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Great Hikes: Highway to Highlands
Scott Regberg
Mirror contributing writer
I’m not sure whether it’s the Palisades Highlands developers or
governmental agencies, but someone deserves special kudos for
protecting the plethora of great trails that wind their way around the
hillside community.
For hikers, the Highlands is both a central hub and gateway to the
Santa Monica Mountains. It neatly links Topanga and Temescal as well
as providing access to its own unique set of local trails.
The long freeway-like road that takes you up there (across Sunset from
the Self-Realization Center, just up the hill from PCH) is a sort of
driver’s transition experience: you’re leaving the city and climbing
up into what seems like no-man’s land, when all of a sudden the narrow
canyon passageway opens up and civilization begins to reappear.
It’s mostly condos and homes up there, with only one small low-rise
commercial cluster. But the homes are staged around the hillsides to
capture as much canyon and coastal view as possible. A network of
hiking trails interlaces all around the fringes of the development
and, if you know where to go, reaches out in all directions.
One of the best views of the Highlands turf is from the mid-point of
the Wirebreak Trail. Although you can’t help but to focus on the steep
hillside in front of you, turn around every once in a while and admire
the surprising gain as well as a unique perspective of the housing
that rings around the opposing hillface.
Another great panoramic offering is from the Trailer fire road above
the metal fire gate. Follow the wide path as it loops around the hilly
terrain and pick up several views through the canyon, over the rows of
homes and to the Pacific.
There’s a lot more to see up there, including the beautiful Santa Ynez
to Trippet course, the Waterfall, Windcaves, Crack, The Quarry, Marty
Falls and more. Go discover on your own or join us on any Monday and
Wednesday night and we’ll show you parts of the Highlands that you’ll
never see listed in a Thomas Guide.
Fearless readers interested in free Monday – Wednesday night hikes
should call Scott Regberg at (310)-475-5735 |
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