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Our hike begins at the top of Reseda Blvd, the western gateway to the Big Wild. Shortly after the hike begins we descend along the Bent Arrow Trail — a narrow path that will take us on winding route up a south-facing slope that finally tops out on a rounded, nearly flat ridge. A grassy knoll to our right marks the start of the Garapito Canyon Trail
We’ll descend the narrow Garapito Trail cutting a sinuous course through mature chaparral — mostly mountain mahogany and ceanothus up to 20 feet tall. The blossoms of the ceanothus exude an attractive wild honey scent in spring. Tunneling through the tall brush, the trail eventually switchbacks down to the sycamore-shaded canyon bottom, crossing two forks of Garapito Creek and then contours a short distance over to an east fork.
The climb out of Garapito Canyon will bring us to our detination: Eagle Rock, the most impressive landmark in all of Topanga State Park. It will afford us an airy perch overlooking the upper watershed of Santa Ynez Canyon and the ocean beyond. We will snack and explore on this impressive sandstone rock covered with crevices and caves.
To make this a loop we’ll return to the Bent Arrow trail via the Temescal Ridge Trail. Hike is about 8 miles with 1500′ total ascent.
Directions
From the 101 in Tarzana exit Reseda Blvd and head south. Go about 3 miles and drive into the park near the top of Reseda. There is a painted line crossing Reseda Blvd inside the park. Parking is free on the downhill side of the line.
The Organizers and members in this group are not professional leaders, guides, or mountaineers. The function of the member or organizer is only to organize the trip. Each person who shows up for a trip/meetup (and their guest or guests) is responsible for his or her own safety. By attending a hike, or any other event organized by this group, you are acknowledging that you and any guests that you bring are aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with the activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge the Organizers, Members of the Hiking With Dean Meetup Group from and against any and all liability arising from your participation in the group activities per the ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND LIABILITY WAIVER.
