Phantom Trail Offers Diverse Terrain

by Reza Gostar

The Phantom Trail is as much a challenge as it is diverse.

Drive on Mulholland going past Las Virgenes and head toward Cornell Road. In less than two miles, look for the trailhead on the right. A dirt turnout on the left side of the road will provide a place to park plus a view of the jagged side of Malibu Creek State Park. The trail is about a five and half mile round trip.

Tight zigzagging switchbacks surrounded by a scrub oak on either side are hallmarks of the start of this trail. A quick steep incline under the canopy of brush and a view of Las Virgenes Road come into sight on the right as well as the rocky peaks of Malibu Creek to the rear. The outline of the Las Virgenes View Trail can be seen in the distance on the right disappearing into the hillsides across the highway.

The trail has overgrown since my visit last year. Purple sage and scrub littered the sides of the footpath and spilled onto the trail. Crimsons, dark greens and smoky grays of chaparral color variations were abundant and kept changing the higher I climbed. Red Tail Hawks began to appear, circling the hillsides and scanning the ground below for prey that had been startled by my oncoming footsteps. And California Towhees kept bursting out of the bushes started at my approach.

After reaching a highpoint I noticed that the trail extended further ahead straight down then up again as if it were running across the spiny back of a lizard. The path wove in and out between dense thickets of dark green brush. Occasional splashes of color from blooming California lilacs and other native flowers appeared underfoot.

Approaching another crown of trees I entered a canopied tunnel of brush. The limbs within in it were covered with spider webs and the dark dried bodies of the plants seemed mangled as if screaming in agony. Intermittent dabs of red from the drying leaves of small trees that had yet to completely turn were the only sight of color.

In about half a mile the hills plateaued into a flat wide area covered in a golden sea of dried flora.  Outlined against the mountain backdrop to the east the plants glimmered as the sunlight touched their tips. Arrows pointing the way helped keep me on track and were needed because the overgrowth made it difficult to distinguish side trails from the main route. 

After a while, the trail descended into a green canyon. The path narrowed and parts of it seemed to have fallen down the hillside. Mountain mahogany shrubs were suddenly everywhere and before long, sycamores. I was surprised how green everything was considering it was early August. Coming out of the canyon, I headed toward more open mountain vistas and down a steep grade.

Further down the path the growth was more reminiscent of spring rather than summer. And moving toward another gorge I saw several large oak trees.  Sugar brush had enveloped some lower hanging trunks and the oak woodland resembled a northern California forest at times. It was something definitely not expected this time of year.

Marking the last legs of the journey were some rusted pieces of old farm equipment. The hills gave way into an open valley scattered with patches of wild California barley and in the distance three to four large eucalyptus trees came into view, their giant leaves hanging low and rustling in the wind.

The trail ends at Liberty Canyon Road, which is paved. I would advise wearing long pants on this hike and spraying yourself with some bug repellent because this trail in known to have a major tick population. After the hike, make sure to inspect you entire body especially the armpits, head and groin area.