A steady ascent above two
scenic canyons to a peak overlooking the mountains.
Location: Santa Monica
Mountains Region: Malibu/Santa Monica Mountains Distance: 3.5 mi. up and back
Difficulty: Moderate When to go: October through June Hours: Sun up to sunset Phone: 310-589-3200 Elevation Gain: 950 ft. Are dogs allowed: Yes, on a leash. Restrooms: None Parking: Free
Trail Information
Full Review: Climbing this peak first thing in the morning is the
best way to justify an otherwise lazy day. It's an unrelenting ascent, just
long enough to qualify as a solid workout without leaving you incapacitated
at the end. And the views from the top will give you something to blame your
breathlessness on.
Cross the street from the parking area and start climbing the wide dirt road
as it rises above Stokes Canyon. In about a half-mile, you'll reach a
junction. Turn left past the bench to continue climbing toward the peak.
You'll pass some interesting sandstone formations as you wind your way
upward.
A mile later, the ascent flattens out onto a ridge. To your left is Stokes
Canyon; to your right, Old Topanga Canyon. The peak up ahead on the left is
your destination. Look for a hard-to-spot path that splits off the left side
of the fire road - if you start walking downhill you've gone too far. It
doesn't really look like a trail until you've taken a few steps on it, but
this is the way to the top. You'll have to push through some thick chaparral
just before the peak. On a clear day, you can see as far as the San Gabriel
Mountains.
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