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Great Hikes Trekking Topanga
Scott Regberg
Mirror contributing writer
If you haven’t made the short drive to Topanga State Park, you’re in
for a pleasant surprise. It’s much closer than you might imagine and a
magnificent “gateway” to hikes in virtually every direction.
First, don’t be daunted by the distance. Take Pacific Coast Highway
north to Topanga Canyon (just past Pacific Palisades) and drive inland
for about five minutes, up the winding canyon road. You’ll see a sign
directing you to the State Park. You can park on the streets and walk
in, or pay a few bucks and park in the state lot.
As you enter, pick up a free map from the Ranger, or just follow the
posted signs directing you to the various trail options. Topanga State
Park is a big, gangly park with gerrymandered fingers extending into
pockets all over our local access areas.
The easiest hike takes you to the spectacular Eagle Rock, a huge
outcropping hanging over a canyon ravine. It’s a steady uphill
workout, passing through fields of seasonal wild flowers and affording
pastoral views to the north, including unique angles of the upper
Topanga hillside that you cannot otherwise see.
The winter rains have taken a major toll on the well-groomed fire road
trails, leaving deep erosion ruts and a few short stretches where you
really have to keep your eyes on the road. While you’re looking, you
can avoid snakes – we saw two a couple of weeks ago — uncoiled
rattlers, lolling in the sun and unhappily scooting away as we drew
near. To our gratitude.
In addition to Eagle Rock, you can head south to the “waterfall,” west
to the Paseo Overlook, or southeast along the Backbone. With a little
advance planning you can do an easy car-shuttle – leave one car in the
Palisades and hike one-way only. Car shuttles really let you expand
your hiking distance and extend the whole experience in half the time.
If you choose to go to Eagle Rock, the smooth sandstone boulders make
a great spot to sit or even lie down to enjoy the panoramic view.
Bring water, pack a snack and you’ll be amazed that this much
wilderness is so close to home.
Fearless readers who are interested in free Monday and Wednesday night
hikes should contact Scott Regberg at (310) 475-5735. |
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