Cave of Munits

Description

Look, I’ve explored my fair share of hidden gems around Los Angeles, but the Cave of Munits is truly something special. This remarkable cave system, tucked away in the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve, stands as a testament to both natural wonder and Native American history. The cave, with its dramatic vertical entrance and cathedral-like chamber, was once a sacred site for the Chumash people – and honestly, when you’re standing there, you totally get why they chose this spot.

The moment you approach the cave opening, you’ll notice how it seems to pierce straight up into the mountainside. Yeah, it’s pretty mind-blowing. Inside, the limestone walls stretch upward creating this incredible natural amphitheater effect. The main chamber is surprisingly spacious – I’d say it’s about the size of a decent living room, but with way better views!

Key Features

• Towering vertical cave entrance that’ll make your jaw drop
• Vast main chamber with incredible natural acoustics
• Multiple smaller caverns branching off from the main space
• Ancient Native American pictographs (please respect these historical treasures!)
• Stunning panoramic views of the San Fernando Valley from the cave entrance
• Natural rock climbing opportunities for experienced climbers
• Fascinating geological formations shaped by centuries of erosion
• Wildlife viewing opportunities (keep an eye out for hawks and lizards)
• Photography spots that’ll make your Instagram followers jealous
• Peaceful hiking trails leading to and from the cave

Best Time to Visit

I’m gonna be straight with you – timing is everything when visiting the Cave of Munits. Early morning or late afternoon tends to work best, especially during summer months when that California sun can be pretty intense. The cave faces west, which makes it perfect for catching those golden hour photos right before sunset. Just remember to bring a flashlight if you’re planning to stick around until dusk!

Winter and spring are my favorite seasons to visit. The temperatures are more forgiving, and if you’re lucky enough to come after a rain, the surrounding landscape transforms into this gorgeous green wonderland. Weekends can get busy (I mean, who doesn’t want to explore an awesome cave?), so if you can swing a weekday visit, you’ll have a much more peaceful experience.

How to Get There

Getting to the Cave of Munits is part of the adventure! From the Victory Boulevard trailhead in West Hills, you’ll follow the main trail into Upper Las Virgenes Canyon. The hike to the cave is about a mile, mostly along a well-maintained dirt path. You’ll see the cave on your right – trust me, you can’t miss it! The trail gets a bit steep as you approach the cave entrance, and you’ll need to do some light scrambling to reach it.

The path is pretty straightforward, but I always recommend downloading an offline trail map before heading out. Cell service can be spotty in some areas, and while the trail is well-traveled, it’s better to have that backup navigation ready.

Tips for Visiting

Let me share some hard-earned wisdom from my multiple visits to this fascinating spot. First off, wear proper hiking shoes – those smooth rocks can be slippery, and flip-flops just aren’t gonna cut it. Bring more water than you think you’ll need, especially during summer months. The cave itself can be surprisingly cool, but the hike there can work up a sweat.

If you’re into photography, bring a wide-angle lens to capture the cave’s impressive dimensions. And seriously, don’t forget that flashlight or headlamp – even during daytime, the deeper parts of the cave can be pretty dark.

Watch your head inside the cave – I learned that one the hard way! The ceiling height varies, and some spots require ducking. If you’re planning to climb around, make sure you’re comfortable with basic scrambling and have appropriate gear. This isn’t a place for solo climbing adventures if you’re inexperienced.

Keep in mind that this is a sacred Native American site, so treat it with respect. Don’t leave any trash behind, avoid touching any rock art you might spot, and stay on established paths. And yeah, I know it’s tempting, but please don’t carve your initials or leave any marks – let’s keep this special place pristine for future visitors.

Consider bringing trekking poles if you have dodgy knees – the descent from the cave can be a bit tricky. Oh, and bring a small first aid kit. Better safe than sorry, right? Lastly, if you’re bringing your four-legged friend (dogs are allowed!), make sure they’re on a leash and bring extra water for them too.

Location

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