One of the Best Hikes in Los Angeles
TOPANGA STATE PARK | LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
I love hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains (it is also where I lost my Apple Watch)! And now, after hiking to Eagle Rock from Topanga State Park, I can't believe that it has taken me so long to hike it. It is a hike that is doable for almost anyone as it is 4.5 miles on a roundtrip loop and only about 800 feet in elevation gain. Once at the rock, there is so much to explore, even some hidden caves that are a perfect place to relax and have a picnic.
TOPANGA STATE PARK
Our hike started at Trippet Ranch, inside Topanga State Park. There is plenty of parking, restrooms and water fountains. The best route is to take the Topanga Fire Road to Eagle Rock and then come back via the Musch Trail. The fire road is a wide trail that offers incredible views over the mountains and out to the ocean. It is a steady climb the whole way but not too bad and definitely worth it. The first view of Eagle Rock is shown below and when you see the dots that look like ants (absent from my photo below) walking around the top, it can look intimidating. But don't back out yet, the climb up the rock is not as bad as it looks. From the top, you can see the Pacific and it feels like you are on top of the world. Take some photos and don't forget to explore the area and find the caves. Maybe even kick back and take a nap before hiking back. Take the same trail back a little ways to Eagle Junction. From there, follow the signs for Musch Trail. It is much narrower than the fire road and keeps you in the trees and overgrown brush, giving you a little shade. This loop is one of the best hikes that you do in the Santa Monica mountains. Get out and enjoy it!
