As previously mentioned, there are many small trails that lead off of the Puerco Canyon Fire Road. One we found most interested was labeled with a newer-looking sign for the “Coastal Slope Trail”. It led through a large piece of flat land, on through the brush and across the mountain. Once we got back to the office, we decided it was worth some research—and there was a lot to be discovered.
The Coastal Slope Trail has been a long term project to connect 15 public spaces throughout the Santa Monica Mountains from Point Mugu Lagoon to Topanga State Park with a 70-mile-long trail. This particular stretch is a newer addition, conceived when James Cameron sold his 24 parcel area of land to the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority for $12 million in 2014. Eventually, the MRCA hopes to introduce a overnight group camp ground to the area.
At the peak of the hike we spotted an old structure off the fire road along a small trail. We made an interesting discovery of a small old building and a set of solar panels. Old electrical wires wrapped around iron posts and the door inside was bolted shut. We enlisted Ryan, ATM assistant operations manager, to do a little investigating in the rusted out hole in the roof, to no avail. We are still completely clueless of what purpose this communications-looking building once served. Our descent took about 45 minutes and we treated ourselves to breakfast at Ollo (New Coogies) as a reward for our busy morning.
