If you’re an avid hiker, you know that there are many benefits – of both mental and physical varieties – to hitting the trail. Sometimes the only benefit you care about, though, is fulfilling that sense of exploration that tugs at your heart every now and then. This popular trail in West Hills takes you to a stunning aboveground cave known as the Cave of Munits. Climbing up and into the cave makes for quite the adventure, so be sure to check it out!
Feel like an adventure? Head to West Hills on the west end of the San Fernando Valley to find a hike that leads you to the extraordinary Cave of Munits.
You'll start your adventure at El Escorpiòn Park. From here, the two-mile El Escorpión Trail departs towards Castle Peak. The hike itself is fairly flat and easy, although there's not much shade so you'll want to be prepared for plenty of sun. Also, you'll have to do some steep scrambling if you plan on actually climbing into the cave.
Follow a wide dirt trail into Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve, taking in views of Castle Peak along the way. The trail becomes narrower and starts to gain a bit of elevation after about a mile. Look closely and you'll see the magnificent chimney cave, Cave of Munits, enticing you at the end of the trail!
The trail leads you directly to the base of the cave. It looks a lot larger in person than it does in pictures. Those who are brave enough to take on some steep scrambling can climb into the actual cave. Please only attempt this if you're a confident scrambler.
If you make it into the cave, you'll be surprised by just how spacious it is inside! There are a lot of little nooks and crannies to explore, and the ceiling is tall and narrow. It's amazing that you can actually stand inside of this natural wonder.
In fact, Castle Peak - from the original Chumash name Kas'elew - has long been treated as a ceremonial and spiritual site by the Chumash Tribe. The Cave of Munits is believed to have been home to a Chumash Shaman, who was killed after murdering the son of a chief.
After scrambling back down to the trail from the cave, you can opt to either end your adventure or continue exploring up to Castle Peak. For a fun, memorable outing, consider a visit to Cave of Munits. You can check out the trail map here.
