Now & Then at the Mushroom Caves
Cheat This Post: Skip my memories and scroll to the bottom for details on visiting the caves or go here for more photos of the Mushroom Caves today.
I’ve been to the “Mushroom Caves,” now Annie’s Canyon Trail at San Elijo Lagoon County Park, Encinitas, California about half-a-dozen times over the past two years. They’ve changed a lot in that time and I have as well.
There was the first time, with Kim and Sarah, when we failed to find the caves before sunset, but came home with a few scratches from traversing through brush that had looked like it maybe, possibly, could be a trail. It was not.
At that time, the caves were still a hidden, locals only gem that I had only heard about. Some websites refused to give directions to the caves while those that did typically had only minimalist directions like “walk down the path until you see the big tree, make a right, continue past the no trespassing signs.” Ah, ok, the big tree, can’t believe we missed it.
Some of the eerie graffiti that used to exist.
There were the times with dates, who will go unnamed, where I got to know the person I was with. I like to walk when I talk, otherwise, I just end up mutilating paper coasters. More importantly, doing something mildly adventurous, like the mushroom caves, on a date is a quick hack to get to know the person you are with. Are they more scared then you? Fun to be around? Encouraging? Impatient? Can you work together? (again, back in the day it wasn’t as clearly marked as it is today)
There was the time I freaked out near the top of one of the narrow climbs up through the cliff. I was scared that if I went for the next push/step/climb up, I would slip and fall to my death but also certain that there was no way to go back down without equal risk. So I stood there contemplating how stupid my obituary would sound trying to wave down my friend Brandon who had reached the top and was on a phone interview. (Yes, seriously, he took an interview)
Brandon initially thought that my “I can’t get up there” pleas were a joke but eventually realized that my failure to move forward and deer in headlights look were sincere. He ended up giving me his foot to grab on to and pull myself to the top. What a good friend.
He, of course, recalls the scenario differently. I might have been hurt but certainly not killed – the drop was not that far. I have no doubt, that he is correct, but at the time it was damn scary! And in my defense, that route is still closed off even after the renovations.
There was the time the graffiti started to disappear, with my friend Jen who had not visited the caves before. We took the usual approach trail from N. Rios Road, eyes peeled for the fallen tree on the right. We found more than the tree. The area had been completely renovated. The path to the caves was cleared, the no trespassing sign was gone, and there was an finished trail up to the top that could be taken instead of climbing through the cliffs.
Still some graffiti during the visit with Jen but not as much as used to exist
The majority of the graffiti that had once added an eerie interest to the caves had been scrubbed off of the limestone walls. Even more has since been scrubbed. There were directional signs and roped off areas. It was no longer an off-limits adventure. It was an organized part of a trail system. It was a little disappointing but still fun to climb around and we may have done a little off the beaten path exploring.
But until yesterday, I had never been alone. I was craving some outdoor time to clear my head and couldn’t get anyone to join. [Note to self: need to find a hiking group]
Solo, June 2017
As I walked, I reminisced on prior trips to the mushroom caves. On the people who joined me on those visits. On how the caves have changed. On how relationships have changed. On how I have changed. On how special each visit was in its own way.
As I went up through the canyon, I remembered how my semi-claustrophobic had heart raced to the point of near panic on my first climb up into the caves. And at the same time, I sat feeling safe and comforted by the familiarity and narrowness of the same space.
The impact of time…
I’m torn on the transition of the caves from a secret, unapproved hide-away in San Diego County to a family friendly part of a park. I not generally pro-graffiti in natural landscapes but the layers of graffiti that had accrued over years was already there. It added intrigue and I wish it was still there. I also miss the more secret nature of the caves – it made visiting them exciting.
But on the other side, in the past I would not have felt safe alone on the trails and in the caves as I did yesterday. And it did make me smile to see families get to enjoy the area. When I went up through the canyon, there was a mom with her young daughter behind me. The mom was virtually giddy, getting just as much, if not more of a kick out of the caves, than her daughter. I talked to them for a few minutes and passed them a few more times throughout day. Each time the mom remarked “I see you again” with a slight Chinese accent. It was a nice interaction.
Want to make your own Mushroom Cave memories? Here are the details:
Location: The easiest approach and trail that seems to be most consistently open is at the end of N. Rios Ave, Solana Beach California. You turn onto N. Rios Avenue from Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach, California and just take it to the dead end. There is the trail. Google map of trail head here.
Parking: Street parking in a residential neighborhood. Usually easy to find but I’m curious how things will progress as the trail becomes more popular.
Bring: The usual walking items – water, shoes, workout attire. Sneakers are OK but if you have hiking shoes or trail shoes with better grip, wear them. The limestone and sandy trails can be slippery. I love my Keen shoes. They’re not as bulky as a hiking boot but provide good grip. They’re also obnoxiously pink which is a nice way to remind people that you’re a girl:
The caves are a lot easier to navigate these days but having 3/4 or full length pants will protect your legs if you do scrape against the canyon walls.
Time: 1 – 3 hours depending on your pace, how many pictures you want to take, and whether you want to walk further along the lagoon.
Official Info: https://www.sanelijo.org/act
