In just under 7 miles, this “super-duper-double-looper” will explore the heart of Topanga State Park (TSP) and touch all of TSP’s major trailheads. Starting at Trippet Ranch, we will head up TSP’s Nature Trail which crosses Eagle Springs Fire Road near the junction of the East Topanga Fire Road (jumping off point to Parker Mesa). The Nature Trail skirts Santa Ynez canyon with peek-a-boo views of Santa Monica Bay before passing the Santa Ynez Canyon (“Waterfall”) trailhead on the way back to the Eagle Springs Fire Road. We will continue up the fire road past Eagle Junction to Hub Junction, the highest point of the hike at 2000′.
Hub Junction marks the start of the second half of our TSP tour. We will head west and rollercoaster along the ridge, past the Garapito trailhead, to Eagle Rock. After a brief photo stop at Eagle Rock we continue down to Eagle Junction where we pick up the Musch Trail and our final leg of the double loop. Despite the lack of flowers at this time of the year, Musch promises to be the highlight of this hike. We will transition in and out of chaparral, oak woodland, riparian woodland and grassland meadows. The last trailhead we will cross, before making it back to the parking lot, is the infamous Dead Horse Trail. So, by my count, our 7 mile, 1200′ adventure will take us on or across 8 trails/trailheads. A super-duper-looper indeed!
Directions:
From the 101, exit at Topanga Canyon Boulevard (CA 27), drive south over the crest of the mountains and proceed three miles to Entrada Road (not Entrado!) and turn left. Keep to the left at every opportunity until you reach the park’s main parking lot (about one mile)
From the Pacific Coast Highway, travel north on Topanga Canyon Boulevard, pass the post office at the center of “town,” then turn right on Entrada Road. Keep to the left at every opportunity until you reach the park’s main parking lot (about one mile).
Parking is $10.00/$9.00 for seniors (exact change, although I think they take cc) in Park. There is some street parking (free) outside of the park on the road.
DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY
IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW 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, its organizers, and sponsors from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience. You agree that you can navigate back to your transportation by yourself, and agree to do so if you fall behind and lose track of the main body of hikers.
By now you should know the guidelines to participate in our morning hikes. Please review them before you sign up for the hike. And just in case, here are some highlights and a link to the guidelines:
https://www.meetup.com/The-Weekday-Trailblazers/about/
Restrictions apply for your safety and ours:
- Don’t show up unless you’re on the “Attending” list
- Unregistered or waitlisted will be turned away
- No “Plus Ones” on this hike
- Plan on completing the entire hike or please find an alternative hike that better suits your hiking level.
- No dogs on this hike
- Bring ample hydration
- All participants must be 18 or older, or accompanied by an adult
