With all the rain and the muddy trails, plus a weather prediction with the first high temperatures for the season, I’ve decided to take the club to the well drained Zuma Ridge trail. The route takes us from Bush Drive to the gate on Encinal, then return. But as always with out & back routes it’s easy to turn around earlier or to add miles.

Mileage: 11.5 miles
Total elevation gain: +2,899 ft

This is an out & back run on Zuma Canyon fire road. You have the option to start at either side, the valley side on “Encinal Road” or from the beach side at the end of “Bush Drive”. If you do the entire distance you’ll have a hard 12 mile run. It’s all exposed fire road, no water, no bathrooms, but the most incredible views and you’ll end with dry shoes.