The Grotto Trail descends through the Circle X Ranch area of the Santa Monica Mountains to "the Grotto," a jumble of volcanic boulders where a seasonal stream disappears among the rocks into shaded pools. The hike descends on the way in and climbs on the way back, and the rock scramble at the bottom rewards the effort. It's best after winter rains when water is running; the trailhead is off Yerba Buena Road.
