Trail is well maintained so you can look around as you hike. Views are unbeatable. Wildflower heaven in spring. Saw two large roadrunners, lots of lizards.

Tranquil, gradually inclined path with breath taking scenic view will make the hike enjoyable. Parking is plentiful, but must read the posted sign, or you may end up paying hefty ticket.

Beautiful scenery on 2.5 mile hike approximately on mild up hill slope

Great hiking

Great gradual incline hike. Suitable for everyone.

Nice area to start a hike. Beginning of the Backbone Trail. $8 parking for the day. Also camping permits for La Jolla backcountry campground (though the direct trail to it was closed at the time..you can still get back there though, just different routes).

Great trail for beginners to experienced hikers. Breathtaking view from the top. Cant wait to go again.

Best time to view the wildflowers here like lupines and poppies are in the middle of March.

Awesome hike. Great views.

Point Mugu is a fantastic hike. Probably one of the best in SoCal

One of the most beautiful trails in socal

The Ray Miller Trailhead is one of two entry points into the Mugu backcountry (the other being the Chumash Trailhead). Of the two, this one has a more gently climb with the drawback of being longer. It slowly crawls out of the campground and into the southeast corner of the La Jolla Valley. From here, you can either continue climbing up to Mugu Peak for views of the Pacific Ocean and Oxnard Plain or continue around the relatively flat La Jolla Valley loop of trails. Beware hiking into the Valley after rain as the mosquitoes come out in cloud and they can bite through your clothes.

Beautiful

Great trail

Freedom