Descending the Crack

Scott Regberg

   In a previous column, I described the unique challenge of the Topanga State Park’s “Crack Trail,” scooching up a narrow limestone passageway to a ridge top in the Palisades Highlands.
   That was only half the adventure. The loop back offers one of the most diversely rugged descents in the local Santa Monicas.
   The top of the “Crack” is a small dome-shaped crest with expansive views of the popular Waterfall Trail below and bold rock outcroppings to the southwest. But, this isn’t the high point. There is another fifteen minutes of uphill pathways that wind along sheer rock walls and barren drop-offs finally leading to one last ascending obstacle: an eight foot “mini crack” that has proven to be the bane of many climbers.
   This modest-looking challenge is an irregular and narrow opening in the rock wall capped by a small oak tree. It shouldn’t be a problem, but the peculiar angles and minimal footing requires either very awkward maneuvering or great upper body strength to power up the passageway. Some lean and lanky hikers seem to walk right up it, others are stuck there for ten minutes trying to figure it out
   Once up, this is the trail’s top and it’s all downhill from here on. However, some equally difficult challenges are ahead.
   To get you motivated off the high point is a maze of caffeine-crazed biting red ants. These ants don’t walk in polite columns like the familiar household pests. They run around amok in every direction frantically looking for more caffeine. Don’t sit down, don’t stand still too long, just get going.
   The route down is at times very steep, rocky and threatened by exposure on either side. Sometimes you are hugging rock walls and a minute later stooped over to get through a patch of dense brush.
   While there are several unmarked trails down to the canyon floor, one that looks most logical ends up being the most difficult. We call it “Nancy’s Trail” after a novice hiker who bravely complete it without a complaint.
   Nancy’s Trail is actually a steep ravine, rocky and eroded from seasonal rains. It goes directly down to the canyon floor but requires bushwhacking through poison oak and climbing through dense brush and an array of dead tree limbs and free falling a few feet into loose scrub.
   For about fifteen minutes, you are somewhere between Hell and Deliverance, your clothes will be wrecked and just one more slide down the hillside on your butt and you’re back on the main trail. Casual walkers in pink tennis shoes on their way to the waterfall will wonder what the heck happened to you.
   At a good pace, the entire crack loop is about two hours. It’s a fabulous hike. Bring water and the willingness to get dirty.
   Readers interested in joining our Monday and Wednesday night hikes please call Scott Regberg at (310) 475-5735.