We will start this hike into MCSP from Tapia Park. The Tapia Park entrance is just before the Piuma intersection. Note: a day use fee (machine at entrance) is required if you don’t have a State Park Pass. After you enter Tapia, follow the signs to Salvation Army Camp & Conference Center. It’s about 0.4 mile to the Salvation Army Camp entrance. Park on the right side of the road (lined pull-in parking stalls).
Our hike starts on the Tapia Spur trail, which winds through a lovely chaparral “forest” and drops down onto the road by the park’s group campground. We’ll follow the campground road to the main trailhead (Crags/High Road). Crags Road runs along and above Malibu Creek. The water level has dropped enough to allow a dry crossing of the creek to Mott’s Road, which leads to the Chaparrel trail. The Chaparrel trail climbs up and over the ridge behind the MCSP Visitor’s Center. From there we’ll cross the “big” bridge to Crags Road which will take us to the shaded east end of Century Lake. Next we will use the Cage trail to access the Overlook trail loop with panoramic views of MCSP’s “central valley”. We’ll return to the Tapia Spur trail along the shaded northern side of Malibu Creek.
This out-and-back hike clocks in at around 6.5 miles, with an elevation gain/loss of about 950‘. I have timed this hike at 3 hours to allow a leisurely pace in anticipation of warmer weather.
Directions: From the 101 Freeway take Las Virgenes Rd., south for 4.8 miles to the Tapia Park entrance (south of main MCSP entrance).
Please review the guidelines (link to the guidelines) to join our hikes.
Restrictions apply for your safety and ours:
- Don’t show up unless you’re shown on the “Attending” list.
- PLEASE bring plenty of water.
- Your safety is your own personal responsibility, but the hike leader reserves the right to ask you to leave if you come unprepared.
- No “Plus Ones” or dogs on Weekday Trailblazer hikes.
DISCLAIMER/RELEASE OF LIABILITY – PLEASE READ IN ITS ENTIRETY
The hike host is a volunteer and not responsible for the group. Safety should be a priority for everyone in the group. Please treat this meet-up as hiking with a group of friends. If you become fatigued and unable to continue the hike, it is expected you will advise the hike host of this and return to our starting point on your own. If you are able to proceed, it is expected that you will maintain line of sight with other members of the group at all times and help to promote the group’s safety and fitness goals.
Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Weekday Trailblazers Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions.
If you choose to sign up for this or any Weekday Trailblazers Meetup event, you are releasing the Weekday Trailblazers Meetup Group and its organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.
