One of the valley's prettier
hikes, this trail dips into a canyon before connecting to a narrow,
ridgeline path to a scenic peak.
Location: Topanga State
Park Region: West SF Valley Distance: 4.0-mile up and back Difficulty: Moderate with a steep climb When to go: October to July Hours: 8am to Dusk Phone: 310-455-2465 Elevation Gain: 950 ft. Are dogs allowed: No Restrooms: None Parking: Free street parking
Trail Information
Full Review: "San Fernando Valley." It's not a phrase that frequently
conjures up images of wide open wilderness. Strips malls and tract homes,
yes. But faraway fields and sycamore groves? Hardly. That's what makes the
valley side of Topanga State Park so special. It's an easy retreat for
anyone feeling suffocated by the pervasive urban sprawl.
As you cross Reseda Blvd., look into the canyon to find a bulletin board
that marks the trailhead. From here you'll walk follow the trail down into
the canyon for a while, along a pretty, narrow path lined with wildflowers
and overhanging sycamores.
Keep to the main path as it curves around a bend before beginning its climb.
You'll pass a sign that marks the Topanga State Park border on your way up
to the unpaved intersection with Mulholland Rd.
Turn left, where you'll see what looks like an impossibly steep trail
climbing a hill. As you approach it, you'll notice that it splits off into a
narrow, singletrack path that cuts to the right of the hill and twists and
turns along the ridge. This is the Bent Arrow Trail. Follow it all the way
up to its intersection with a wider path. Walk toward the left, then cut
over to the hard-to-spot path on the immediate right (if you start walking
uphill, you missed it).
This last stretch of the trail takes you past a wrecked car with shotgun
holes in it before rounding a bend and climbing the final, steep hill to the
top. From this broad, flat plateau you can see across much of Topanga State
Park. When you're ready, retrace your steps.
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