Hike to the Secret Swing

Swift elevation gain, scenic views and the coolest graffiti covered secret cave you've ever been to: This is the hike to the Secret Swing

Hummingbird Trail official trailhead:

2954-2980 Kuehner Dr, Simi Valley, CA 93063

34°16’55.5″N 118°39’37.7″W

Limited parking on the side of the road nearest to the trailhead and signs that warn of towing. Instead, after exiting the freeway and turning onto Kuehner Drive, turn left onto Mt. Sinai Drive and immediately turn right into the dirt parking lot. This lot is less than a quarter of a mile from the trailhead.

The start of the trailhead and the first trail marker.

The Hike:

I attempted this hike, which is roughly 2.5 miles out and back, twice. The first time I went the exact opposite way I intended heading to the right fork of the Hummingbird Trail loop, which is nearly 4 miles total. On the way I befriended a reluctant and fearful fellow hiker and was eventually guided by a well seasoned hiker, with GPS, who informed us we were going the exact wrong way if we wanted to find the cave. I gave up for the day because I had been out there for two hours already, the heat had already set in and I had no idea where I was going.

The second time, taking along my son and his friend who had been to the Secret Swing prior, we eventually found the cave (yay!) after being lead astray by my “guide” who decided to follow interesting things spray painted on rocks, instead of looking for trail markers. LOL You live you learn.

The detours made for interesting adventures and beautiful scenery. So my advice to you, finding the secret swing is not simple. Use GPS or go with someone who knows where it is. But don’t let that detour you. The secluded spot is worth the visit and the views. The thing about the trail is, there are two large official trials that run though the area, the unofficial use trail that leads to the swing, and dozens of random mountain bike trails that intersect the mountain. Be careful not to be lead astray by a bike trail, which happened to us more than once.

If you can, follow the trail directions using an app like Gaia or AllTrails. The former is what eventually lead us to the cave the last time.

The hike to the Secret Swing, officially via the Hummingbird Trail, is a strenuous hike. I’ve seen other hiking guides rate it as moderate. It may be short, but the elevation gains quickly, nearly straight uphill, leading to a fairly strenuous hike for much of the way up. Add rock scrambling to the mix, and you have a difficult hike with no shade covering. Wear sturdy shoes with grip, wear sunscreen, and bring a hat and plenty of water.

While following the Hummingbird Trail, roughly at the one-third mile marker you meet a fork in the trail. The trail will seemingly urge you to the right. It seems more worn that way. Don’t go that way. Take the left fork, which seems less used. This is the trail that will lead you to the cave.

Hiking on, you will pass well-worn markers like a small cave overhang and what locals call “mushroom rock.” Eventually you will need to start looking for graffiti markers, at one time those included white rabbits leading you to “Wonderland.” When we went, there were no rabbits. Trail service had come through and cleared the majority of the graffiti markings guiding the trail. The real hero for us occasional hikers was the direction of the Gaia map.

Eventually, we made it to the red arrow. Once you hit that arrow you are close. Walk straight following the direction of the arrow. It may seem like you are going to walk straight off the rock cliff. Take a look around and you’ll see low brush in a crevasse. The cables leading down to the cave are right behind the brush. Hold on and head down. You’ll hit a second set of cables that are much easier to follow that will lead you directly to the landing of the cave.

At the landing, other kind hikers trekked up a small ladder to make it easier to climb into the secret swing cave. Outside the landing, someone also anchored a large wooden swing to the side.

The cave, covered in urban graffiti, is also decked out in two large flat wooden swing platforms, hammocks and a large net hammock in the back corner.

Why is it called the secret swing? For years, the cave also included a real swing that was anchored at the entrance to the cave. When you swung on the swing, it swung out over the landing, gliding outside of the cave and into the open air and back. It was something wondrous and dangerous. Hence, it was taken down.

We spent some time hanging out in the cave, lounging on the swing platforms and relaxing in the hammocks, while enjoying the view. Eventually you have to head back out. Head back up the cables and back to the trail. Then you can either continue on the Hummingbird Trail and finish the 3.9 mile loop around or you can return the way you came. After initially getting a little lost for more than a mile, we opted to head back down the way we came. It was an easier return and made for some really beautiful views.

The graffiti may be stunning, but please don’t add to the already prolific urban art in the cave. As always: Leave no trace. What you bring in, pack out.

That’s how the wild stays wild.

Text, photography and videos copyright 2022 by According to Tita, all rights reserved. Readers, hike at your own risk. Hiking on and off trails presents some possible dangers and risks. Use your best judgement.