This hike begins at Saddle Peak Trailhead, a couple hundred feet to the right on the other side of the street from the parking lot. The trail winds upward gradually over switchbacks, giving way as the trail heads up to a dramatic rocky overlook with striking views of the Pacific, Stunt Ranch State Park, Calabasas Peak, and Old Topanga Canyon. There are also longer vistas northwest into Ventura County and east to the San Fernando Valley. We will see beautiful wooded areas and increasing views of the Santa Monica Mountains and Stunt Ranch State Park as we ascend. We eventually reach the Saddle Peak Trail via Backbone Trail and soon begin an easterly ridgeline walk high above the Pacific. This route will take us along and above spectacular tilted and pocketed sandstone formations, with dramatic views of the mountains and ocean as we proceed. Then, we will proceed to Topanga Lookout hike.
We will head up the Topanga Tower Motorway which crosses a junction, (Fossil Ridge Trail/Backbone Trail), and continue up the paved road toward the radio towers atop the summit. When a wide dirt trail veers off to the left, follow this track along the ridge uphill and down to the lookout. The large, graffiti-covered concrete foundation at the site of the old fire tower offers amazing views of the surrounding mountains and landscape, wide and far. There will be a little rock-scambling close to the top. We will take a short break at Saddle Peak and return back the same way.
It is about a 5 mile out and back trip with +/- 1000 feet of elevation gain.
Directions:
From the 101 – exit at the Las Virgenes Road exit and go south (toward the ocean). Drive 3 miles to Mulholland Highway and make a left turn. Continue miles to Stunt Road and turn right. Go just about 3 miles and park on the roadside dirt parking on the right.
Please review the guidelines (https://www.meetup.com/The-Weekday-Trailblazers/about/) to join our hikes.
Restrictions apply for your safety and ours:
- Don’t show up unless you’re shown on the “Attending” list.
- Plan on KEEPING UP with the group and completing the entire hike at a moderate pace, or please find an alternative hike that better suits your hiking level.
- 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.
All participants must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
