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Hike Calabasas Peak Motorway

Topanga, California

Details

Distance

7.3 miles

Elevation Gain

1817 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Charlie Jasper

Be surrounded by ranches in the middle of nowhere.

Getting There

You can, from Los Angeles, go one of three ways: take I-405 to US-101 and head west, or from downtown, take US-101 the whole way, OR, get on I-10 from the Westside or east of there and take that until it becomes PCH, then take that to Topanga Canyon (turn left onto Old Topanga Canyon after a bit) or, for the more adventurous types, take Las Flores Canyon to Rambla Pacifica, Scheuer and Stunt Rds, and then take the Mulholland Hwy to Old Topanga Canyon and turn right. You can also start it on Stunt Rd, but that's a long way up.

What's So Great About It?

Not a lot of people are on it, so you get some alone-time, and you won't hear much beyond nature. The occasional and friendly horseback rider will wander by. Maybe you'll see a fellow hiker or two.

But that's not all. It's beautiful. Views of the Santa Monica Bay, Pacific Palisades, ranches and vineyards throughout the valleys, and the West Valley. You can see across to the mountains beyond Simi Valley and Chatsworth on a clear day.

There are fairly strenuous uphills, the path is wide and easy to walk on in running shoes (but wear hiking shoes/boots anyway, better safe than sorry). The trail has no water, nor does it have any bathrooms. Go beforehand, or hold it.

Depending on what season you go, you'll see wildflowers, and maybe a few wild animals. Definitely some geckos, if you're going later in the day. The vast majority of the trail is on the ridgeline, or just near it, except for the ascent from the roads, which conveniently mark the starting and turnaround points.

Now, the best parts:

What's not so great? No shade, so be prepared.

Done? What Next?

Go eat somewhere in Topanga, or head out along Mulholland Highway to the Old Place Restaurant or to the Rock Store.

Happy trails! Oh, and keep your dogs on their leashes!

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Features

Fitness
Photography
Mountain Biking
Running
Backpacking
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Groups
Scenic
Wildflowers

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike Red Rock Canyon to Calabasas Peak

Hike the Top of Topanga Overlook

Hike and Rock Climb at Saddle Peak

Eagle Rock in Topanga State Park

Hike to Parker Mesa Overlook via Trippet Ranch

Hike to Vanalden Vista