One of the many spectacular views you will find in Los Angeles is the Topanga Lookout trail in Santa Monica. The Topanga platform which was formerly used as a fire department observation point is now entirely shrouded in graffiti and you can see it even from the far stretches of the Red Rock Canyon Park.
A one-way trail leads to the top of the platform and altogether the hiking distance is 2 miles long. Compared to other hiking trails, the Topanga State Park makes a splendid start for new and inexperienced hikers because even at its peak, there’s a relatively low elevation gain and no real incline aside from the one on the final stretch of the platform.
How To Get To The Topanga State Park Lookout
The Topanga Lookout is located on the highest spot of the Santa Monica Mountains which makes it the perfect vantage point for seeing the breathtaking area. However, the elevation of the overlook shouldn’t deter you since you’ll cover most of it while driving on the trailhead.
The one-way trail which leads to the lookout is about 2 miles long and starts at the gate close to Vista Point. To get to the lookout, follow the paved path till you reach a forked road. Once you get there follow the left side of the forked road and not the right because it leads to the radio towers.
The left path which leads to the Topanga platform is quite flat, that is of course until you get to the incline found at the final stretch of the lookout, not to worry though, it’s not that much of a hassle to get across. After getting past this ridge, you should then be able to see the Topanga Lookout clearly, along with the San Fernando Valley.
What Is The Complete Distance Of The Topanga Lookout Trail In Santa Monica
The journey to the Topanga lookout begins with a single track once referred to as the secret trail. The trail ascends to 740 feet and is measured at 2.5 miles.
One of the main attractions of the lookout is the beautiful graffiti art on the platform, although it looks completely different during each visit since graffiti artists come from far and wide to paint over the existing work.
The Topanga State Park Experience
Unlike other trails, the Topanga Trail is a relatively short hike, also this rustic canyon is a fantastic choice for mountain bikers and newbie hikers in search of a not-so strenuous climb that’ll make a great post on your social media account. We recommend that you check out the Topanga Lookout.
Although this iconic spot which once served as a fire tower has been tagged all over by graffiti artists, the scenery is quite wonderful, and amazing views offer visitors the opportunity to take lovely scenic photos.
While there aren’t any obvious signs that point out the start of the trail, you’ll find a closed gate that will lead you down a cement path, on getting there you’ll find the aforementioned forked road. A great way to tell if you’re headed in the right direction is when you begin to notice a few rocks here and there covered in graffiti.
Continue on the same path through the Pacific Palisades till you get to the Topanga fire road and you’re able to see the lookout, there’s absolutely no way you’ll miss it at this point. The sight of the mountain range when you get to the platform is truly astonishing since you’ll practically be over 2,300 feet above the Pacific Ocean.
A Complete Survey Of The Topanga Lookout In The Santa Monica Mountains
A short distance ahead of the trailhead gate is the paved Topanga tower motorway which intersects the Fossil Ridge Trail junction. Beyond this is a 0.6-mile section of the Buttress Trail which links to the Hondo Canyon.
You can take the fire roads or the Musch Trail if you’re going to Eagle Rock, it all depends on whichever route you prefer. However, the latter is a super easy trail and makes a great hike if you want to explore the different sites in the Topanga Canyon and catch a glimpse of the panoramic views of the park.
In the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains about 2,350 feet above sea level and over 3 miles away from the coast is the backbone trail which intersects the popularly known stunt road. The Topanga Lookout trailhead sits above the Red Rock Canyon and has remained one of the most frequented destinations in the Santa Monica Mountains, the Santa Susana Mountains as well as Calabasas.
How to make your way to the trailhead
From PCH, take a turn to the road leading to Las Flores, you should be able to see Duke’s Restaurant just across. Drive through the narrow canyons for about 4 miles before taking a right turn into Rambla Pacifico Street.
The distance to Schueren Road from this point is about 0.6 miles. Once you get to Schueren Road make a sharp right and keep going straight ahead till you reach the point where Saddle Peak Road intersects with Stunt Road. At this exact area, you should be able to spot the trailhead on the left, a few feet away from the intersection.
For those making their way from the 101 freeway, drive South and head toward Malibu. The distance to the Mulholland Highway is a 2.8 Mile drive, so make your way there and take an inward turn into stunt road crossroads and drive 4 miles till you get to the 23,300 Saddle Peak Road intersection.
Are There Wildlife In The Backbone Trail Which Leads To The Rogers State Historic Park
Los Angeles remains the second-largest rural and urban area in the United States of America. The Santa Monica sedimentary formations are surrounded by earthquake faults, an open grassland, volcanic intrusions, and marine fossils.
It’s home to a wide array of wildlife such as bobcats, eagles, vultures, coyotes, hawks, deer, trout, and several other wildlife. Currently, there are over 50 endangered animal and plant species occupying these mountains.
Final Words
The Topanga Lookout Trail is a national recreation area for families on vacation and hikers looking to explore and see the bewildering canyon views and ocean views.
Children, as well as pets, are always welcome to this fun and highly convenient hiking destination, this, of course, is one of the many reasons the Topanga Canyon is the right spot for your next adventure.
