Interesting thing about the Chumash Trail - it has been in existence for about 7,000 years - all without formal maintenance. The Chumash people used it as a quick way to get from their camps in La Jolla Valley to the ocean. It is certainly quick - losing about 100 feet every 0.1 miles. It is a good trail to train on - not a very good trail for a walk. I much preferred the trail going up La Jolla Canyon!
You can easily hike to the top of Mugu Peak directly from the the saddle at the end of the Chumash Trail. Instead of making a right turn into Mugu Peak Trail and gain the summitridge from the east (as mentioned on the mountain page) you can ascend the ridge from the west (saddle) to the summit directly. There is a wel-worn use-trail as of October 2010. The summit is "decorated" with a large flag on a pole.