- Total Miles: 1.53
- Time: 45 min
- Difficulty: Easy
- Best Season: All Year
- Elevation Gain: 214 ft
- Max Elevation: 1116 ft
- Type of Trail: Out & Back
- Parking Lot: Street Parking
- Dogs: Allowed On A Leash
- Restrooms: Available At The Trailhead
- Trail Popularity: High
- Pics Taken On: Nov 22, 2023
I’ve explored a few caves here in Southern California, but the Cave Of Munits in El Escorpion Park has been by far the coolest one.
From the outside, the entrance looks like a huge 30-foot slit in the canyon wall. It’s size and the strange but spooky sounds made by the wind leave you in complete awe as you walk up to it. Once inside, its high ceilings and dark crevasses give off an eerie vibe. If giants or Big Foot were real, their homes would probably look like the Cave Of Munits.
** The cave is part of Chumash history. Please be respectful by not leaving any trash or carving into the cave walls.
Cave Of Munits Trail Map
Parking & Directions
To be redirected to the Cave Of Munits trailhead via Google Maps, click the following link 24501 Vanowen St, West Hills, CA 91307.
Helpful Links
Cave Of Munits Weather Forecast
Hiking To The Cave Of Munits
I parked on Sunset Ridge Ct where I was able to see Castle Peak, also known as El Scorpion Peak, towering above the neighborhood. An ancient Chumash village named Hu’wam was once located upstream from the peak.
It’s possible to access the rocky tower by exiting through the backside of the Cave Of Munits and ascending the hillside, but I saved that one for another day.
The trailhead is marked by a sign with the park’s name, El Scorpion Canyon Park.
El Escorpion Trail, which leads into 2900-acre Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve (formerly known as Ahmason Ranch) begins on what used to be an old ranch road but soon thereafter, converts into a hiking trail with beautiful views of the sun-lit hills and riparian vegetation in El Escorpion Creek.
I made a right at the roundabout to hop off El Escorpion Trail and onto a dirt road that crosses El Escorpion Creek.
Oaks and sycamores shaded the fork at the dry creek bed. I made a right.
A rutted path curved up into the entrance of the sandstone cave.
I was left completely mesmerized as I stared up at the cave from its base. It looked like something you’d see in a horror movie, and the sounds produced by the wind hitting the entrance were unlike anything I’d ever heard. Think about a soft whispering sound but much louder and very deep.
No rope or special gear is needed to get inside, but I did have to climb up about 6-8 feet. Those who can’t support their weight to get inside may have a tough time getting in.
The formations inside looked even crazier than those outside. A large tunnel leads into a larger chamber in the back where light peers through from the high ceiling. In total, the cave goes in about 50 feet and measures roughly 40 feet high at its highest point.
This is LA so of course there’s graffiti.
Here’s a closer look at the chamber, the highest point, and also the darkest.
I remember hearing something inside the cave which I believe may have been bats flying around.
My favorite view, however, was looking at the gently rolling hills from inside the cave. It was stunning. I’ve yet to explore a more intriguing cave than this one.
If you haven’t already, go check out this cave. It’s worth the long drive!
FAQs
What Is The History Of The Cave Of Munits?
The Cave Of Munits was once home to the Chumash tribe. According to their oral traditions, the cave is named after and was home to a mythical shaman who was killed by an eagle after murdering the son of a Chumash Chief.
